Hi,

We are a family of four with two boys (15 and 9) seriously thinking of moving to Spain so we are beginning our research here.

Is there a market for English web designers for small businesses in the Malaga area? My father lives in Orgiva so could possibly get him to get the ball rolling but wanted to see if that kind of business would work in Spain. Is there a need for managed websites?

We will all be looking to learn the language so maybe that would help make it viable.

Any thoughts or advice?

Thanks,

Hi KrisnLaura,
Do you already have a website advertising your services and giving examples of your designs? I would say that this would be the very first thing to do. (Not asking you to post your link on this thread as it will probably be deleted, this being your first post, but just asking).

I build websites, but my work is purely online, so I can’t really help with ideas of who to contact in the Malaga area. But I do know that if I relied upon building websites for companies based in Andalucia, my work would be extremely limited.

What I would say is, the best way to start would be to get that website going (if you haven’t already) and then advertise your services, linking to that website everywhere you can (preferably without spamming).

I take it you also know about SEO and how those who use your services can make their websites compatible with search engines?
Because most customers (certainly those who wish to make a profit) will be interested in this.

But my main advice would be, don’t rely upon having customers in a specific area.
Website designers are not constricted by country or region (although they may be by language).
This is a world wide occupation, just like the web. 

Hi Zania and thanks for your reply!

I’ll quote you and respond point by point below…

Do you already have a website advertising your services and giving examples of your designs? I would say that this would be the very first thing to do. (Not asking you to post your link on this thread as it will probably be deleted, this being your first post, but just asking).

Yes I do, I have a portfolio of work on there so potential clients can see what’s on offer.

I build websites, but my work is purely online, so I can’t really help with ideas of who to contact in the Malaga area. But I do know that if I relied upon building websites for companies based in Andalucia, my work would be extremely limited.

Do you rely on internet advertising for clients? I have always had trouble converting work online - I find recommendations and word of mouth to be the best way to promote it. Once people know how I work I am confident that I can grow my client base but it was the initial part that is my concern. I guess I would have to dip my toes in a bit of local advertising to get things going.

What I would say is, the best way to start would be to get that website going (if you haven’t already) and then advertise your services, linking to that website everywhere you can (preferably without spamming).

I think this is probably the best way forward. I’ll investigate some good publications to target.

I take it you also know about SEO and how those who use your services can make their websites compatible with search engines?
Because most customers (certainly those who wish to make a profit) will be interested in this.

Yes I do, I don’t like to delve too deep into it as it tends to lead to clients wanting you to manage their adwords campaigns and the like. I guess I could farm that work out if I knew people who specialise in that side of things but I know how to ‘optimise’ sites and can start them off on the right footing by making the sites compliant, legal and search engine friendly. I guess I need to start networking - I have mainly worked alone so haven’t really got many contact in associated fields. My bad!

But my main advice would be, don’t rely upon having customers in a specific area.
Website designers are not constricted by country or region (although they may be by language).
This is a world wide occupation, just like the web.

Thanks, this is common sense that I hadn’t really considered - I think I just need to apply more effort to this and reap the rewards!

Thanks again for taking the time to reply to a newbie in such a sincere way, it’s greatly appreciated and you’ve inspired me to move this forward!!!

Kris x

HI Kris,
Don’t want to put you off, but there are a lot of freelance web designers here already.
Just google and see what I mean.
(There are also a lot of ‘teccie types’ who will do websites on the cheap for people, but they are sometimes only available by word of mouth as they are not registered and paying taxes etc.)

Again don’t want to put you off, but please do your research re living expenses before packing up and heading to the sun… Good if you have somewhere to base yourself initially, but read the pages on cost of living etc.
Also, as self-employed ‘autonomo’ you will have to pay Eu250 pcm for Social Security (but it should cover your whole family), before you even start! And they don’t reduce the amount if you have a bad month.

I did have some friends who had a very successful web design business, but I haven’t heard from them lately. (I think they cleaned up whilst the going was still good and are on a world tour at present!)

Good luck with everything

ps Kris.. thinking ahead 3 years hence!!! Your oldest would have to have their own Social security payments!!!

Also read the pages on the new residency requirements. Basically you now have to show proof of income to support yourselves, plus private medical insurance if you are not registering as self-employed immediately/paying the Eu250 pcm I mention.