35 {{ upvoteCount | shortNum }}
35 {{ upvoteCount | shortNum }}

9 Hours To Striking My First Web Design Deal--I Need Help from Warriors

by jideofor
30 replies
Hello Warriors,
My name is Jideofor (a Nigerian) and I need help to make this deal work.

Here is the gist.

My friend called me on phone around 8 a.m to inform me that his uncle needs a website for his company, a real estate company that is into building of houses for clients. This friend of mine knows that I(a struggling newbie) am into Internet Marketing and he believes that I can get the job done because I have often talked about website designs.

My problem now is that I have only been able to set up just one website,which I used to promote a clickbank product.

You can view it here: www.phonedetectivereviewhub.com It is the only site I have ever set up.

If I happen to meet this man tomorrow( Dec. 30,2010)

He would want to see some samples and I only a sample;I do not want to claim someones site by saying I designed it.

My question is, can I use wordpress for such a site?

If yes, what would be the major features for a real estate site?

Please give me ideas on how to go about it.

How can I convince the man that I can handle the job.

Any wordpress built real estate site around?

What kind of theme or template can I use?

please HELP with some intelligent suggestions

Thank you for your time!
#deali #design #hours #striking #warriors #web
  • Profile picture of the author DennisM
    Hello,

    A simple Google search will show many FREE Wordpress blog themes including Real Estate. If you don't have hosting or no time then I suggest Weebly - Create a free website and a free blog as it's template based with free hosting.

    Good luck!
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3091448].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Jill Carpenter
      If you have your own domain and hosting, here is what I'd do:

      1. Set up a subdomain to use as a real estate sample site

      2. Install wordpress on the subdomain.

      3. Find a free theme that is real estate/house building friendly

      4. Install the theme

      5. Find a flyer or brochure or something of the main company

      6. Create a few pages, using the flyer/brochure for the company

      7. make sure to add company name, address, and any other pertinent information

      8. Walk in with "sample site" and discuss with client what else they would like to see on a site.

      I don't know how quickly you personally learn, but I think when pressure hits a newbie can get something together in the next 5 hours (that is generous).

      Don't take too long to figure out your plan of action.
      Signature

      "May I have ten thousand marbles, please?"

      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3091492].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author Wendz09
        Why don't you find out exactly what your clients' needs and expectations are then outsource it and bank a small monthly profit?
        Signature
        Wendall Gray
        Builderall Ninja
        The Best BUILDERALL USER Money Can Buy! Let Me CREATE Your Vision Online Using The Best Internet Marketing Platform To Date!
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3091535].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author jasonmorgan
    Honestly,

    You are not a web designer. Be a man and drop out. Don't waste somebody else's time and money while posturing that can do something that you can't.

    Seriously.

    When you have a portfolio and don't have to ask the long list of questions you posted above then you might be in a position to develop websites for others.
    Signature

    I'm all about that bass.

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3091472].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Bill Farnham
      The road to hell is paved with good intentions.

      You're not qualified to pull this off, and dollars to doughnuts, your client will see this immediately.

      From that point forward your integrity is at stake.

      Keep that in mind.

      ~Bill
      Signature
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3091506].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author jideofor
      Originally Posted by jasonmorgan View Post

      Honestly,

      You are not a web designer. Be a man and drop out. Don't waste somebody else's time and money while posturing that can do something that you can't.

      Seriously.

      When you have a portfolio and don't have to ask the long list of questions you posted above then you might be in a position to develop websites for others.
      What I am saying is that the only kind of site I can set up is content site like blogs ( which is widely use of product promotion). I know it is all about getting a wordpress theme. I just want to know if there could be a way for some to use the same techniques to build a site for real estate.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3091521].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author JohnMcCabe
        Jide, in the best interest of all concerned, don't pretend to be something you aren't.

        I visited the link in your initial post - it took forever to load. Probably a combination of slow plugins and an inefficient theme.

        The site itself was not professional grade.

        From the sound of things, your friend's uncle doesn't need a "real estate website." From your description, you'll be talking to a developer interested in selling homes that have yet to be built. What he needs is a lead generation site that will get people to contact his human sales staff. At least, that's what I'm getting from your description.

        Spending a few hours throwing together a demo site won't cut it.

        Your best bet is to be totally honest and admit that any site you did for him would be a learning experience for you. There's a lot to be said for earnest effort and honesty.
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3091682].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author sbucciarel
    Banned
    I wouldn't do this. I have a lot of experience in web design and if you knew your stuff more ... you could outsource this, but with the very limited experience you have, you should bow out of this. Get some experience and a portfolio and then go after clients, but you're just asking for trouble with this. You can't learn what you need to learn overnight.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3091617].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author jideofor
      Originally Posted by sbucciarel View Post

      I wouldn't do this. I have a lot of experience in web design and if you knew your stuff more ... you could outsource this, but with the very limited experience you have, you should bow out of this. Get some experience and a portfolio and then go after clients, but you're just asking for trouble with this. You can't learn what you need to learn overnight.
      I get it. I think I will just let him know my level of experience, the kind of site that I am familiar with and then let him make his choice
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3091680].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author jideofor
    Thank you everybody for the time you have put to respond. I do not want to do anything that will tarnish my image.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3091695].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author lewiswharf
      Originally Posted by jideofor View Post

      Thank you everybody for the time you have put to respond. I do not want to do anything that will tarnish my image.
      I think it's a smart decision to bow out. Designing and developing for clients is not a cookie-cutter process. You have to know what you're doing and know where to look and learn when a request is beyond your current ability.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3091778].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author jasonmorgan
    I know it is all about getting a wordpress theme. I just want to know if there could be a way for some to use the same techniques to build a site for real estate.
    The super secret of many designers...

    head over to theme forest and find an appropriate theme. They have 'em and it'll cost you around $32.

    If you are familiar with wordpress it shouldn't be a problem and you'll come out looking like a rock star.

    Yes, I know this is the exact opposite of what I posted earlier.
    Signature

    I'm all about that bass.

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3091744].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author lewiswharf
      Originally Posted by jasonmorgan View Post

      The super secret of many designers...
      head over to theme forest and find an appropriate theme.
      I wouldn't call that a super secret of designers... it's a super secret for people who build websites that don't know how to.

      What if the client does a little competitive research on the Internet and finds the same theme used by someone else? I don't think that would look good for our friend.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3091791].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Palusko
    The thing you need to do is to contact the client and ask questions. What is the purpose of the site? What do they want to include? What are their plans for the future expansion of the site? (and many other questions).
    You need to know what they are looking for before deciding on the platform.

    As others pointed out (including yourself), this may be too much for your current skills. However, if in any way possible, try to take at least some part of the project, to gain an experience and referral. It could be logo design, Photoshop slicing or whatever else you feel comfortable doing. Most clients would probably just hire one designer or agency, but it never hurts to ask, especially if you know the contact personally.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3091816].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author jasonmorgan
    I wouldn't call that a super secret of designers... it's a super secret for people who build websites that don't know how to.

    What if the client does a little competitive research on the Internet and finds the same theme used by someone else? I don't think that would look good for our friend.
    Yes and no, but it's a thriving market place and common practice.

    There are a lot of Web Designers who do nothing but repackage theme forest, elegant themes, woo themes, studio press etc...

    I think you overestimate the chances of somebody finding another site that uses the same theme.

    I see them from time to time since I am a theme forest author but for the average person it's a pretty rare thing unless you are using the exact same theme as your competitors in the same niche. Most theme forest themes don't sell more than a couple hundred copies unless you pick one of the top sellers.

    And there is nothing wrong with the OP letting his client know that he is modifying an existing theme to reduce costs --> clients love to hear stuff like that.

    So, he charges $100 or so to set up a site for his client. Great price, quality theme, everybody is happy.

    Unless the client is willing to shell out a couple grand for a unique theme the $100 option is a pretty good deal.

    Now, what really bugs me are the wanna-be designers who do this but try to pass the stuff off as something they created and are charging huge prices for it. They make me cranky.

    Even better, when you get support questions from these dim bulbs and nine times out of ten when you check the site they are having problems with, they can't figure anything else out but they have managed to put a 'designed by asshat' in the footer.

    whoops... somebody went off on a little rant
    Signature

    I'm all about that bass.

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3091905].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Wendz09
      Originally Posted by jasonmorgan View Post

      Now, what really bugs me are the wanna-be designers who do this but try to pass the stuff off as something they created and are charging huge prices for it. They make me cranky.

      Even better, when you get support questions from these dim bulbs and nine times out of ten when you check the site they are having problems with, they can't figure anything else out but they have managed to put a 'designed by asshat' in the footer.

      whoops... somebody went off on a little rant
      It's those same "dim bulbs" that pay you . If you not happy, refund the "dim bulb" and ask them to take business elsewhere?
      Or make it known upfront in your TOS that the "designed by x" must be clearly displayed and totally unaltered...just sticking up for the lil wanna-be as that's where most of my business comes from.
      Signature
      Wendall Gray
      Builderall Ninja
      The Best BUILDERALL USER Money Can Buy! Let Me CREATE Your Vision Online Using The Best Internet Marketing Platform To Date!
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3092085].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author NeilPM
    Is it just me that his website is so slow ? I recommend you read this, this has helped me a lot, and if you've got a spare cash you should buy John's WSO.

    NEWBIES READ THIS!!! How Y-O-U Can Make 50k From Nothing With ZERO HTML Knowledge
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3091959].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Steve Wells
    Heres are 2 great wordpress realestate themes....

    http://www.elegantthemes.com/preview/ElegantEstate/

    deCasa Theme Demo
    Signature
    Need Custom Graphics Work? - Message Me For A Design Quote!
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3092010].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author sbucciarel
    Banned
    Wordpress of course is easy to throw a site together but if this client is a high end home builder, it may not be the best platform for his site.
    I would rather have a site that looks like this if I were a home builder
    http://www.camberlyhomes.com/?gclid=...Fc9w5QodJQ_JoQ
    or one as complex as this
    New Homes Washington DC - Virginia | Washington DC - Virginia New Home Builders | New Homes by Ryland Homes

    Wordpress is fine for some uses, but it's not the answer to everything.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3092130].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author jasonmorgan
    It's those same "dim bulbs" that pay you . If you not happy, refund the "dim bulb" and ask them to take business elsewhere?
    Or make it known upfront in your TOS that the "designed by x" must be clearly displayed and totally unaltered...just sticking up for the lil wanna-be as that's where most of my business comes from.
    The point being, these people pass themselves off as web designers yet lack the actual knowledge to do the job they have been hired to do.

    I don't add in 'designed by X' into any of my work. This is something they have added themselves.

    If somebody wants to buy a $32 theme of mine via theme forest and take credit as the person who designed it... they can figure out the rest on their own for all I care. They are the designer after all.

    Or they can pay me $50 an hour with a 2 hour minimum to do their job for them.
    Signature

    I'm all about that bass.

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3092202].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author lewiswharf
      Originally Posted by jasonmorgan View Post

      The point being, these people pass themselves off as web designers yet lack the actual knowledge to do the job they have been hired to do.
      Exactly. I don't care what your skill is if you're transparent with your client.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3092597].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author jasonmorgan
    It's those same "dim bulbs" that pay you . If you not happy, refund the "dim bulb" and ask them to take business elsewhere?
    Or make it known upfront in your TOS that the "designed by x" must be clearly displayed and totally unaltered...just sticking up for the lil wanna-be as that's where most of my business comes from.
    The point being, these people pass themselves off as web designers yet lack the actual knowledge to do the job they have been hired to do.

    I don't add in 'designed by X' into any of my work. This is something they have added themselves.

    If somebody wants to buy a $32 theme of mine via theme forest and take credit as the person who designed it... they can figure out the rest on their own for all I care. They are the designer after all.

    Or they can pay me $50 an hour with a 2 hour minimum to do their job for them.
    Signature

    I'm all about that bass.

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3092203].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Marvin Johnston
    I tend to disagree a bit with the advice not to tackle this job. Being successful or not will depend on how much time you are willing to put in researching and then building a reasonable website.

    Since it is a relative you would be working for, my guess is that he might be willing to give you the benefit of the doubt and allow you to proceed.

    Of course, I totally agree with the comments as to not misleading him about your abilities. You will need to sell yourself on your willingness to go the extra *ten* miles to get the site up and working if you are short on experience.

    And if you want to give yourself an added edge, do some research to show his competitors, what they are doing, and what it will take to put your uncles site on the first page (hopefully first position) on google.

    This is all based on the assumption you have a good relationship, and he thinks highly enough of you to think you can do the job.

    Marvin
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3092337].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author jideofor
      Originally Posted by Marvin Johnston View Post

      I tend to disagree a bit with the advice not to tackle this job. Being successful or not will depend on how much time you are willing to put in researching and then building a reasonable website.

      Since it is a relative you would be working for, my guess is that he might be willing to give you the benefit of the doubt and allow you to proceed.

      Of course, I totally agree with the comments as to not misleading him about your abilities. You will need to sell yourself on your willingness to go the extra *ten* miles to get the site up and working if you are short on experience.

      And if you want to give yourself an added edge, do some research to show his competitors, what they are doing, and what it will take to put your uncles site on the first page (hopefully first position) on google.

      This is all based on the assumption you have a good relationship, and he thinks highly enough of you to think you can do the job.

      Marvin
      Thank you. I will let him know my level of experience and then let him make his choice
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3092378].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author paulie888
    I think it's perfectly fine to start off with your relative, and he's bound to be a bit more understanding since you're related.

    You need to spend some time poring over the WP real estate themes (trust me, there are many of them out there), and get the hang of populating content on the theme that you select, and get familiar with its features as well as the right plugins to use.

    What you need to do next is set clear expectations of what you can and can't do right from the very outset. This is very important as you're still new to web designing, so you need to be very clear about your abilities to implement/execute things so that there will be no misunderstandings later on.
    Signature
    >>> Features Jason Fladlien, John S. Rhodes, Justin Brooke, Sean I. Mitchell, Reed Floren and Brad Gosse! <<<
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3092394].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author ajetayo
    Jide....check your visitor's message
    Signature
    Jobs In Nigeria
    Yoruba Movies
    Web Design and Online Branding
    Daily news online Magazine
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3092396].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author tgeo
    Find a local web design pro and cut him/her in on a deal, use the web designer's past
    work to show the prospect what he/she can do. Simple.

    T Peterson
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3092675].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author John Romaine
    Dont do ANYTHING without using proper contracts and documentation.

    Ive been involved in web design since 2001, and I KNOW you will regret it, if you dont.

    Web Design Documents | Documentation Pack For Freelance Web Designers
    Signature

    BS free SEO services, training and advice - SEO Point

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3092768].message }}

Trending Topics