LGD Notes

Following last night's meeting with LGD I thought I'd gather a few notes and ideas, and at the same time try out the Journler software for the first time (My initial reaction to the interface is very positive and it seems quite intuitive at this stage). LGD agreed to look at some proposals for what we have in mind, and seemed generally positive about what we were saying. I think they've moved closer to knowing they have to do something. The question now is what? We talked a lot about different pricing for web design, and about charging for more things, possibly on a subscription basis. This is certainly something to revisit at a later stage. Initially I think we need to experiment with using Basecamp for managing a web design project - possibly with Futurilla acting as host for this (though I have no desire to end up as another gatekeeper in the way their freelance web designers have tended to, it would seem churlish to not at least explore the option of hosting and managing this, and I think the reality is that they need someone to hold their hand if they're to do it at all). My objectives are:

• Assist LGD in developing a model for profitable web design work which takes account of new models
• Explore broader models for this in a collaborative mode
• Develop the futurilla portfolio and income streams

My current ideas (which I'd like to discuss more with Mike, and with Dan too):

• Open a Basecamp project for Futurilla/LGD Web Site Services (or similar)
• Begin work on compiling a database of web designers/coders
• Develop an LGD blog and LGD-designed template for their relaunched site
• Source server space (later LGD could have own space on which to host customer sites)
• Explore pricing based on per-client-month and per-item basis

Ideas for development:

• Use LinkedIn to source some coders
• Offer some work via Rent A Coder
• Use the futurilla blog to work up ideas for developing this
• Google analytics/Mint
• Blogger/TypePad/Moveable Type
• Backpack for client site pitches
• Flickr for photo hosting
• del.icio.us for link management
• Blinksale for invoicing
• PayPal for payments

Pricing needs special attention. LGD need to make some money, and the pricing structure should more closely match the actual costs of doing the work (ie not a single payment for continual futzing with the site). Cost for getting things online needs to be as low as possible, with basic templates and paid customisation work. Custom page designs at a per design rate (or a package). Site management on a per-month basis. We could look at the billing side of things and take a percentage, we could charge a sliding scale fee, the occasional one-off, make money on T-shirts, or anything else. I'm open to suggestions.

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