Ask HN: How to represent your dev shop when most of your work is not public?

https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=19975225

by olliewagner • 7 years ago

3 1 7 years ago

news.ycombinator.com

I continuously struggle to create a website for my dev shop that has been in business since 2013. Our work is often internal or otherwise not public facing, and it's hard to come up with a way that communicates our abilities without looking too hand-wavey. Do any of you know of portfolios/consulting sites that work well under similar constraints?

davismwfl• 7 years ago

I went through this when I built up my consultancies. Both times I was focused in areas where people weren't keen on letting me just advertise the products we built for them. A few things I figured out along the way though:

1. Rarely did I ever get leads from my website, I mean seriously it was super rare. Almost all leads came from recommendations and me getting out and talking to people.

2. Visitors to my website were there to get basic data, so I put things like who some of my key clients, largest clients as well as I listed some of the more interesting technologies and projects we had worked on.

3. I worked with a few clients that would act as references for me, so they would talk to potential clients about what we did, how we did it, etc.

All this because honestly as a consulting/dev shop your website will get you almost 0 business, so don't waste a ton of time here. Your sales team, founders and existing clients are who get you the business. The website is just a way for people to find out a little history and background on the company and the team. So that is where I put the focus.

Where I did spend quite a bit of time was on the blog component of the website, writing about things and becoming known for some niche areas which helped generate leads. But the main website wasn't key for this.

If you have specific questions let me know, I am also happy to take a look at your website and give you my 2 cents for what that is worth. Personally, I'd ask a few people you know to do the same, but I'd make sure these people aren't "friends" who know you really well. You want people who don't know what you do really well so it helps see if they can frame your company and capabilities.

Ask HN: How to represent your dev shop when most of your work is not public?

Related Stories