Reply to: Websites for a contractor using a ltd

[FarmerPalmer]

But if I type "Java Contractor near MyTown" or "Database freelancer" I get nothing at all. Which seems an odd omission.

You would also need to register your business with google to get it to show up on the map. This is a free service. As is being listed in Yell.

Google's free service does limit you on what your business can be listed as i.e. "Software Company", "Software Store", "Engineering Consultancy".

[mrv]

If I go to Google Maps and type "Pizza takeway near MyTown" - I get a list of the Pizza joints.

But if I type "Java Contractor near MyTown" or "Database freelancer" I get nothing at all. Which seems an odd omission.

IMO most people in said position are googling "agency java contractors" or "database development agency".

[tomtomagain]

i'm in that space - traditional it contractor working through agency. my co website has been up since late 2007 and has generated work direct to me. first was with a Global Pharmaceutical firm in 2008 which lasted a year, second was a contract with a UK food manufacturer in 2012 which lasted two years and the third was with a small retailer which for a days work about this time last year.

Excellent. However you seem to be in a minority!

The reason I asked the question is because this thought struck me.

The vast majority of people are used to searching Google for everything in both their private and business lifes. Google is so dominant that non-techies think it is the internet.

If I go to Google Maps and type "Pizza takeway near MyTown" - I get a list of the Pizza joints.

But if I type "Java Contractor near MyTown" or "Database freelancer" I get nothing at all. Which seems an odd omission.

[jmo21]

I have one, as I had hoped it would generate some leads, but it never has.

I've never needed it to though, as so far I've not had problems getting contracts.

Nice to have, but not essential.

[psychocandy]

FTFY

Perhaps I'll add to my sig.

Sep 2013 - Dec 2013 = benefits.

[northernladuk]

I've not done too bad without either. No time on benefits since I started in 2007. How about you.........

FTFY

[kmge]

No website, no business cards. No point.

I've not done too bad without either. No time on the bench since I started in 2007. How about you.........

[psychocandy]

No website, no business cards. No point.

[kmge]

Main part of owning a website for me is to use the domain name in my email addresses. It makes it more professional looking rather than gmail, hotmail or similar.

You can set up the main page with a sales pitch for your skills if you like.

I have a .ltd domain name that i use as a business contact email. Not bothered with a website it wouldn't be a worthwhile revenue generator for my business.

[DS23]

Ok ..... i get that. My main business is selling a software product I wrote and 99% of my sales comes via my website.

I also pick up bespoke customisation work from the site, but that is all related to the product.

I was curious to know whether any "traditional" contractors ( i.e. someone who usually goes into a client site to carry out a specific task/project/contract and generally works through an agency ) has actually got a site that has generated any work ( or at least any leads ).

i'm in that space - traditional it contractor working through agency. my co website has been up since late 2007 and has generated work direct to me. first was with a Global Pharmaceutical firm in 2008 which lasted a year, second was a contract with a UK food manufacturer in 2012 which lasted two years and the third was with a small retailer which for a days work about this time last year. i still work the traditional route - the last two or three jobs have been that way. the website is good for networking too - i've got a few partnerships with other it firms (through it though none of them have yet resulted in work). i haven't updated the website for a very long time. it's definitely about time i did.

[Sausage Surprise]

I am curious to know though .... has anyone picked up any work purely by having a website? Or been contacted by a potential client?

Yep...I was contacted by an NHS Trust - they got my contact details from the website

[Batcher]

Main part of owning a website for me is to use the domain name in my email addresses. It makes it more professional looking rather than gmail, hotmail or similar.

You can set up the main page with a sales pitch for your skills if you like.

[northernladuk]

Some small businesses I know rely on word of mouth, one or two trade directories and networking. So no website is needed. This includes some contractors I've met.

This. I've met a few contractors with websites which were quite shoddy things and made absolutely no effort to market it. They didn't even make clients aware of it so I just can't see the point. Having one just to think you are a business or a defence against IR35 is just a complete waste of time and money. Have one and use it to market yourself or get business fine. Have one just to say you've got one because all business have one then don't waste your time and effort. It's a tool so use it or don't bother IMO.

[SueEllen]

Lots and lots of small businesses haven't got a website and are perfectly fine without it. Website is for attracting clients and giving them information about the kind of work you do or servies provide. Now, as a contractor, you rely on agents to find you work, so if all the agents know you and have your details in their databases, there is no one left to inform or advertise to.

Some small businesses I know rely on word of mouth, one or two trade directories and networking. So no website is needed. This includes some contractors I've met.

[TheLordDave]

I get bits of bespoke work through mine. Nothing traditional contract wise though. Although I find most clients seem to check it out prior to interview.