Teens and kids want a little extra money, and finding ways to earn that money can be challenging. For the computer-savvy teen, however, there are unique opportunities and a huge market for her skills.
The Internet presents a vast open market that is growing faster each year. Perhaps you are one of those teenagers who have grown up in close contact with this new digital age and, like many others, have business skills in web design and programming.
Even more importantly, the demand for these skills at affordable prices is growing very rapidly, due to the fact that everyone is connecting and wanting to be a part of this new interactive community.
Chances are you know a large number of people who have or want their own MySpace page, blog, or website. Since not everyone has the knowledge to create these personal virtual spaces, or wants their space to look unique, they will often look for someone who has the knowledge to create these sites for them. Since designers can be very expensive, with single page layouts demanding a lot of money, there is a need for affordable and competent design services.
Depending on your skills, be prepared to offer a wide range of services, such as MySpace layouts, installation and creation of custom skins for blogs, and website design. Offering graphics like logos and buttons can also create a small source of income if you have the skills to create them. Be willing to work with the client, helping them learn how to use what you have designed for them will go a long way. Remember that many of these customers are new to the Internet and need not only your technical skills, but also your advice.
Look online to get an idea of how to set your prices, but also consider what people in your area can afford. These services often have premium prices; placing them out of reach of the average or working class teenager, so use this to your advantage.
Usually, your first clients will be your friends, and maybe your friends’ parents, to begin with, do a good job for them and word will spread, soon you’ll have more work than you know what to do. Make sure you have your own personal website if you don’t already have one, this will not only show others what you can do but also give you a base to work from as your business grows.
Ask your clients to link to their site, to yours, giving you credit for your work, in fact this is standard practice in the design world. Also ask them to write a review for you, these reviews and links to your site will help your business grow beyond your circle of friends.
Once you’ve built a portfolio of your work, finding websites that allow you to advertise your services can be a great next step. Keep your prices reasonable as you build a customer base and hone your skills, once you’ve built a good reputation you can adjust your prices accordingly.
Web design is a highly competitive field, but for the computer-savvy teen it still provides an excellent opportunity to earn a great income, while building their own business and skills for the future.