You’ve been working on this great idea for a website and you’re almost ready to take it from the “idea” stage to “reality”. You’ve done your homework. You know your market and you know what your visitors will be expecting when they land on the site. You have a detailed website blueprint ready to go but you have one little problem.
You have no idea how to build a website much less add the features that you want on it.
Not to worry. I’m going to share some tips with you that will not only allow you to build a professional website with all the bells and whistles that you want, but build it quickly and get your site live in an incredibly short period of time. Trust me. I started in this business in 1999 and back then I was in exactly the same spot that you are today.
How to make your business a reality
The solution to this problem is actually pretty simple. Think about this for a moment. An architect can use his creative talent to design a beautiful home but once the plans are complete you don’t see him strap on a tool belt and start to build it do you. He’s a planner not a builder…just like you. He’ll contract out the construction to carpenters, electricians, plumbers and the other dozen or so other trades that are needed to complete a new house. you can do the same.
Once you’ve identified the elements of your website that you need built, finding the skilled labor is a snap. Outsourcing has always been around but given the economic conditions of today, there are far more talented freelancers either looking to moonlight or opening their own businesses as contractors. Finding them can be as simple as entering a Google query or visiting established freelance sites like Elance.com or vWorker.com.
Outsourcing – it’s like visiting a grocery store full of talent
Traditionally the freelance sites were heavily skewed to technical services but today you can get just about anything you want. If you need a virtual assistant, customer service department, ghost writer, database developer, data entry jobs, bookkeeper, translator, video production, voice artist or even more specialized services an an infrared photographer they are all available on a project basis.
Maybe the best way to illustrate how to use freelancers to get your site fast tracked is to look at my wife Arlene’s first website EpilepsyMoms.com. At the time she had zero technical skill. But just like you she was passionate about the subject and had done her research and prepared a comprehensive website blueprint.
Lessons to learn
When she was done with the planning it became obvious what tasks needed to be done by others so she started posting projects on the outsource sites and others to get bids for the work she needed completed. It’s important to note that Arlene followed some best practices when posting and evaluating bids (I’ll share those in a minute) and as a result she got her site up and running in record time.
Arlene didn’t need huge projects but they did include a custom header, newsletter cover, an embedded audio file and the ability to post her podcasts on the site. Just remember that size doesn’t matter when you’re talking outsourcing. You can outsource a simple photo retouch service or a complex website design and development project. The sky is the limit.
Top 10 tips for outsourcing
Tip #1: It’s Not Expensive
Outsourcing is not as expensive as you think. Don’t postpone posting a job thinking that you can’t afford it. Put it up and if the bids are outside your budget simply cancel the project. No blood no foul.
Tip #2: Describe Job In Detail
It is really important to post a detailed description of what you want done. Don’t just list generalities like “Need 10 articles on Solar Photovoltaic PV Systems.” Drill down. Say how many words you want, who’s your target audience, will you provide keywords, what format you want etc.
Top #3: Use Milestones
List in your description your requirement to use milestones so the project is broken into chunks. This allows you to monitor the progress of the project rather than waiting for the deadline and hoping it’s all done.
Tip #4: Evaluate Feedback
Look at the bidder’s history and see what kind of feedback he or she received from other buyers. Do they have relevant experience and do they have a good reputation.
Tip #5: Negotiate Price
Don’t be afraid to negotiate a price but do be aware that many providers see haggling as the sign of a difficult client and may withdraw their bid.
Tip #6: Answer Messages Quickly
Keep communications between you and your provider open during the time of the project. If he or she has a question be sure to respond in a timely fashion.
Tip #7: Pay Quickly
Everyone likes to get paid on time. When you receive services from the provider and you’re happy with the work, pay promptly. The provider has the ability to leave feedback on the buyer and the last thing you want to see is “pays slowly” next to your name.
Tip #8: Stay Within The System
Don’t take work off the site. Occasionally a provider will offer a “better deal” if he or she can work directly for you. If they try this trick to avoid paying commission on their earnings, just how honest and ethical do you think they’ll be in their dealings with you? Saving a few dollars is simply not worth the risk.
Tip #9: Build Lasting Relationships
Evaluating bids and making informed decisions is half the game in outsourcing. However when you’ve run a series of projects and you’ve found providers that turn out professional products and are easy to work with then build a relationship. Invite them on your next relevant project.
Tip #10: Build Your Feedback
Building a brand is important in whatever you do including hiring freelancers. Don’t be shy about asking providers to leave positive feedback. The better your reputation the more you will attract the cream of the crop providers.
Now you know what to do and how to do it. Go out and get your site built and start making a difference in your business.
About the Author
Recognized as a leading expert in affiliate marketing training, James Martell is President of Net Guides Publishing Inc. and host of the “Affiliate Marketers SUPER BootCamp.” A sought-after speaker, James has presented at Commission Junction University, Affiliate Summit, The System Seminar, Digital River Lab, Webmaster World’s Pubcon, Affcon, and more. He is also the host the “Affiliate Buzz”, the 1st ever and longest running affiliate marketing podcast in the industry. James relies on outsourcing for the creation of his websites, graphics, articles, podcasts, and video in order to streamline his business, enabling him to break away from the daily grind.
