Sunday, August 26, 2007

Starting Up a Website for Freelancers in the UK

http://www.freelancersintheuk.co.uk/

A ten minute conversation provided Katie Kirk with all the confidence she needed to start her own website – a directory of freelancers workers. She reveals what starting up was like.

Name: Katie Kirk
Age: Mid thirties
Business: Freelancers In The UK
Start date: February 2005 but just launched sister site Projects and People

Tell us about your business:
My business is www.freelancersintheuk.co.uk. It’s essentially a website combining a register of UK based freelancers which is searchable by geographical location, skillset and name giving members high profile exposure without the need for a personal website. Its sister site which launched in February 2007 provides a platform for members to access projects and contracts posted by external agencies and organisations.

Was your decision to start a business inspired by any other companies or individuals?
James, who’s now my co director, rang me about a freelance copywriting project in the summer of 2004. I was overcommitted at the time and couldn’t help, but the conversation drifted naturally on to how difficult he as a client had found it to source someone local for an editorial project. I agreed. His business instinct kicked in and my creative juices started flowing…we sowed the seeds for the website there and then in that ten minute conversation.

What research did you do?
I kept Google in business! From checking out similar sites, their structure, format and navigability to conducting informal polls amongst colleagues, friends and family about how the business should be framed, I spent what felt like entire weeks glued to the computer. I also monitored the press, kept an eye on how advertisements were worded, where freelance markets were expanding and the type of publications and organisations mentioned in the media who regularly used freelancers. And I talked to people in person, by email, by phone.

When did you stop working?
The transition from part-time employment to self-employment was gradual but mentally, I’d made the change the moment the website went live. Everything shifted. To create something from scratch and see first hand the results of your labour is a huge boost to self-esteem. It’s about flexing a different cerebral muscle and crashing down barriers and preconceptions.

What about staff?
James and I work as a team with a little background support. We cover all functions between us.

Where do you hope to be in 12 months’ time?
James is aiming for world domination. Starting in Derbyshire and Yorkshire. I’m dedicated to building and refining the websites, expanding the number of categories we have to reflect the move towards flexible working and freelancing throughout the UK and across all business sectors. Our immediate goal is to attract more organisations, agencies and businesses to take advantage of the very wide range of skills and services our members provide. No reason why we can’t go global.

[Via Startups.co.uk]

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