Diversifying

So I've been doing websites commercially for over a year now. In that time I've created over twenty sites plus some graphic design work and other web work for people and it's been a helluva ride! The fact that I have over twenty happy clients also means that at least some of the business side of things is working out for me as well. I am now getting referrals from previous jobs and people finding sites I've done whilst searching on the web and approaching me for more work that way.

This success means that four things have happened:

1. I've started to get a little more picky about the jobs I take.
2. I've raised my rates just a little. I still come in way below most companies offering a similar product but the prices now closer reflect the time spent on the jobs.
3. I've bought into better, quicker server space. Many of my sites are now hosted with CSNewmedia; a fabulous British outfit that offer really quick and reliable private servers with 24 hour, rapid support. This are benefits I pass on to my clients.
4. I am using some of the revenue generated to invest in some reasonable photographic equipment. Some of my clients would rather pay me a modest amount to acquire good quality images than spend a long time trying to get these themselves. To this end I need a reasonable digital SLR, a few nice lenses and some flash. I have gone towards Canon for my equipment through chance rather than design but I'm happy with my choice. Fairly soon I will acquire the 5D Mark II and when combined with some of my L lenses (17-40mm and 70-200mm) I'll be able to start offering a professional photographic service outside of website images.

I guess, like farmers have had to, most businesses diversify and expand in order to flourish. For me photography is a natural step. I've always enjoyed taking images and over the years I've been lucky enough to own a reasonable level of equipment. This web business is now enabling me to acquire the professional gear and training necessary to implement some of what I learn for the benefit of my clients.