Social network site development

Recently I have inadvertently slipped into the world of web design and development! I am looking to develop a social network site for a very specific demographic.

I want to create a social network site very similar to the well known social network for international business people, asmallworld.net. My problem is not knowing where to start with the development of a site like this. Obviously I am not about to give the programming a go myself, what with only a few months experience!

So where to go from here? I have looked briefly into generic software, but I need something tailor-made. How much do you think I would have to pay for such a project (I do have investment for this)? And what technology would be best? And... How long might the development of a site like this take?

Any thoughts on this would be great, so thanks in advance!

You are doing the right thing targeting a specific demographic but I would seriously consider doing this yourself. From a business perspective is it viable?

If you are considering paying for development of a site like this it could cost thousands and to fulfill it's full potential would probably cost much more. If you are happy paying that sort of money for no return then that's fine, but otherwise you need to draw up a businaess plan. Can you realistically make money from this? Do you have 12 month (or preferably 5 year) financial projections? If the answer is yes or you aren't bothered then go for it, if you hadn't considered it then just make sure you really want to go for it - it's no use bankrupting yourself over this.

If you do want to do it then I think for a powerful, custom made sytem you are looking at thousands probably. It may take a while to develop it - months at least and a good testing period for a site like this would be extremely beneficial, but that will push costs up again, I guess.

Good luck anyway, sounds like a big project but I hope you succeed.

Pete.

Thanks for your very useful advice Pete. I thought that it might be quite a lot of money from just looking at all the work that needs to go into constructing a site like ASW. I don't have money to throw away at this project, and as you say, a tight and realistic business plan is essential. Revenue essentially is to be generated through ad banners.

I have just found a pretty good social networking package that allows for all sorts of customization. Check it out at http://www.dzoic.com. It seems a lot cheaper than the other option! I'm going to spend the next few days scrutinizing their product!

Thanks again for the advice

Hi Mark

Did you have any luck with your social networking website? And have you decided which option to go for? The custom built social networking site or the social networking software package you mentioned viewing?

Anyway if you fancy a chat about this then message me back. I have some thoughts on this myself which may prove to be helpful.

Many thanks