Thread: Starting a Website – Looking for Advice

I recently got an idea for a unique website that I’d like to start. I have no experience in this field, so I’m looking for some advice. From what I understand, getting a URL and a design is a pretty simple process. However, I’m a bit confused about how I would go about implementing other factors to the site. I also don’t want to go around telling people my idea for obvious reasons, so it’s hard to really figure out how to get my idea up and running. Can anyone here point me in the right direction? Are there businesses that do this type of work? Any advice would be GREATLY appreciated!

Originally Posted by MarkM

I recently got an idea for a unique “social” website that I’d like to start. I have no experience in this field, so I’m looking for some advice. From what I understand, getting a URL and a design is a pretty simple process. However, I’m a bit confused about how I would go about implementing other factors to the site- such as a login service, chat service, etc. I also don’t want to go around telling people my idea for obvious reasons, so it’s hard to really figure out how to get my idea up and running. Can anyone here point me in the right direction? Are there businesses that do this type of work? Any advice would be GREATLY appreciated!

There are plenty of web design & development companies that can do this for you, but depending on the size of the site and how much you're looking for it to do, it could be pretty pricey (many thousands)

The answers to all of your development questions are easily found without divulging what your site is about (unless some of the features arent widely used, or are more-or-less unique to YOUR site). In the event that some or all of the features are unique, then a reputable web design firm and an NDA are your best bets. If its nothing too custom, Google and YouTube tutorial video's are your friend- perhaps the only hard part would be knowing how to word your search lol

Originally Posted by JBrown

There are plenty of web design & development companies that can do this for you, but depending on the size of the site and how much you're looking for it to do, it could be pretty pricey (many thousands)

The answers to all of your development questions are easily found without divulging what your site is about (unless some of the features arent widely used, or are more-or-less unique to YOUR site). In the event that some or all of the features are unique, then a reputable web design firm and an NDA are your best bets. If its nothing too custom, Google and YouTube tutorial video's are your friend- perhaps the only hard part would be knowing how to word your search lol

Thanks, really appreciate it. How would I go about finding a reputable, trustworthy website development company? What I mean is, isn't it a bad idea to just start telling companies my idea? I guess I would need one that I knew had a good reputation. And would they do "everything" for me (design, features, etc.) I can more than likely get the money needed to start it. Again, sorry for all the questions, I just have no idea where to even begin with this.

I do this for a living. You have them sign a NDA. pm me with your questions and I would be glad to help if I know the answers.

Originally Posted by RAWMEAN

I do this for a living. You have them sign a NDA. pm me with your questions and I would be glad to help if I know the answers.

Thanks Raw! I'm going out for a bit tonight but I will be sure to PM you when I get the chance. Really appreciate it.

I've been through this grind a couple of times, PM me if you need any other help.

Originally Posted by MarkM

Thanks, really appreciate it. How would I go about finding a reputable, trustworthy website development company? What I mean is, isn't it a bad idea to just start telling companies my idea? I guess I would need one that I knew had a good reputation. And would they do "everything" for me (design, features, etc.) I can more than likely get the money needed to start it. Again, sorry for all the questions, I just have no idea where to even begin with this.

Finding a reputable web design & development company is definitely not an easy task. I do all my own stuff but from what I have heard its real difficult finding one that puts out great work and does it in a reasonable amount of time. I have a buddy that owns creativeincrease.com (a design/development co.) However after recently talking with him he mentioned that he has a pretty full plate.

I'd say finding one is all about word of mouth. Great web design companies are like women, once you find a great one, never let it go. lol

And yes, a capable company should be able to do a from-the-ground-up, turn key site for you. NO, dont run around telling all about your site, get an NDA written up and go that route. NDA's are extremely common-place in the business so dont be shy!

A lot of the functionality could be available on many third party applications that can be had for very inexpensive prices. A good design in my opnion is what sets them apart but then again this is just a guess since I really dont know what you exactly need.

Originally Posted by RAWMEAN

I do this for a living. You have them sign a NDA. pm me with your questions and I would be glad to help if I know the answers.

Wait a minute! You work for a living? I thought you just keep track of the new In-N-Out burgers joints.