I am interested in starting an online job board. What would be best - to buy or to build a job board software?
I already purchased a domain to start a free US job board. I am very confused about whether I should buy or build a job board software initially. I have seen several vendors selling job board software between $160 - $400, and I have used 2 free trails. They are fine for a start-up, but I want to hear advice on whether to buy or build as I am actively looking to start immediately.
Please advise me with the best way to move ahead. Thank you.
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Jun 23, 2014
Hi
I would strongly recommend to utilize social media platform to seed your business . Its low risk and it would provide very good exposure to the challenges of the business . You can use s strategy like seed your user base on social media (e.g create a facebook page) . Once you see your FB page getting matured you can graduate it to the second level . You can discuss the Idea with one of the Php , FB app developer .
Hope this helps .
Regards
Jun 8, 2014
If it were me, I would build one myself that way I have everything i and job seekers are looking for.
Jun 8, 2014
Sravya,
The answer to this question depends on your needs and how much knowledge you have. If you are looking for more control and have the knowledge then you would want to build your, but on the other hand if you are someone just starting out with very limited knowledge then it would be best to start with a software program.
Jun 7, 2014
Both the options are okay. It depends what is more important for you - if saving time, buy; if you want to save money, build. But remember, the market is tough. So take your pick and move ahead with determination.
All the best !
Jun 7, 2014
I think If you get advise from software programmer , specially technical points & needs he will be able to understand your needs & work too , before starting your work .
Jun 6, 2014
Building your own software gives you more insight and control into the "workings" of your service. You can add/remove functionality as you choose. you might even be in a position to sell such software to 3rd parties in the future as an alternative or supplementary revenue stream. However, building your own software usually takes more time, which means lost revenues (opportunity cost). It becomes a question of near term revenues vs control.
From a financial perspective, you would compare the cost of paying someone to build it vs the cost of building it yourself in terms of potential revenues lost during the time that you are building the software (as opposed to having it built quicker).
Some governments give tax subsidies or credits to companies who build their own software. You may also want to consider tax deductibility. In some countries you can deduct your expenses straight away (if you pay someone to build the software) and may require you to spread your expenses over a number of years if you build it yourself (resulting in lower tax deduction per year). You might want to discuss this with a local tax person.
If this company really takes off in the future, having your own software might be more attractive to potentially buyers depending on how strong and flexible the software is. Some investors even look for proprietary technology as par of their investment mandate.
Regardless of the financial aspects (I discuss those above because that is my area), it really comes down to the question of control vs revenue timing.
Jun 6, 2014
buy, and modify to be unique, that is the best way to go...buying a workign sample saves yous tart up time, while modifyign makes ti authentic, and unique, to allow you to build a culture around your product...!!!
Jun 6, 2014
I suggest you build a job board software. You will be more in control of the job board. Besides, building one will be cheaper than buying one.There are good digital trainers/ consultants who can help you build one.
Jun 6, 2014
I wonder what your business model is, since you say a "free job board", and what is the value proposition in your model (that is why your potential customers would choose your board over others). Why my question? Is the software a fundamental piece of your value proposition? If that be the case you should built it yourself, if it were not part of your VP then rent it or use it as SaaS, and define where in your business model the VP lies. Hope it is useful!!
Jun 6, 2014
As a start-up, I would suggest doing whatever is cheapest. You may be able to use a content management system like Joomla, and use extensions, like classifieds or message boards etc, that are free - but use them for your initial setup and designs, prior to purchasing software, adding expense to your start-up. Once you have more visitors, if those paid packages add more to your business than what you do outside of those, then upgrade to one of those. I'm not sure a turn-key job board would add value to a start-up, over putting something together. Also here's a page that mentions job board solutions for Wordpress:
http://chrislema.com/five-wordpress-job-board-solutions-to-check-out/
Jun 6, 2014
Do not build it. It is expensive. If it is a not-for-profit, some existing companies like Job Target may do it pro-bono.
Jun 6, 2014
If you have the programming skills to build your job board software to be better than other solutions already in the marketplace, then go ahead and develop it. You would then have a decision to make on whether you want to focus on your job board or on developing the software to make it marketable for other job board owners. Generally speaking, it is difficult to develop something that is better than what has already been on the market with multiple clients for years now. The other advantage of buying someone else's product is that they will continue to develop improvements over time. Ten years from now, the software you develop in-house might be just as you developed it (unless you make it for other clients), and the software you buy from someone else will evolve with improvements.
Step 1: Decide if you want to be a job board, or a job board software company.
Step 2: If you decide to buy software, get the best you can buy. You'll be able to recoup the cost with just one advertising client, or some other creative method for generating revenue. If you decide to develop your own software, set aside time for development each day, as you will need to work diligently to produce a worthwhile product.
Step 3: If you need funding, you could always go to an organization such as Kiva or Kickstarter. If you have the funds to buy software, get what you want, not what costs less.
Jun 6, 2014
There are several questions to consider. 1st: Do you have the funds? 2nd: How much experience do you have at building the board? If you can buy the board software but get to know the company. Try to get them to come on board for a small stock offer. Get the experts to do what they know how to do so you can do what you know how to do. If you spend weeks teaching yourself how to develop the software how much in opportunity costs will that have hurt you? Just my oppinion but I feel that you should let the experts do what they do so that you can perform your expertise without skipping a beat.
Jun 6, 2014
If you are looking to start immediately and the software you tried meets your needs, I think that would be the best route to go.
Jun 6, 2014
Buy and don't waste a lot of time picking one out. Get on with your project. PremiumPress has a WordPress based theme for about $100.
Jun 6, 2014
I think your business plan and purpose are more important. You are in India, want to have a US jobs board and are looking at Free Trials. I would consider looking to partner than build (that is my opinion).
Jun 5, 2014
I am a WordPress expert and i can see you building this with much ease if you have the right people on your team to make it work, the platform allows you to build a fully customized solution for your project. with the budget of $ 500 - $1000 you can get a decent solution built for you with outsourced resources like myself.
Jun 5, 2014
I think you should look at creating and refining a business plan and marketing plan. This may change how you move forward. I think planning everything out will give you the best chance for success. Having a domain is great. But, do you have something unique to stand you out from all the other job boards?