It’s really a shame seeing AEIOU.com pull out of the minisite business, simply because it appeared that the company – led by Rick Latona – had a streamlined process in place and many satisfied customers.
The truth is, Rick’s statement that “there is no money in web design” is incorrect. The domaining market with its small returns for PPC and non-development is not ripe yet to follow closely the high standards and expectations of web development for general, non-domainer clients; and that’s where the money really is.
Therefore, there is no money in web design for domainers that aren’t willing to understand a few basic principles:
1. You get what you pay for
2. Design requires time
3. Monetization is an extra step to tackle
In other words, anyone offering any type of serious “minisite” or full-fledged web design is doing so on the basis that the clients are willing to be aware of these steps and that are willing to invest time and money into development.
Anyone who promises “push button” web development with instant results and revenue is simply after your money. So use professional services, instead of someone that has no qualifications, no portfolio and no willingness to work using proper methods and standards in web design.
Tia Wood already has a development system in place, catering to domainers who are eager to develop their web sites with dynamic content – for more info visit her web site – a great sample of the system is at Candy.ca
Personally, at Acroplex LLC I offer full-fledged web & graphics development, logo & identity design, print design and consultation on how to best proceed with your existing or future projects.
Appreciate the comments, Theo.
“2. Design requires time”
I think the more accurate statement you are looking for is:
2. Design requires LABOR
You and I both know what it takes behind the logical processes involved behind development and yes, even graphic design.
It’s just something hard to automate and yet be successful at the same time. I see some making a good attempt (WhyPark.com) but the reality is, there are many, many dynamic components to a completed site.
As the saying goes:
Pick any two and sacrifice the 3rd: price, speed and quality.
Yes, time equals labor equals money. And experience comes with time, therefore money comes with experience 😀
“there is no money in web design”
Just like there is no money in domains, no money in selling cars, no money in real estate and no money in about everything else.
Absolute rubbish.
I commend Rick for stepping down however if his service was worth the money then people would use it and make it profitable.
I’ve blogged many times about the silliness of these minisites and to say there is no money in web development is pure bs. 1000’s of companies make a very good living at creating websites, SEO marketing and many more of the elements behing bringing people online.
I think a more appropiate quote would be “there is no money in web design … with the plan I had”
Alan – Rick Latona fulfilled a need in a market niche that – unfortunately – was low-paying. It’s a game of volume; but when you factor in parameters such as support and hosting, the customer’s needs multiply many times over. Domainers are generally under the impression that a cheap solution is as good as the more expensive; they also make the mistake of not choosing their best domains to develop. There is no one-size-fits-all solution.
I’m not sure how Rick was supporting his customers but the real money is in the aftercare. We design and supply templates for various platforms, we also provide WP dev services at DNWorld.org and our main source of revenue has ALWAYS been customizations based on an hourly rate.
[personal references removed]
… my own business of domain consulting allows me to hire a few people on specific jobs, but I do know that setting up an office with even 2 or 3 employees purposed for specific jobs, is NOT and easy thing to do. If I had $50,000 of my warchest that my wife would let me touch, i’d have opened an office and started building out several websites that I KNOW would be serious moneymakers, especially those based on directories. However, my smart money manager wants me to first have seven figures BANKED. yipes.
You don’t really need that to perform and succeed, but everyone has their own limitations, one way or another.
AEIOU.COM obviously dropped by the wayside because the boss, Rick L, decided there was more money and less hassle in auctioning domains. Who wants to deal with 300 domainers demanding results on their crappy domains?
I think the real “test” of a good domain is if those domain developers who will build out your domain, and split the profits from whatever monetization game they follow. Problem is, these guys normally have to CHECK OUT your dojmain first,
cheers
Stephen