8 replies
I am thinking of starting a business that offers building mobile websites
for local businesses.

Is this enough to start with and would I be able to charge monthly for the hosting?

There would be certain types of businesses who would require changes made
quite often such as menu's or properties, etc. So that could be a service.

I am trying to figure out how I can package and sell this.

I would love some input.

It would be so great to be able to hook up with someone and work as a team,
or do you think it's better to do this alone?

Thanks,
Angela
  • Profile picture of the author mark33650
    Hey Noangel,

    Sounds like you have a great idea. Mobile websites for local businesses will soon be very popular I think as companies are trying to increase their exposure. I think you should charge monthly hosting because you will have to update their sites, etc. If you are not real technically savvy I would probably find someone to partner with. As far as packaging and selling it I cant help ya there . You can maybe do some research and see what your competitors are charging and go from there.

    Hope this helps.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3273690].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Steve Solem
    Hi Angela,

    I'm still trying to work out the details on how I'm going to do the same and I think you could do well just offering mobile site design/hosting but you could certainly offer other services like sms marketing or traditional web design too.

    My plan is to charge $200 - $300 as a design/setup fee and pay most of that to a sales rep/affiliate and charge maybe $15 a month for hosting. The monthly hosting might be a tough sell if you find someone that knows their regular website only costs $5/month to host, but it's not outrageous and there are companies that charge a lot more.

    I think right now businesses are just learning and starting to see the need for mobile websites, but I think if the price is right and they see it'll pay for itself if it get's them just a couple of new customers it shouldn't be that tough of a sell.

    All the best,

    Steve
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3273871].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Will Perkins
      Originally Posted by Steve Solem View Post

      Hi Angela,

      I'm still trying to work out the details on how I'm going to do the same and I think you could do well just offering mobile site design/hosting but you could certainly offer other services like sms marketing or traditional web design too.

      My plan is to charge $200 - $300 as a design/setup fee and pay most of that to a sales rep/affiliate and charge maybe $15 a month for hosting. The monthly hosting might be a tough sell if you find someone that knows their regular website only costs $5/month to host, but it's not outrageous and there are companies that charge a lot more.

      I think right now businesses are just learning and starting to see the need for mobile websites, but I think if the price is right and they see it'll pay for itself if it get's them just a couple of new customers it shouldn't be that tough of a sell.

      All the best,

      Steve
      You're off to a great start, but first things first. RAISE YOUR PRICES!

      Local businesses pay significant amounts more, whereas you'd expect to actually pay that $200-300 for an online job (quality one at least).

      I never charge less than $750 per client I have, and that's bare minimum.


      As for "just" mobile websites, probably better to add normal web design as well since mobile marketing is only in its infancy. Oh and for web hosting, just put together a website maintenance package and charge $75 a month for it, toss hosting in for free.

      You can't be afraid to ask for the amount of money you really deserve!
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3273899].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author ElaineBaker
        With regards to pricing it depends on the area you're in - I know I could never get $750 per site in the area I live - I'd just about be lucky to get half that - people just wouldn't pay for it.

        It's geographical location at the end of the day as to how much you charge for your services.

        Mmmmmm just wish I could get $750 - would be a god send

        I make my websites with Wordpress and design with artisteer - they work a treat and of course all the search engines love wordpress.
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3274823].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author Will Perkins
          Originally Posted by noangel View Post

          Will would you please elaborate on the maintenance package?
          Not all business would need maintenance done monthly, would they?
          Correct, not all of them do. But you charge them monthly "in case" they do. If they are having you build them a website they pretty much don't know what they are doing, so you are needed whenever a change has to be done. etc... etc...

          Originally Posted by ElaineBaker View Post

          With regards to pricing it depends on the area you're in - I know I could never get $750 per site in the area I live - I'd just about be lucky to get half that - people just wouldn't pay for it.

          It's geographical location at the end of the day as to how much you charge for your services.

          Mmmmmm just wish I could get $750 - would be a god send

          I make my websites with Wordpress and design with artisteer - they work a treat and of course all the search engines love wordpress.
          Good point, I forgot to take into account you could be in an area that wouldn't pay as high. Although if you've got a nice portfolio and a good pitch, you could get most people to sign in a heartbeat.
          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3274991].message }}
          • Profile picture of the author IsGabeW
            Every market is ineveitably different. Start with a price you think is fair and be prepared to adjust...down or hopefully up
            {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3275025].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author noangel
    Will would you please elaborate on the maintenance package?
    Not all business would need maintenance done monthly, would they?
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3274247].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author vndnbrgj
    I think you should set up a WP site. WP offers a plugin, among others, called WP Touch.
    Which takes your regular WP site, and also creates a mobile version. So, it's an easier sell being that they kind of get two sites for the price of one.
    And yes, price vaires among different markets.
    I charge $30 a month for hosting for the first year, and then $15 per month after that.
    Signature
    Life Begins At The End Of Your Comfort Zone
    - Neale Donald Wilson -
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3275359].message }}

Trending Topics