Question
Hello I am Derrick,
I am an 18 year old student that just finished high school and I've had an idea of starting my own social media. I have had this idea for many years now and have been doing research and that is how I came across this site. I don't want it to be created before I create it and I feel like it's coming soon.
So, my problem is that I don't know how to code efficiently to create a site as strong as a Facebook or Twitter. I want to try and hire someone, but I don't know how that works. I don't want the person I hire to take my idea for him/herself. I also looked into those sites that create them for you, but I don't know what would happen if my site just happens to be a hit success.
Therefore, I am stuck between if I should just hold off till college and get someone or learn how to code further, or start now and hire someone to help me! I would like to start right now, I just don't want it to be stolen. I have already created designs in adobe software like photoshop and illustrator, and have logos, names, and what the pages consist of. I just need to make it happen, so how do I go about it?
TL;DR: How to go about starting and create my own social media website without the skill to code on my own, and how to keep the idea protected, so if I hire someone to code for me, they cant steal it?
P.S. Thanks for any help provided to me.
Answer
Hi Derrick,
It's great to see your enthusiasm for starting your own social media website! Building a social media platform can indeed be a daunting task, especially if you're not well-versed in coding. However, there are still several avenues you can explore to bring your idea to life.
Hiring a Developer: Since you're not proficient in coding, hiring a developer or a development team is a viable option. You can find developers through online platforms like Upwork, Freelancer, or even through personal connections. Look for developers who have experience in building social media platforms or similar web applications. Before hiring someone, make sure to thoroughly vet their portfolio and check references to ensure they're reliable and capable of delivering what you need.
Protecting Your Idea: It's natural to be concerned about someone stealing your idea, especially when you're entrusting it to someone else to bring it to fruition. To safeguard your idea, consider taking the following steps:
Non-disclosure Agreement (NDA): Have any potential developers sign an NDA before discussing your project details. This legally binds them to confidentiality and prevents them from disclosing or using your idea without your consent.
Work-for-Hire Agreement: Ensure that any work done by the developer belongs to you, and they have no ownership rights over the project.
Trademark and Copyright Protection: Register your logos, names, and other creative assets to establish your ownership and protect them from being used without permission.
Using Website Builders or Outsourcing: If hiring a developer seems daunting, you can explore website builders like Wix, Squarespace, or WordPress, which offer user-friendly interfaces for building websites without coding knowledge. Alternatively, you can outsource the development to a reputable agency that specializes in web development. They can turn your designs into a functional website while ensuring confidentiality through contractual agreements.
Regarding your desire to start immediately, it's commendable, but it's also essential to weigh your options carefully. Consider your resources, timeline, and readiness to embark on this journey. Starting during college could provide you with valuable skills and resources, but if you're eager to begin now, ensure you take the necessary precautions to protect your idea and collaborate with trustworthy individuals.
Also, I noticed you're interested in P2P payment app development. This article might be helpful if you decide to integrate such features into your social media platform: https://www.cleveroad.com/blog/how-to-create-a-social-media-website/
Best of luck with your venture, Derrick! If you have any more questions or need further assistance, feel free to ask.
