Horsetrading?

[DangerousDave]

So Im a "software developer" (technically more in mgmt than in the trenches these days, but I digress) and Im considering doing some web design as a side hustle.

I'd like to get started building a portfolio with small, static pages for small local businesses - places like auto repair shops, lawn care, and the like.

I was thinking I'd make a site for their business first (Show, not Tell), then show it to them, and see if they'd horsetrade for some work I need done, tires, etc.
As a small business owner myself, I've done horsetrading, and I prefer it over buying outright as it's cheaper for me to trade goods at my cost vs paying with cash.
I suspect if I take a few pictures, and using free online templates I could create something in a few hours, well worth it for something like some tires, and the business gets a website at a lower cost.

Do you think this is a good idea or no?

 

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[Sheens]

This hustle has merit!

It may take you a few times and great bookkeeping to see what margins you are able to achieve but the value you are bringing to a business is readily apparent.

Opportunity is there to meet any local interior designer, dentist, HVAC, artist.. the list is nearly endless and your network becomes a giant!

Are you then looking to scale this hustle or is this a means to a bigger plan? Are you going to build this into an actual business that could be sold if you do move on? Thinking about how you want to end it will help you start!

 

[DangerousDave]

This hustle has merit!

It may take you a few times and great bookkeeping to see what margins you are able to achieve but the value you are bringing to a business is readily apparent.

Opportunity is there to meet any local interior designer, dentist, HVAC, artist.. the list is nearly endless and your network becomes a giant!

Are you then looking to scale this hustle or is this a means to a bigger plan? Are you going to build this into an actual business that could be sold if you do move on? Thinking about how you want to end it will help you start!

Mostly I want to get some experience building sites. In the short term, if I can get something for my efforts, that's icing in the cake.
Then if I like it and I'm good at it I can start trying to build it into a real business. Especially in my local area, half the businesses don't even have websites at all so there is a lot of potential to create value.