We live in an extremely exciting period of human history where it has never been easier or cheaper to start a web-based business. You just don’t need a bricks-and-mortar shop to make it big anymore.
However, there are still a massive number web start-ups that fail every year. How can you avoid becoming one of them and being plunged into the TechCrunch deadpool?
In this series for Vitamin, I’ll be sharing some of the valuable tips you’ll need to survive and thrive as a new web startup. I’ll also share some exclusive new content from our upcoming workshop, Start-up Clinic.
So if you’re itching to tell your boss where to stick it and start your own company, this series of articles is perfect for you.
Great tips. My excel sheets looks ridiculously close to that same exact format. Good to know that I’m not completely off.
I am looking forward to when you’ll have this workshop in the U.S. for us Yanks.
Looking forward to seeing this series through Ryan, I am enjoying your philosophies on design practice and the creative games being played on your company website.
Great vid, cheers! Roll on part 2. Love the blackboard, splendid idea!
Great idea and some useful tips.
I wasn’t sure if using a Wordpress.com blog was the best way to start an internet business. What type of businesses are the tips aimed at?
You didn’t mention registering a domain name - surely this is the most essential part of starting an internet business?
We are a design agency in Boulder, CO and work with many startups. In our experience, we’ve found that establishing your business plan first, then your financials, and THEN the website and logo makes a lot more sense.
If nothing else, the business plan and executive summary will help highlight the direction your website and logo should take. Choosing a web template and font from Veer based on personal taste may be wasting time that could be spent on higher-level thinking, bouncing ideas off friends and mentors, and doing market research.
[…] I was reading on Vitamin yesterday - Ryan Carson, of Carsonified and FOWA fame, has posted a video with some simple tips for creating a start up. // […]
[…] How to Build a Web Start-upDid you know that 7 years after starting, only one-third of new businesses have positive cash flow? In this series of articles and videos Ryan Carson will share the things he’s learned — starting with building a cash flow spreadsheet — to help your start-up succeed and avoid the deadpool. […]
[…] How to Build a Web Start-upDid you know that 7 years after starting, only one-third of new businesses have positive cash flow? In this series of articles and videos Ryan Carson will share the things he’s learned — starting with building a cash flow spreadsheet — to help your start-up succeed and avoid the deadpool. […]
If nothing else, the business plan and executive summary will help highlight the direction your website and logo should take. Choosing a web template and font from Veer based on personal taste may be wasting time that could be spent on higher-level thinking, bouncing ideas off friends and mentors, and doing market research.
Great article, great websites, great attitude!
This particular one is useful and motivating for me.
You’re really bringing some fresh air to the web atmosphere.
Thank you and good luck!
@Kevin - Cool that you’re in Boulder. I grew up in Colorado Springs :)
I can understand where you’re coming from. I was presuming that you have already thought about your business plan before you launch your site or choose a name for your company/product.
Why does this necessarily have to be a “web startup”?
I don’t get it? I mean, I can appreciate what you’ve said here but this is really presented in a mish-mash of whatever the hell… I mean, web startup?
How to Build a Web Start-up — Part 1 — [video]…
Did you know that 7 years after starting, only one-third of new businesses have positive cash flow? In this series of articles and videos Ryan Carson will share the things he’s learned — starting with building a cash flow spreadsheet — to help your sta…
The professional accountants in the audience are going to hate this. But I reckon this 8 minute video should be distributed to all of them as an example about how to keep things simple.
BTW - worth checking EditGrid, GoogleDocs or Zoho. All of them do an online spreadsheet which has the added benefit of being shareable. Users can share with their advisors, bank, whatever. That way, you stand a better chance of keeping out of trouble or at least getting the right advice at the right time.
For ongoing money management, it might be worth checking out FreeAgent Central which works out your taxes and helps you understand and control your business finances. (Disclosure: I have a tiny stake in the company)
Great stuff, Ryan.
FWIW, it was your original FOWA ‘Building a Web App on a Budget’ presentation from a couple of years ago that finally convinced me that I should start FreeAgent Central. You made it all seem eminently do-able!
I wonder if we did a straw poll among new startups next year, how many of them would feel the same about this series? Loads, I bet.
Keep up the good work…
I’m not too sure on the skimping on a chair idea.
If you’re working long hours at a computer it is WELL WORTH investing in a decent ergonomical chair - preferably before your back gives in and you can’t work for a while!
Otherwise really handy, ta!
[…] http://www.thinkvitamin.com/features/webapps/how-to-build-a-web-start-up-part-1 […]
Ryan, great video! I am going to put together a spreadsheet over the weekend. I often get hung up trying to find the best software to track expenses and bills rather than just putting together a simple spreadsheet.
As far as business cards are concerned, if your only way of reaching your target market is through the web, then I agree with you about not needing business cards. However, if there is any aspect of personal marketing (face to face marketing) that could benefit the startup, then I think business cards are a must.
When starting my design business, cards were one of the first things I ordered. Now, after being in business 2.5 years, I still see my cards around my clients desks.
I love what I do, and talk about it all the time… so naturally, when a conversation (normally with perfect strangers) comes to a close, the person I am talking to almost always asks me for my card.
Just a thought, but I can’t wait for the next session!
good luck for all the start ups that do not know how to use excel.
I´m pretty sure that the cost you mentioned in the video are not really responsible for failing in the business. how about a good business plan?
[…] How to Build a Web Start-up Did you know that 7 years after starting, only one-third of new businesses have positive cash flow? In this series of articles and videos Ryan Carson will share the things he’s learned — starting with building a cash flow spreadsheet — to help your start-up succeed and avoid the deadpool. […]
I love how they “started as a small company but are now 11 people”. Totally not small anymore
So you’re telling me not to buy a desk, a chair or business cards, but I should go to Veer and spend $300 on a typeface?
@Mike: Over half of the companies in the US are just one person. So, yeah, 11 people is easily considered a middle sized company, especially online. But I know you’ve probably got a big 100 person company of your own and just like to leave anonymous comments on the interwebs.
@Jay: Veer actually has several pretty cheap, but still great, typefaces available. They’re not all $300. And if you don’t think good design is more important than a nice desk chair, then good luck being successful on the web.
Yeah, that was a little hyperbole with the $300 thing, but the point remains, starting a business is about priorities, and I feel like Ryan was trying to get at that, but if you are not a designer, what good is going to Veer and buying a typeface? Why not crack open MSPaint and use Times? What’s the difference? If you understand that design is important, then you should be smart enough to understand whether you are a designer or not. And as far as a chair not being important to design, try sitting in a terrible chair for 10 hours a day.
[…] Ayer me tope con un video en thinkvitamin. […]
Hey Ryan,
It’s good of you to share this stuff.
One very important point about the cash flow (IMHO) that is you need to factor in when you will actually receive money, as opposed to sending out an invoice/bill. Depending of course on whether you get paid before you deliver your product or service, or after.
Slow payers can also send you broke!
Oh, and don’t even think about asking a bank for a business overdraft unless you have a cashflow to show them.
Great presentation. A must view for all those who wish to do business online.
[…] Jack from BizStudent found an interesting video about entrepreneurs and their one cardinal rule: Innovate or Die. Our friends over at Freelanceswitch gave some tips to freelancers about what to do when Meeting a New Client. Ryan Carson, the founder of Carsonified (the guy who gave his staff iPhones) made a very entertaining and original video about How to Build a Web Startup. TypeInShirts Blog writes about how Nike is marketing their newest Jordan sneakers, the XX3. It’s very interesting to read how how they reinforce the brand, and how they are creating buzz by making it one of the most expensive sneakers available. Gizmodo posted a video about the highly buzzed viral marketing stunt that took place Tokyo, Japan. It involves lasers, lights, water, serpents. Come on, just watch the video. […]
[…] First, I was surprised to see how money management for a start-up was able through spreadsheets. That was a video tutorial by Ryan Carson published on Vitamin. It was a simple yet well explained tutorial from the basic costs of a start-up to the monthly income. Later, I started to manage certain elements from my upcoming website and it really helps me in keeping the work-flow very fluid. And the nicest part is that the applicability is not limited, you can keep your game scores in a spreadsheet or you can hold your coding snippets. […]
worth checking EditGrid, GoogleDocs or Zoho. All of them do an online spreadsheet which has the added benefit of being shareable. Users can share with their advisors, bank, whatever. That way, you stand a better chance of keeping out of trouble or at least getting the right advice at the right time.