In December last year we ran a competition for people to win a new office worth ?1,700. The bundle included some fantastic prizes, such as an Apple iMac, Boke speakers, printer, 2TB time capsule and a self-stirring mug.
The lucky winner was Matthew Toner who runs www.dinkydodo.com, a web design agency based in Cardiff. ??After receiving his awesome prizes, we had a chat with Matthew about his business, how he got started with the help of the Prince?s Trust, what advice he would give to someone starting up and his plans for the bundle.
Could you provide a bit of background about yourself?
Back in January 2011 I started my Web Design business, DinkyDodo.com with the help of the Prince?s Trust (www.princes-trust.org.uk) and an agency called Venture Wales, now Business in Focus (www.businessinfocus.co.uk). Both these organisations helped me start up my business in a very competitive market with some funding, and more importantly, their professional advice and knowledge.
DinkyDodo.com creates fully functional websites at very affordable prices whilst also offering our clients a membership area that gives them free after-care information and service. We have also devised a system that allows people to pay small monthly fees for their website until it?s paid off. This usually covers one year, but we can be flexible. Our lowest product starts at ?29.99 a month.
What do think sets apart your web design company www.dinkydodo.com?
The main focus was to create a company that helped start up and small businesses get started online with a reliable website that was both attractive and functional to the customer. Our membership area (logged in using Facebook) includes online training videos on how to use their Content Management System, information on marketing their website, a forum to share information with other clients, and much more. The company still has the belief in helping business on limited budgets get a high quality website and that reflects in our web design packages. We have even created a Start Up Business Package called Freddie?s Goody Bag which is full of things for a start up business to get going both online and offline. For those wondering, Freddie is the name of our mascot who is a dodo that wears a tie. Just a little character that adds a bit of fun to our business.
What advice would you give to someone looking to create their own web design agency for the first time?
Researching your market is very important and you need to understand who your clients are, what they are willing to pay and how the competition is finding them. After doing all this research, coming up with a good Marketing Plan is essential to finding your customers. Networking offline is also another good method of getting your agency known locally, and social media is great for keeping your customers, followers or fans up-to-date with any news or offers you might have.
Is there anything you would do differently second time around?
Back in 2012, I had to stop the way the company was being operated. There were too many people asking for quotes and taking them elsewhere for a cheaper price. I now have a second chance to restart the business. This time I will keep on top of all payments into the company, take note of the advice that was being given to me, and keep a very close eye on the competition and how they market themselves.
Why did you choose Heart Internet for your hosting?
A close friend in the Online Business world recommended Heart Internet to me. I was told about the excellent customer service that you had, the ability to resell my own hosting packages and be in complete control of the prices of the hosting packages. I had used another company before that gave me a commission. They didn?t have great customer service, or uptime, but Heart Internet did and whilst I am in business, I will not change to any other providers. You guys rock!
What are your plans for all the prizes you won?
When I entered this competition I stated that I would use this equipment to get my business back up and running properly. Well I intend to do just that and stick to the plan I have.
I would just like to thank Heart Internet for picking me and giving me a second chance in business, which very rarely comes around. Also, the self-stirring mug is going down a treat!
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Interview with our Christmas bundle winner,
Source: http://www.heartinternet.co.uk/blog/2013/03/interview-with-our-christmas-bundle-winner/
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