Show HN: Devzilla – Easy alternative to Upwork
I recently launched Devzilla (www.devzil.la) (1) for web pros to generate leads & learn about the BUSINESS aspects of running a dev/design biz & (2) for companies to find design/dev talent.
I work in the web-hosting space & daily I am asked for referrals to web pros. Thus an idea for a directory of design/dev resources for businesses that didn't know how to find a trusted web professional.
At the same time, the web pros I speak to often mention struggles building pipeline. Time spent on biz dev is time away from doing the work & the opposite is true as well. My experience is that smaller teams typically did not have salespeople & count on referrals, WOM, or repeat business to stay afloat. I also noticed many could use help from a business standpoint (MSAs/SOW, pricing, etc.) I do those things all day every day in this space so I think I have something to share.
Finally, I used to work on Upwork (back when it was ODesk) & found the experience a little frustrating. I now see more people dissatisfied w/ the experience & service at Upwork. Does Devzilla solve for all those issues? I have no idea - I'm just getting started. I do know that it solves for some of the pain - have a bad experience here & I'll pick up the phone, call you and figure out how to make it right. That's a start.
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Challenge: marketing/awareness. I've paid for FB & G Ads that are converting at a REALLY low rate. I've landed that ads on Signup, home page, blog articles, ROI page - nothing converts at a rate that can be considered anything but coincidental. MAN, THIS MARKETING STUFF IS HARD. :)
I'm also marketing to those looking for web devs/designers & that is working well. I've matched a few people and the results seem to be positive. That's great for everyone!
So if anyone has any feedback, good bad or otherwise I would love to hear it. I've been a longtime HN reader and occasional commenter & am thankful in advance for anything anyone has to say.