First freelance job

[D3luxe]

And it's in web design.

My girlfriend's friend's mom needed a website built, so my girlfriend told her about me. I just got off the phone with the lady, her name is Andrea.

After talking with her, I've found out a few things..First, she needs TWO websites done, not just one as I originally was told. She also needs to be able to maintain it, wants it listed up on google, and needs help hosting it. And all of this she wants done for under $250 if possible, since "She can just buy Dreamweaver for $250 and do it herself". I hate people that think like that >.<

Anyway, I'm pretty sure I'm going to do it, regardless. It's some extra money (pretty good money, if you ask me), fairly easy (already have a host set up, google is easy, and I can set up a simply system for her to maintain it), and its some experience with working with clients & getting my name out there.

Have any of you had the privilege to work with a real client yet? Hah. She seems nice, but has no idea what shes talking about..Hell, we have a Grand Piano downstairs at my house, but that sure as hell doesn't help me play Beethoven any better.

[Jackolantern]

Yeah, people seem to think that Dreamweaver is a point'n'click website creator. When people say things like that, I just tell them that they still have to know CSS to use it, and watch the bewilderment in their eyes lol (programming acronyms scare non-programmers lol).

If she wants to be able to maintain it herself, what about using a CMS? EDIT: Using a CMS will also greatly cut down your effort in making it, as $250 that also has to including hosting help is really only the right price for a one or two page well-designed website. Fully-functional database-driven e-commerce sites usually range over $2,000.

[D3luxe]

Hah, I said close to the same thing. I asked her if she knows anything about HTML or CSS. There was a moment of silence, followed by "huh?"

Hmm, CMS might work. I'm going to find out if she happens to have Frontpage, where she could live edit the website then based on what she sees. It used to come with Microsoft Office, so a lot of people have it. If not, I'll probably end up going with CMS.

[Last Known Hero]

Congrats lux, hope this will turn out well for you!

[hallsofvallhalla]

just use joomla. It easy to maintain and is easy to make a really nice site with. I use it all the time and only charge $50 for complete website.

[Agent]

Hey, congrats on your first paid job.

This is the best way to start, and build a portfolio. Despite the money and all, I recommend putting your heart and soul into it, overkill it even though the money may not be worth it. The thing you will get out of it though will be a paid project that looks amazing which will slowly be used to attract more jobs, and money too. You have to scratch deep before you start rolling really, atleast that is what I recommend.

I currently have 3 paying projects on queue when I get back from my holiday, and one free website I am doing for a family friends restaurant.

DO the best work you can so you can show it off later; and score more work - that is my advice