Is A Web Design Business For You?Written by Liz Folger
If someone was going to really pressure me to recommend a hot home-based business for now and future, there's one I'd have to list. That's web design! It seems everyone wants/needs to get a website up. For those who have started creating sites for yourself, family, and friends and become intrigued with idea of actually making money doing something you really enjoy, web design might be perfect home business for you.Jennifer Czawlytko, author of eBook, "A Bizy's Guide To Creating Success In Web Design" took time out of her busy schedule to talk about her business of web designing. Jennifer has been my web designer for several years. I first met her in an online chat that I used to host on AOL several years ago. A couple of years into designing my site myself, I was in desperate need of finding a designer. Because Jennifer wasn't shy about business she ran, I knew exactly who I was going to ask to take this job. I know you'll learn so much from Jennifer's past experience and tips she has to offer. Liz: Jen, what makes web design right business for you? Jen: I have always had a creative side that I primarily saved for my off time (doing crafts, helping PTA, etc.). I never really knew how to use my creativity to succeed in my work life until I started working on computers at my children's schools. As I explain in my eBook, I started with desktop publishing and eventually discovered web design. Here was a business where I could be creative on a daily basis and make money. It is important to note though, while I can make a good income with this business, benefits of running this business go far beyond financial. I am a naturally shy person, but web designing has allowed me to do something that I love, something that can make a difference for so many people, and most importantly, something that has allowed me to believe in myself. As a Mom I have always told my children that they have to believe in themselves. Now I can teach them by example. For me, that makes this right business. Liz: For Moms thinking about starting a web design business, would this be a good business for them to start from home? And why? Jen: Definitely, if they have creative talents and can project a solid business image, this is an ideal business to run from home. In my eBook I cover not only skills you need for this business, but also talk about personalities. It is important for budding entrepreneur to know that this type of business is not for everyone. For example, you won't make money overnight and you won't have benefit of someone else's product to sell. Web design is a business where you are selling your skills, your only "product samples" are things that YOU create. That may sound scary, but remember benefits ... YOU create your own success, YOU manage your own schedule and workload, and YOU reap all benefits. I love being able to attend all my boys' school events, being able to work at 1 AM if one of my boys isn't feeling well during day, deciding when I want to take a vacation, etc. Liz: Has this business always been easy? Did you ever think about giving up? Jen: Has anyone ever actually answered yes to that first question and no to second one? LOL I truly believe any business you start is going to have its tough times and there will be times you feel like giving up. So no, it hasn't always been easy, and yes, I have considered giving up, many times. But it isn't important if you have times like that; what is important is how you handle them and grow from them. The first "problem" that arises will always be toughest one because you are more vulnerable in beginning. But if you learn from each bad experience, you will prevent future mistakes and you will be stronger for it. In my eBook, I present some of problems I have faced so that others can learn from my experiences as well as their own.
| | Make Money Finding TyposWritten by Liz Folger
Everyone has a passion for something. And there are those among you who, when reading a letter, a book, an advertisement, or a website, can find spelling and grammatical errors without even thinking twice. You were born with a gift, and believe it or not, this gift/passion can be used to earn cash. If you’ve spent any time on Internet, you know more and more Web pages come online everyday. And you’ve seen that those pages hold a great number of errors that practically scream for a proofreader’s attention. Bruce Noeske decided to make use of his talent for proofing and editing websites, and figured out a way to make money as a result. I was able to ask Bruce how he got started and if this was a business others could start. Wait till you hear what he had to say!Liz: How will a person know if they’d be good at editing and proofing websites? Bruce: Anybody who spots errors in writing everywhere they look would be a good match for this career. People who are known as official or unofficial proofreader of others’ writing at work, school, or home would enjoy editing and proofreading websites. Those who search newspaper for typos are a natural for this position. And I’m sure many people have come across websites that just hurt their eyes, and wondered if anything could be done about it. For some people, editing and proofreading come naturally. For others it’s a challenge. But if you get a real kick out of finding errors that others miss, you’ll love being a website editor! Liz: Do you need an English degree, or any certifications for that matter, to start this business? Bruce: Absolutely not! You need a good grasp of English language, but that can be learned without a degree. For many, it’s a gift. My own degree is in Human Resources Management, quite a far cry from English or Journalism. In my eBook, I suggest a few ways to obtain proofreading and editing experience and to get some kind of certification. It’s nice to be able to present some credentials to prospective clients, but not an absolute necessity. The only certification that’s really required is a “certification of motivation.” Liz: How much does it cost to get a business like this started? Can it be started for under $100? Bruce: One could easily launch their own home-based website editing and proofreading business for under $100, as long as we make a few assumptions. The first and most obvious needs would be a computer with an Internet connection. As long as you can surf Web, you can edit Web. If we start calculating at that point, then yes, startup costs can be below $100. A few good reference books such as a dictionary and style manual are required. Besides those, you’ll need a box of red pens, highlighters, and plenty of paper if you choose to print and mark up errors on paper. Of course, those last items are not necessary if you decide to do all editing in your word processor. Both capabilities are discussed in eBook. Setting up your own Web page is a good idea, and that’s where you might start running up some costs (not necessarily though, and eBook talks about that topic too). But bottom line? When I started my business, I already had a computer, Internet connection, and some dictionaries. So my cash outlay was in neighborhood of, well, zero dollars. Liz: Is it possible to make a full-time income from this business? If so, wo uld it be something that could happen overnight?
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