Getting a website / webdeveloper

lazer-zxr

Hello all,

I have an idea for an online based business. I have zero based technical ability for designing or building websites.

So I'd need to partner with a web developer, who could create my idea, and share in the business as a partner.

But with this concept, am I being naive in thinking I can approach a freelance web developer to join in a business venture. There are a few local to me.

What can I do to stop the web developer stealing my idea, and implementing it for him/herself?

Thanks for any advice.

Flyonthewall

Why do they need to be a partner in the business? Just pay someone to create the website you want and, if needed, keep it update.

Most web developers aren't going to be looking to steal anyones business idea. Just because they can create the site doesn't mean they have the ability to run the business or that they'd want to run such a business. I doubt most would even want any part in the business. They already have a job and that's to create websites.

Just make sure to do your research before hiring anyone so you know you've got a trusted developer who knows what they're doing.

lazer-zxr

I was just thinking of partnering with someone to:

1) increase their vested interest in the site. I feel very exposed as a non techy entrepreneur running a solely web based business.

2) To reduce initial fees .... its evident by my signature what my liquidity is.

Thanks for the feedback, I'll give it serious consideration.

Flyonthewall

You'll be paying them. That'll be enough for them to have an interest in getting the website set up for you (and any support afterwards) lol.

Having them involved in the business is more tricky and there's a lot to consider. Also if anything happens it's much easier to find a new web developer to take things over (for updates/support/new layouts and features later on) than it is to find a new business partner, not to mention the troubles caused with them leaving the business.

As I say, I can't imagine most would consider being part of the business.

It wouldn't be a case of them just setting up a site for you if they're your partner. I'd think very carefully and do a lot of research into it all before contacting any developer with the offer of being a business partner.

Depending on what your idea is, something like Wordpress may be an option or perhaps Joomla. If you could use that and get it running yourself it would be far cheaper. Wordpress itself is free and there are many free plugins on there too. You'd just have the cost of the domain name and hosting the site unless you decided to buy a plugin. There's lot of info online about it and if you're confused maybe a friend or relative could help you out. You could get a developer to help out but obviously then it'll cost you more.

scaredofdebt

You could possibly look at copyrighting or patenting the idea, depending on what it is. Web developers are often asked to build websites for businesses but I've not heard any stories of them stealing ideas.

Black_Dynamite

I'm a freelance web developer and I personally wouldn't touch the project unless I was getting paid in cash. It over complicates a project by offering a share in the business. If the business bombs i'd be out of money and it's relying on you making it successful.

Keep it this way, pay the developer (on time!) and the agreed amount and you'll have somebody who can really dictate the success or failure of your business.

What keeps me motivated is being paid, and being paid on time. I work extra hard for my clients who don't mess me around. The ones who mess me around or don't pay willingly, I do the work but bill for every second.

Temperance_Brennan

A few years ago when I was discussing with a group of colleagues about setting up a business that needed web development we did discuss the possibility of talking to local colleges to see if anyone on a tech course would be interested in taking on our project as part of their coursework.

I don't know if this would be an option but would be interested to hear how you get on with your venture as I have a new idea that I can't do and would love someone to take on.

P.s. I luckily joined forces with someone for the original idea who did become my business partner and did all the software (although they were from the same line of business and it was a natural move from them!)

P.P.S If you are determined, you will find a way

janiebgood

Just echoing the other comments here, most web developers wouldn't have the time (forget the skills specific to that business) to run another business so if someone does bite at the idea they may not be as good a developer/as experienced a developer as you would get if you were paying someone.

I agree the idea of setting up a web business without any web skills is scary but it is possible to work with a web developer and have them on call (within reason) to help you when things go wrong. If the business progresses, you can hire someone full-time.

deskhelp

As suggested its always good to get a website developed and pay the designer and also get it hosted with provider you wish rather than depending on any developer or making him partner, this will avoid unnecessary hassle .

noangel666

Weird I seen a company post on Facebook looking for people who wanted free websites on a profit share basis the other day.



https://www.facebook.com/getyourbusinessonline hope this helps

Flyonthewall

noangel666 wrote: »

Weird I seen a company post on Facebook looking for people who wanted free websites on a profit share basis the other day.



https://www.facebook.com/getyourbusinessonline hope this helps

That site is rather slow to load and the header is terrible. I'm pretty sure the banner images at the top of the page are images I've seen elsewhere so certainly not ones they've created specially for their own site. Hopefully they're not stolen ones!

Judging by the Facebook page spaces are limited. "We have a space come available, for one more company to organically dominate."Also, bad English. Wouldn't want things to be written like that on my site!

Creation Date: 20-MAR-2014
Updated Date: 04-MAR-2015
Expiration Date: 20-MAR-2016

Only been around a year, only very recently updated and expires in a year.

Plus they appear to have used iPage to create it which has free site building tools and template-based site builder. While it's possible they did create the site judging by the layout I'd guess not. Looks like a pre-built template. Looks like they base other sites on the same basic template too.

I'd guess other sites are hosted under iPage too, meaning all the marketing they offer could be through what iPage offer.

They also have only 251 facebook likes. For a site claiming to offer so much and be able to get sites to page 1 of Google you'd think they'd have more likes (although at least they don't appear to be buying likes, or certainly not in large numbers if they are).

Basically, I'd avoid them! Even if they are around for more than another year they don't seem very good.