Salvatore Mazza: La web del Born

Salvatore Mazza is CEO of La web del Born, a web design studio and search engine optimization service in the centre of Barcelona.  Originally Italian, he decided to move to Barcelona in 2003, for the beautiful weather and perfect position of the city in Europe.  Having studied architecture in Torino, Italy, he came to Barcelona to work as an architect for a while, but switched focus to communication technologies after the crisis of 2008.

At La web del Born, he designs websites and works on their page positioning in search engines like Google, Bing and Yahoo. Most of his work involves creating pages for small local businesses and restaurants, hotels or service companies. He also works with social media, helping businesses connect with clients and build trust in their brand.

1. Where did the original idea come from for your business?

It’s not an original idea. It’s about digital information and the fact it’s becoming more and more important.

2. How long did it take to get your business off the ground?

I initially spent five years building my knowledge in web design and search engine optimisation, and it’s something I continue to learn more about every day.

3. What do you wish you’d known when you started?

You have to follow the client’s brief first! If you start by following exactly what they ask you to do, later you can suggest other possibilities and ideas.

4. How easy was it get the financing for your business?

One of the advantages of this business is that start-up costs are very low, so you don’t need much money to get going – although of course you need it to grow.

5. Did you find the paperwork difficult?

Spain is not an easy country in which to start a business. The only recommendation I have is: when you start, worry about your work and don't worry too much about paperwork and bureaucracy.

6. Did you get help from any particular official organisations or associations (e.g. Chambers of Commerce)?

I know it is a little hard to believe but beware of organisations that are supposed to help you and your business. Often they are very bureaucratic, static and give you things you don’t need when you’re starting. This distracts you from your target. I wasted a lot of time without any benefit.

7. What is your business experience / background / qualifications?

I studied architecture and this, without doubt, help me to plan my work and the way I manage it. Like architecture, creating a branding, for example, is not just a question of a website or logo. It is much more than this. To communicate your business message in cyberspace you need to coordinate a lot of different knowledge.

8. What are the positive aspects about having a business here?

Probably the best aspect for me is that if it works, then everything else comes together, because Barcelona is an easy and fun city to live in.

9. And the negative aspects?

Bureaucracy comes first. Working with lazy people is another aspect. But the worst is the high level of unprofessional work.

10. Are there any other useful contacts, tips or information you think would be useful to other foreign entrepreneurs in Barcelona?

I would say: follow your path without fear and make sure to surround yourself with inspiring people. And, if you want a hand with your project feel free to contact with me at:

www.lawebdelborn.com  hola@lawebdelborn.com

For more information about La web del Born, see here.