In 2008, we were ready to launch our first beta product and desperately needed a website, including customer registration, license maintenance, and ecommerce. We started exploring our options:
- Web Development Firms: We were strapped for cash and the $10k minimum quotes from web development firms were unthinkable.
- Off-shore: We considered sending the work off-shore, but worried about quality.
- Do-It-Yourself: None of us were experienced with website development. Nor did any of us have time to learn and get it done.
We were consumed with how get get the website done effectively. We decided the best option would be to find a bright, local Georgia Tech student who would be willing to work for our low startup wages and do an excellent job building an ecommerce capable site.
But how do you find someone like that?
While that question was pressing on my mind, I happened to be in a local computer parts store and saw a Georgia Tech student coding up a website for putting the store’s inventory online. Without being too overt in the store, I told him I was impressed, and that I wanted to talk with him about a potential opportunity.
He called. I offered $12/hr. That was more than he was making at the computer store. He accepted.
So we landed our first employee. And he was great. He customized a Magento website for us that has served us well over the years.
What are other ways to get cost effective, quality websites built for startups?
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