Website building is a major undertaking. Though sites may look streamlined and efficient, there is a lot going on behind the scenes to make the site run smoothly. For that reason, people new to website building may consider working with a partner to get their sites ready to launch.
Where to Find Website Partners
Depending on your needs, you may be able to post a free ad somewhere like Craig’s List to find a partner. Also, consider bulletin boards in your community and contacting computer science or web development departments if you are looking for a novice and want someone local. If you are looking for someone with more experience, then you can try posting advertisements at forums dedicated to website building. Perhaps you have the ability to build the site but need topical advice? Look to people already running blogs or who frequent forums and seem knowledgeable on the topic at hand.
How to Work with a Partner
The agreement you and your partner have really is up to you. In some cases, you may want to work on an ad-sharing basis. In this scenario, you would split all ad revenue that comes in from the site. In other situations, one partner may finance the project while the other does the bulk of the physical work of website building. Either situation is acceptable, but be sure you have some type of contract for the partnership you want. Website building can be stressful and lucrative, which is why having something set up before you get started working will help head off any problems later.
Determine How Decisions Will Be Made
Any business partnership is going to run into areas of disagreement, and website building is no different. Disagreement is not a huge problem if you have decided beforehand how decisions are made. Perhaps one website building partner wants to handle all decisions related to marketing while another handles writing-related decisions. Knowing ahead of time who has final say can help head off any problems you may have in the future.
Be Accountable
Remember that even if your website building project is a part-time job or a second career, you need to be accountable to your partner regularly. The two of you may keep up with each other via email, or you may have conference calls at certain intervals. Regardless of the method you use, be sure to stay up with each other. Letting your partner know of any trouble you have before you hit a deadline will help as well as keeping your partner apprised of any concerns you have.
Like most partnerships, website building with a partner really is a matter of open communication and teamwork. As long as the two or more people you have working together can share their thoughts and concerns about the project without worrying about hurting feelings or stepping on toes, then you should be able to work through any problems that do arise. Partnerships should be fluid, just like website building, to be successful.
