Ask HN: What should I know to start a business making websites in highschool?

Posted by anchpop on Friday August 19, 2016 @12:50PM
from the ask-hn dept.

So I noticed that a lot of businesses around me didn't have a website, or if they did it wasn't very functional. I thought a good way to make a little money would be to make some websites for local businesses around me!

I'm obviously still new to this entrepreneurial stuff, and I feel a little out of my depth. I've been lurking on HN for a while and I thought it might be informative to ask if any of you have any suggestions?

For example, I've quickly made a landing page for our "company" [1] but I don't know if it has everything we need. Thanks in advance!

[1] http://www.sitebyte.xyz/

( 7 comments | 4 points | on HN )

Re:Ask HN: What should I know to start a business making web... by JSeymourATL on Friday August 19, 2016 @01:34PM (#12321780)

Here's a great podcast on client management with Chris Yoko> http://www.ianaltman.com/podcast/chris-yoko-digital-marketin...

Also, as the chief sales officer -- Mike Weinberg is an excellent read > http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15863998-new-sales-simpli...

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:Ask HN: What should I know to start a business making web... by anchpop on Friday August 19, 2016 @02:08PM (#12322038)

Thanks, I'll check those out!

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:Ask HN: What should I know to start a business making web... by jebernier on Friday August 19, 2016 @01:30PM (#12321746)

I always keep the domain name and hosting on my clients name/credit card. Just in case I retire and move to Bora Bora ;-). Gives them security that they have full control and can switch web developers if they wish.

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:Ask HN: What should I know to start a business making web... by a3n on Friday August 19, 2016 @01:17PM (#12321634)

You'll probably be underpaid, but that's OK because you don't know everything (yet). So enjoy the experience.

If I was a customer, I'd want to know that my site will keep working after you graduate and move on.

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:Ask HN: What should I know to start a business making web... by anchpop on Friday August 19, 2016 @01:20PM (#12321660)

Good idea. I wanted to say something along the lines of "You always have full control over your site and can switch to any other web designer" but I wasn't exactly sure how to word it

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:Ask HN: What should I know to start a business making web... by jebernier on Friday August 19, 2016 @01:31PM (#12321757)

Also good to offer a site maintenance and backup package (monthly) so you can have a recurring income, vs. one-off.

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:Ask HN: What should I know to start a business making web... by anchpop on Friday August 19, 2016 @02:08PM (#12322041)

That's a good plan, I'll do that.

[ Parent | on HN ]