Digital and Technology

I am planning to launch an education services business in the new year. The business plan is fairly well advanced and I am happy with the progress made so far. My question is regarding the website that I am having built. A friend is doing it for “mates rates” and it looks pretty good but I am now thinking that I want to get some comparisons in terms of quality control and pricing. I know how to find a builder or painter but how do I find a website developer? Also, the current website design has all the standard features – home page, faqs, contact etc. However, it was suggested to me that it should also have a facility for customers to pay via the website. This will be an added expense but would it be advisable to get this added before going live? ie. would it be good value for money? It is worth noting that my original plan was more of a “side-hustle” with minimal financial outlay required. I am now of the opinion that it is worth thinking a bit bigger and that getting a more complex website will add value even though the upfront cost would be bigger. Finally, what about an app for phones that connect to the website. That was also suggested. Do you think that is something that could wait until the business is showing signs of success (to minimise my initial financial outlay).