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Hi, I've taught myself as much about WordPress as I can, read 3 books, took online courses, built a basic WordPress theme for my online portfolio, but I know the only way I'm really going to learn WordPress & Genesis is to create real websites. The problem is that I have yet to find an opportunity (that isn't too complicating, like an e-commerce site). I tried Elance but there was so much competition from other countries and web design businesses, that no one would accept my proposal, even when I practically offered my services for free! Do you have any other ideas?? Thanks
Build your own websites. When I was first starting out, I had 4 domains that I own, that I just used to play around with building my own sites. Offer to build a site for a friend. Do you belong to a church or other community that could use a revamped website?
Thanks Susan, but I'm not good at 'inventing' my own content, and even if I did, it wouldn't be enough. I don't know any friends who need a website. The churches all have their own media & web design people. I already tried that too.
Do you have a website where people can view your portfolio? How are you getting the word out that you are available to build websites?
Start building a portfolio - which is why I made the recommendation about building your own website. It doesn't have to be full of content - it has to be a showcase of what you can do.
I do. I built it by creating a basic WordPress theme I created from scratch, using a tutorial I found online: http://www.goldpagewebdesign.com
Faith,
Here's what I've done. I sent out an email that I was giving away three FREE websites to NONPROFITS and if they knew of an organization to send me their information. They needed to contact the organization to put them on notice. I wasn't going to call and they weren't interested. They had to kinda pre-screen to make sure they'd be willing to do it. I ended up doing three websites which helped my portfolio. They must have a valid 501(c)3 and be in good status to receive the free website.
Another idea, join Grassroots.org. It's free to join and it's a site geared toward nonprofit organizations. They get free website hosting and a lot of other useful free tools and resources. Get on there, join their community which is kinda like Facebook. You may get some solicitation from there.
And, I'd have to disagree with you about churches. They may have someone to do graphics, but not websites. Still try to go after them.
Good luck.
Need help with customization or troubleshooting? Reach out to me.
Thanks Anitac, I don't know anyone who would be in contact with nonprofit organizations, but I will check out the grassroots.org. All of the churches in my area already have a website and someone that updates it. That's a must nowadays for churches.
What propasal is not considered? Have you considered just designing sites for yourself and monetize and include links to your portfolio with services offered and rates? You could build out and sell them on flippa - etc. while getting more exposure to your design capabilities. With your experience in armed services, religious, health care, and finace - these are all very profitable niches.
You really don't need to know anyone who has contacts at nonprofits. Just look up nonprofit agencies in your area on the internet. Check them out and if you see one that you feel could use a "re-do" - just do a cold call.
Need help with customization or troubleshooting? Reach out to me.
Thanks for all of the great suggestions! I've been offering to do WordPress (Genesis) sites for nothing on Elance, (where there are tons of opportunities) and no takers yet. People would rather spend their money on someone with the experience, than get a free website done by someone who is new at WordPress, even if they have a great work history like myself. I'm not giving up though. 🙂 In the meantime, I'm designing and coding some html emails for a client.
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