Website

[Diestl]

Do contractors have websites selling themselves and do clients expect this? I suppose this may be more important when your starting out?

[Emperor Dalek]

Depends whether you're a bum on seat contractor or not.

[wendigo100]

Do contractors have websites selling thereselves and do clients expect this? I suppose this may be more important when your starting out?

I don't. It is a waste of time for most contractors. Think about it.

* Would a client requiring, for example, a .NET developer say "I know, I'll Google for one on the web"?

* And even if they do, will your website come on the first couple of pages?

* And even if it does, why would the client prefer you, who they know nothing about except what you have written youself, to someone "vetted" by an agent?

One of the few exceptions might be if you are a web site designer, where you can show a prospective client your work, but then you are a hostage to fortune.

Just make sure you have a good CV and a network of contacts.

[BoredBloke]

I'm toying with the idea of doing one, purely just for messing about though. I admit I know nothing about this web dev business but would like to learn.

[Emperor Dalek]

I've got one, but clients in my line of business expect one and only like to deal with "real businesses" as it were. Plus it's a handy thing to have when you're networking and handing out the old business card.

[HankWangford]

weblog

I've got one, but clients in my line of business expect one and only like to deal with "real businesses" as it were. Plus it's a handy thing to have when you're networking and handing out the old business card.

I've got a weblog, I use it for code snippets and tagging usefull articles etc, shows a perspective client your passion for the job

[hyperD]

I don't. It is a waste of time for most contractors. Think about it.

* Would a client requiring, for example, a .NET developer say "I know, I'll Google for one on the web"?

* And even if they do, will your website come on the first couple of pages?

* And even if it does, why would the client prefer you, who they know nothing about except what you have written youself, to someone "vetted" by an agent?

One of the few exceptions might be if you are a web site designer, where you can show a prospective client your work, but then you are a hostage to fortune.

Just make sure you have a good CV and a network of contacts.

This is spot on. The only time you would need a website, would be if you were in the arena of direct work, where a website is simply a "reassurance" for a client if they decided to follow up on any inquiries.

Very few clients do this.

My website often give the impression of an SME which simply reinforces the B2B paradigm and avoids interference from HR and other profit vampires.

[Fleetwood]

Just put your CV on a few decent sites. That's how I got this current gig.

[The Lone Gunman]

I used to have one but due to a number of unfortunate coincidences I dont anymore. (Change of host at exactly the same time my lap top with the source on got nicked).

I had one because German tax law required a genuine business to advertise. A web site and business cards were regarded as meeting the requirement.

Put one up, you can then show it to the IR when 35 comes a calling. It may only be a very minor pointer, but it may be enough!

<bloody hell, I have come over all serious in general. REBOOT>

[Diestl]

I used to have one but due to a number of unfortunate coincidences I dont anymore. (Change of host at exactly the same time my lap top with the source on got nicked).

I had one because German tax law required a genuine business to advertise. A web site and business cards were regarded as meeting the requirement.

Put one up, you can then show it to the IR when 35 comes a calling. It may only be a very minor pointer, but it may be enough!

<bloody hell, I have come over all serious in general. REBOOT>

Yeah I was wondering about the IR35 and having a site to show you are a real business.