Computers are a staple of everyday life. Practically every household has one. Those computers run off different operating systems (usually either Windows or Apple) and have a number of programs that do things like allow the user to create written documents, edit photographs, or play games. Many of those computer programs were created (at first) by small companies that then expanded along with the size of their clientele and the popularity of their program. This is why you shouldn’t be afraid to start up your own computer programming company. The market is not saturated, and there are plenty of opportunities to find your niche in the marketplace – as long as you do it properly.
Defining Your Computer Programming Product
The first step requires you to define your product. What is exactly that your computer program will do? Is it an easy to use photo editing tool suite? Does it allow people to create fliers or websites? Is it an awesome game that people won’t be able to stop playing?
There is a need for these things, which is why new computer programming companies open up all of the time. However, you can’t open up a business without knowing exactly what it is that you’re going to be making and selling. You need to have a product in mind already. Once you’ve decided what type of program to create, you then need to take the next step – what makes your program different?
Does it have an easy to use interface? Is the game something that has never been seen before? This is your specialty niche – your selling point.
If you aren’t making something that’s completely different, then it needs to be a version of an existing program that is better in some way, shape or form. Otherwise, there is no reason to purchase. You need to take that additional step to prove that your program is better than the others. Finally, the last step of defining your product involves creating it.
You might have the idea, but do you have the coding skills? Computer coding, especially on this level, is not easy. If you don’t have the ability to do this, then you’ll have to hire someone who does. And then you’ll need a workspace for your employees, which is the next step.
Setting up A Computer Programming Business
Once you have a plan in place for your product (in this case, a computer program), you then to determine where you’re going to program it. Do you want to work out of your house? Well, if you have the programming skills that you need and don’t have to hire any employees, then this is an option. After all, Bill Gates started out in his garage. Since you aren’t physically creating computers, you probably can make do with your own home office.
If you choose to outsource your employees, that is, hire freelancers located in other parts of the country, then you don’t need an actual office space. But, keep in mind that some homeowners associations and condo complexes forbid people from running businesses out of their homes.
Be careful of homeowners rules
These rules generally apply to anyone who wants to start a store in their living room, but it might run afoul of the law if they are strict about enforcing them. For this reason, you should consider getting a storefront or small office space outside of your home. You might be able to find a reasonably priced space in an office park. If you only have a few employees (including yourself), then you won’t need anything unreasonably large.
This option also might inspire you to create a unique business name that can be turned into your company logo. You can reflect the name of the business park in your company name, although another option involves using the program’s name. Either way, the logo should have something to do with computers – consider using a computerized font or something that matches what your program does.
For example, if it’s a video game, then consider using bold colors that look like the ones from the game itself. You have a lot of options here.
Marketing Your Product
At last, your business plan is almost complete. You’ve decided on the program and understand what makes it special. You have your company location, name, and logo. Now it’s time to set up your website. This should be easy since you’re a computer programmer (or you hired one.)
The website needs to contain information about your business since it’s the number one marketing tool that you have. Your location and contact information need to be prominently listed on it. Also, details – and possibly screenshots – from your program should be on it as well. These screenshots provide a way for people to know more about the game or program that they will be buying.
After the website comes to the next step, finding clients. Does your program appeal to people in the corporate field? If so, then you’ll want to reach out to various businesses to sell them multiple versions of it. You might want to keep an IT person around at this point, just in case they have a hard time installing or using the software.
However, if your program is a game, then your clients will undoubtedly be individuals. You’ll need to contact game stores, find a way to reach gamers through social media, and be prepared to hand out your business card (complete with logo) to anyone who might be able to help you sell your game. This is key to success – proper marketing!
Conclusion
As you can see, it isn’t impossible to start up a computer programming company in this day and age. As long as what you’re making is unique, then people will be ready to purchase it.
You do need to have a solid marketing plan in place, which includes everything from finding your niche to having a memorable logo. Your website will be your best marketing tool, given the field that you’re in, so make sure that it’s properly detailed.