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Some questions about part-time web design?

Just for like, small businesses around my area that just want someone who knows how to make a nice site and will charge much, MUCH less than a "professional." I know it's possible to make some decent rainy-day money on this, as my dad (yes, I know, as a teenage girl, I may have a greater struggle with marketing) used to do sites for similar clients (but doesn't anymore because of the fact that they then seem to view you as obligated to make as many alterations as they wish and consider it part of the initial job, even if YEARS have passed. This may bug me, but it's not like I have any real responsibilities at the moment or in the near future, so it wouldn't be as much of a hassle for me.) I'm computer-literate (At least, in the skills that I'd need to make awesome graphics/webpages... Just don't ask me anything about myspace.Most of my family consists of supernerds, who have taught me well.), good at (at least coming off as) being professional (when I want to. :) ) Despite the way I'm writing this post, I even have great language skills. So... My questions are: -Where should I go first for customers? I got the idea to do this when visiting the craptastic sites of some places I frequent, (The music store's looks like a shady flea market ad, the skatepark's looks like a "Roll-Bounce" fan site, the cafe's looks... unpalatable, and some places that could just use a simple page don't have one.) I take it that would be a good place to start? -How should I offer my services to the people in charge? Meaning: How does one say "Your page sucks; give me your spare change and lemme at it," without getting rejected and having security called? -Is this even a good idea for me? I'm mostly doing this because I like and am good at that sort of work, have more free time than I know what to do with, and would really like a part-time job that doesn't involve ground beef. Do I even have a chance at making this work, if I build a resume with "friendly" customers?

Public Comments

1. The first thing that sticks out in my mind is whether, at 16, you could actually enter into a legal business contract. And yes, you should have some sort of contract with whoever you are building the website for. I think the best thing to do is to start by building yourself a little website that outlines what you do and links to examples of sites you have built. Build several on free hosting if you have to, or get a cheap reseller hosting account and build several. I really can't imagine a business owner hiring a 16 year old without evidence that you know what you're doing. (Please, take no offense.) After you do that, I think it is quite acceptable to send an email through the website for the companies that need design help and say something like, "I love your company and/or products, but your website... (examples) isn't user-friendly, detracts from the products, is difficult to navigate.... I offer web design services for a fraction of large design companies. Check out my previous work (link to the website) and contact me for a quote." Good luck!