Are you thinking about starting a web development or IT startup business? If yes, then now is one of the best times. The last two years’ pandemic set its own rules, consumers more than ever are on their mobile phones 6/7 hours a day. They shop online, get groceries online, they want an easy shopping experience, and they don’t want to wait!
Websites shifted to “web storefronts” with today’s technologies, brands can really customize their online shop to be as creative as their retail shop. E-shops are easier to update and rent is way cheaper!
Pro Advice on How to Start a Web Development Business
Brainstorm Technologies CEO and CoFounder Zack Milkman shared his thoughts on starting a web development business:
“I can’t tell you how many times I hear “ Zack, I want to build an app”. I always say: do you want to build an app or do you want to build a business.
Difference Between an App Building and Improving a Business With an App
“An app is a tool to improve your business, it’s not your business. Just because you build it doesn’t mean it will be successful or work well.
What is the minimal technology that we can launch with? Meaning what is the easiest tool we can build that we can still feel proud of, launch, and learn. We can always add features post-launch. Let’s remove all the bells and whistles and just have our core function..: I can’t tell you how much you will learn post-launch. So if we can get away with a website or web app I recommend saving cost on the “app” put that into marketing.
“It’s always challenging to start a new business, but if you have an idea you truly believe in there are several phases that need to be done to make it all to the end:
Phase 1: Brainstorming and Business Plan
“Brainstorming” – it’s our favorite part, charts, mood boards, branding exercises, and business plan. We want to know our target market, who they are, and where they live. How we can pop up on their phones…
Whether you are a professional web developer or an entrepreneur, or just a hard worker with a good idea make sure you are working with a team that you can trust. Almost anything can be developed, it just takes time. Plan accordingly because changes take more time.
Once you have your business model, your core brand values, and an aesthetic you’re ready for “Phase 2”.
Phase 2: Time to Build a Blueprint
Once you decide on the technology it’s time to plan and build the blueprint. We create a thorough documentation of everything the tech solution should include. Something as simple as a password reset. So you want to think as granular as you possibly can!
Phase 3: A Design Phase
Depending on what you are building you will want your platform to be well branded. The design phase will also enable you to visualize exactly how it will function. Designers can mock-up websites and website apps to function but not have any back-end. It’s just a mock-up but it feels like you are using it.
Phase 4: Development Phase
Once you have all your designs laid out and approved, it’s development time! Designers will prepare all the files for the front-end developers.
Depending on how big the project is, the scope can take weeks, months, or even years to complete.
Usually, you will work in so-called “sprints”. Every 2 weeks you plan and execute, this way you have a timeline that you must stick to.
Phase 5: Beta / MVP Launch, Get Out of the House!
Don’t be shy, go go go! Utilize friends and family, at first create a sample that you can control. You want to test test test, there will be kind that will be needed to work out. Learn from your mistakes; they are not failures unless you give up.
Phase 6: Launch
Take all your findings from beta, go back to the drawing board and develop them, and retest them. If you feel confident and everything is working smoothly you must launch! Big or small – treat users well, and ask for feedback. Ask for ratings. Refer friends.
Phase 7: Scale
Once you have the traction it’s time to scale. New locations? Allocate more marketing dollars, and devise a plan to attack those areas. How do you decide where to target next? Your top customers’ demographics. Who is buying or using your product? How do we find more? Well, we ask questions, what do we think the annual income level is? What is the educational level? Marital status? Kids? Interests.
Summing Up
“it’s crazy that if you sell cars you can target Facebook users who enjoy looking at car pages.
It’s not a coincidence: the ad for the item you were just talking about or when just thinking about pops up on your phone.
It’s a smart technology that is able to target you based on your internet engagement and interests.
Being an entrepreneur is scary but so rewarding.
I wish you the best of luck and if you have any brilliant ideas and want to come and brainstorm, please just send us an email at brainstorm@brainstomrtech.io”.
____________________________________________________
Some other articles you might find of interest:
Understand how you can maximize your time to grow your business:
Time Is Money And Your Most Valuable Resource. Use it Wisely to Build Your Business
Looking for effective ways to drive and increase traffic to your startup website?
SEO Traffic Guide To Boost Your Blog Rankings
Looking for effective ways to drive and increase traffic to your startup website?
3 Top Reasons Why Startups Fail and How Not to Become a Victim