Business Plan for WhatAct.com: An AI Job Website for Artists
1. Executive Summary
2. Company Description
3. Market Analysis
4. Organization & Management
5. Services Offered
6. Marketing & Sales Strategy
7. Operations Plan
8. Financial Projections
9. Funding Requirements
10. Appendix
1. Executive Summary
WhatAct.com is an innovative online job platform dedicated exclusively to artists, connecting creative professionals with employers, galleries, art projects, and freelance opportunities worldwide. By addressing the unique needs of artists and art-related organizations, WhatAct.com aims to become the premier destination for artistic talent and opportunities. AI abilities to match job seekers with employeers.
Mission Statement:
To empower artists by providing a dedicated platform that connects them with meaningful employment and collaborative opportunities, fostering a vibrant and sustainable creative community.
Vision:
To be the leading global hub for artists to find and secure job opportunities, facilitating the growth and recognition of creative talent across all disciplines.
Objectives:
- Attain profitability within the first 18 months of operation.
2. Company Description
WhatAct.com is a web-based platform designed to bridge the gap between artists seeking employment and organizations needing creative talent. The platform caters to various artistic disciplines, including visual arts, performing arts, graphic design, illustration, photography, and more.
Key Features:
- Job Listings: Comprehensive listings tailored to different art disciplines and experience levels.
- Portfolio Hosting: Artists can create and showcase their portfolios directly on the platform.
- Networking Tools: Facilitate connections between artists and employers through messaging and collaboration features.
- Resource Center: Provide articles, tutorials, and resources to help artists advance their careers.
- Event Calendar: Highlight art-related events, exhibitions, workshops, and job fairs.
3. Market Analysis
Industry Overview
The global creative economy has been steadily growing, with increasing recognition of the importance of arts and culture in society. However, artists often face challenges in finding stable employment and opportunities to showcase their work.
Target Market
- Primary Users:
- Artists: Visual artists, performers, designers, photographers, illustrators, and other creative professionals seeking employment or freelance opportunities.
- Employers: Art galleries, museums, creative agencies, production companies, educational institutions, and businesses requiring artistic services.
- Geographic Focus:
- Initial Launch:
North America and Europe, with plans to expand globally based on demand and platform success.
Market Needs
- For Artists:
- Centralized platform for job listings tailored to creative professions.
- Tools to showcase portfolios and connect with potential employers.
- Access to resources for career development.
- For Employers:
- Access to a specialized pool of artistic talent.
- Efficient recruitment tools tailored to the needs of creative projects.
Competitive Analysis
- Direct Competitors:
- Behance Job Board: Focuses on creative portfolios but lacks comprehensive job listing features.
- ArtStation: Primarily for visual artists in the gaming and entertainment industries.
- Indirect Competitors:
- LinkedIn: General job platform with a broad user base but not specialized for artists.
- Indeed & Glassdoor: General job search platforms lacking targeted features for the creative sector.
Competitive Advantage:
WhatAct.com's specialization in the arts sector, combined with features tailored to artists' unique needs (e.g., portfolio hosting, networking tools), sets it apart from general job platforms and existing art-focused competitors.
4. Organization & Management
Founding Team
- Dave Koppe – CEO & Founder Background in arts management with over 25 years of experience in the creative industry.
Organizational Structure
- Executive Team: Leadership overseeing strategic direction and business operations.
- Development Team: Responsible for platform development, maintenance, and technical support.
- Marketing Team: Focused on user acquisition, brand building, and community engagement.
- Customer Support: Providing assistance to users and handling inquiries.
- Sales Team: Engaging with employers and partners to list job opportunities.
Advisory Board
- Art Industry Experts: Professionals from galleries, museums, and art institutions to provide insights and guidance.
- Tech Advisors: Experts in platform scalability and security.
- Business Strategists: Consultants with experience in online marketplaces and job platforms.
5. Services Offered
For Artists
- Job Listings: Access to a wide range of job postings tailored to various artistic disciplines.
- Portfolio Creation: Tools to build and showcase professional portfolios.
- Profile Features: Detailed artist profiles highlighting skills, experience, and past work.
- Networking: Messaging and collaboration tools to connect with employers and other artists.
- Resource Center: Articles, tutorials, and guides on career development, marketing, and skill enhancement. For Employers
- Job Posting: Ability to post detailed job listings with specific requirements for artistic roles.
- Talent Search: Advanced search filters to find artists based on discipline, location, experience, and portfolio.
- Employer Profiles: Showcase company culture, projects, and opportunities to attract top talent.
- Applicant Management: Tools to manage applications, communicate with candidates, and streamline the hiring process.
Additional Services -
Premium Memberships: Enhanced features for artists and employers, such as priority listings, advanced analytics, and exclusive resources.
- Workshops & Webinars: Online events focused on skill development, industry trends, and career advice.
- Advertising Opportunities: Space for art-related businesses to advertise products and services to the ArtistTalentPool.com community.
6. Marketing & Sales Strategy
Marketing Objectives
Making WhatAct.com as the go-to platform for artists and employers in the creative sector.
- User Acquisition: Attract a critical mass of both artists and employers to create a vibrant and active marketplace.
- Engagement & Retention: Foster a strong community with regular interaction and value-added services to ensure long-term user loyalty.
Target Audience
- Artists: Emerging and established artists across various disciplines seeking employment or freelance opportunities.
- Employers: Art galleries, museums, creative agencies, production companies, educational institutions, and businesses requiring artistic talent.
Marketing Channels
1. Digital Marketing: - SEO & Content Marketing: Create valuable content tailored to artists and employers to improve search engine rankings and drive organic traffic.
- Social Media Marketing: Utilize platforms like Instagram, Pinterest, LinkedIn, and Facebook to engage with the creative community.
- Email Marketing: Develop newsletters and targeted email campaigns to keep users informed about new opportunities and platform updates.
2. Partnerships & Collaborations:
- Art Institutions: Partner with galleries, museums, and art schools to promote WhatAct.com to their networks.
- Creative Agencies: Collaborate with agencies to list job opportunities and reach a broader audience.
3. Influencer Marketing: - Engage influential artists and industry leaders to endorse and promote the platform.
4. Paid Advertising: - Google Ads & Social Media Ads: Targeted advertising campaigns to reach potential users based on demographics and interests.
- Sponsored Content: Advertise in art magazines, blogs, and online publications frequented by artists and employers.
5. Events & Webinars: - Host online and offline events such as webinars, workshops, and networking sessions to build community and showcase the platform’s value.
Sales Strategy - Freemium Model: Offer basic services for free to attract a large user base, with premium features available through subscription plans.
- Employer Subscriptions: Charge employers for job postings, with tiered pricing based on the number of listings and additional features.
- Affiliate Programs: Establish affiliate partnerships with art schools, institutions, and creative businesses to drive traffic and generate revenue.
7. Operations Plan
Development Roadmap
1. Phase 1: Planning & Research (Months 1-2) - Conduct market research and finalize feature set.
- Develop project plan and allocate resources.
2. Phase 2: Platform Development (Months 3-6) - Design and develop the website and mobile application.
- Implement key features: job listings, portfolio hosting, user profiles, messaging system.
3. Phase 3: Beta Testing (Month 7) - Launch a beta version to a select group of users for feedback.
- Identify and fix bugs, optimize user experience based on feedback.
4. Phase 4: Official Launch (Month 8)
- Launch the platform publicly with initial marketing campaigns.
- Monitor performance and user engagement.
5. Phase 5: Expansion & Enhancement (Months 9-12)
- Introduce additional features like premium memberships, resource center, and event calendar.
- Expand marketing efforts and explore international markets.
Technology Stack
- Frontend: Blazor for a responsive and dynamic user interface.
- Backend: C# for scalable server-side operations.
- Database: MS SQL for flexible and efficient data management.
- Hosting: Azure for reliable and scalable hosting solutions.
- Security: Implement SSL encryption, data protection protocols, and regular security audits.
Customer Support
- Support Channels: Email support, live chat, and a comprehensive FAQ section.
- Response Time: Aim to respond to all inquiries within 24 hours.
- Feedback Mechanism: Encourage users to provide feedback for continuous improvement.
Key Partnerships -
8. Financial Projections
Revenue Streams
1. Subscription Fees: - Artists: Free basic membership; premium subscriptions at $9.99/month for enhanced portfolio features and job alerts.
- Employers: Tiered pricing for job postings (e.g., $49 for single post, $199 for monthly unlimited posts).
2. Advertising: - Display ads from art supplies, software companies, and other relevant businesses.
3. Premium Services: - Featured job listings, promoted portfolios, and advanced analytics.
4. Workshops & Webinars: - Paid access to exclusive educational content and events.
Projected Revenue (First 3 Years)
Year Revenue Expenses Profit/Loss 1 $500,000 $600,000 -$100,000 2 $1,200,000 $900,000 $300,000 3 $2,500,000 $1,200,000 $1,300,000
Assumptions:
- Steady growth in user base and employer subscriptions.
- Controlled operational costs with scalability.
- Effective marketing leading to higher revenue streams.
Break-Even Analysis
- Break-Even Point: Expected in Year 2, Q3, when monthly revenues cover cumulative expenses.
Cost Structure
- Development Costs: Initial platform development and ongoing maintenance.
- Marketing Expenses: Digital advertising, content creation, partnerships.
- Operational Costs: Salaries, office space (if applicable), software licenses.
- Customer Support: Staffing and tools for effective support services.
- Miscellaneous: Legal fees, accounting, and other administrative expenses.
9. Funding Requirements
Total Funding Needed: $1,000,000
Use of Funds:
1. Platform Development: $300,000 - Design, development, testing, and launch.
2. Marketing & Sales: $250,000 - Digital marketing campaigns, partnerships, influencer collaborations.
3. Operations: $150,000 - Salaries, office setup, administrative costs.
4. Contingency Fund: $100,000 - Unexpected expenses and additional investments as needed.
Funding Sources:
- Seed Funding: Seek initial investment from angel investors interested in the creative industry.
- Venture Capital: Approach VCs with a focus on online marketplaces and community platforms.
- Grants & Subsidies: Explore government grants for supporting the arts and digital innovation.
- Crowdfunding: Launch a campaign on platforms like Kickstarter or Indiegogo to engage the artist community.
Conclusion
WhatAct.com is poised to fill a significant gap in the job market by providing a specialized platform tailored to the unique needs of artists and art-related employers. With a clear vision, robust business model, and strategic plan, WhatAct.com aims to foster a thriving creative community, empowering artists to find meaningful employment and enabling employers to access top-tier artistic talent.
Investing in WhatAct.com not only supports the growth of individual artists but also contributes to the broader cultural and creative economy. We invite you to join us in making WhatAct.com the leading hub for artistic careers worldwide.