Well lets not as that is normally a recipe for failure, its relatively easy to pick up the technical skills to build a website but its another thing to know how to select a domain, setup the hosting, email, design, build and promote the website, integrating it with social media and then ongoing SEO. Here is a real converation from a website owner when he was approached by a Graduate before they got a ‘real’ Website Design company to take control of their website / SEO.
[Website Design Graduate] Hi I am a recent graduate of University, studying Computer Science. I wondered, whether you would be interested in a new website? Your website looks very nice, but doesn’t do what it fully needs to do and could be updated. I would propose a full on-line store, to be as elegant and smart as your current one. I understand you wouldn’t need to necessarily sell anything on-line, but you will be able to, and it would be easy. Maybe for accessories and repair pieces. Even with the cart / prices turned off, it would make a good way to show off all your products. Depending on the size, I would do this for free to gain experience. It doesn’t take long to create an on-line store and they’re easy to use. I am trying to gather a collection of on-line stores for a portfolio, this will also enable to teach web design and e-commerce in future years. In the past two years since 2013, when I graduated; I have gathered website and graphical design experience from an Essex based double glazing company with a full on-line store, stock control and order system. A hotel and spa website and this is where I learnt my photography skills. A bespoke furniture manufacturers – another on-line store, this time, achieving the aims of the higher-end market. Also designed the factory-office computer system and client-led software. A garden furniture chain of on-line stores – the creation of 3 on-line stores with a shared stock system. Fully graphical work, including producing brochures, gift cards and posters. Please let me know if you are interested.
[Website Owners] Thank you for your e-mail, I am currently building a new web site using a self editing system. I would be interested in talking to you with regard to the layout of the new website to get your thoughts on it and see if there is anyway you can help to improve it. Using your graphic design skills may be helpful and we would be willing to give you references and perhaps pay you a nominal fee.
[Website Design Graduate] I’m happy to talk about your new site and hopefully give you some pointers towards layouts/features but would need you to agree for my travelling and expenses on the day.