It’s a great opportunity to be here as a guest blogger. My name is Mutiu Okediran and I had this interview (via email) with Francis Onwumere. He is a freelance web developer.

Enjoy the interview…

Francis said no matter the difficulty you are facing as a startup

Start by having a plan. At least start and don’t let the difficulties woo you

SN: Please tell us about yourself, your background and interests?

Francis: I’m a 25 year old freelance web developer and have been doing this professionally for close to four years now, mainly as a means of extra income while studying chemistry at University of Nigeria.

Originally it all started by chance. I had just finished secondary school in 2000 and while trying to gain admission into university, I came across this HTML book at one Akoka study centre in Lagos. Alongside my A-Level studies, I gradually began to explore the world of HTML and web design.

In 2003, when I went to the University of Nigeria to study Chemistry, I already had a lot of interest in web design and at the same time the web as a platform for services was beginning to grow and new standards emerging. I had to keep up pace with the developments at the same time meeting the demands of studying chemistry. So I taught myself CSS, graphics, animation and when I was satisfied with those, I delved into programming and database management.

While studying Chemistry, I had the opportunity, many times, to speak about what chemistry was all about or to explain the relevance some particular research to a non science person. When I saw the difficulties that entailed, it raised my interest in science journalism and writing.

SN: What is the name of your blog/start-up/company?

Francis: I started Digital Craft Studios (DCS, digitalcraftstudios.com) as my web development start up right after my graduation in 2006 and then in July this year with along with a journalist, Ikechukwu Anyanwu, I kicked off Scitech360, a web magazine that showcases and fosters innovation in Science and Technology in Africa.

SN: Please tell us about your blog/start-up/company?

Francis: Scitech360 is a free-access online magazine, written mainly by contributors and enthusiasts from Africa. It brings you logical analysis, insight, and qualitative evaluation of the key research and innovation issues shaping the future of technology today.

We will unveil the changes and potentials that present business, investment and research opportunities. With Scitech360, you’ll have a window to follow research as it makes it makes the leap from the laboratory into the market place.

SN: What is unique about your blog/startup/company?

Francis: I guess Scitech360 is unique first because we are the only one doing what we are doing, the way we are doing it. Its innovative approach is opening new grounds, at least in Africa. All forms of media are used to help communicate a particular science or technology innovation. We employ traditional text, with illustrative images also to aid our readers in visualizing the concept we employ web videos. And so that our readers are constantly in touch whether at their desk or while mobile, we implemented a feed system.

SN: How many people are currently using your website services (e.g. feed readers, visitors)?

Scitech360’s subscriber base is growing steadily since we started in July 2008. At last count, we have over 500 readers more than half of them are returning. Almost all of them are subscribed to the site feed. For a project that is specialised, we feel it’s a good start to achieving our objective.

As for DCS we currently service over 20 clients and another 10 or so that have been outsourced to us. Also many prospective clients always come knocking.

SN: What kind of marketing and/or advertising strategy do you use for your website?

Francis: Our marketing strategy for scitech360 is basically pushed by our readers and through social networks. Each news feature on scitech360 has an ‘email to friend’ functionality also readers can submit the news to the Digg news social network.

SN: What are the main web technologies/tools you use to monitor the performance of your website?

Francis: Google Analytics. It’s just so comprehensive.

SN: What is the monetizing/revenue model for your website?

Francis: Currently scitech360 is not generating revenue. It’s still being powered by Digital Craft Studios. In the long run we hope to generate revenue from corporate adverts and sponsorships from companies that have a stake in science and technology in Africa. We are currently working on satisfying our audience first, revenue will come.

SN: Which websites are the main competitors in your market segment/sector?

I like to see models and motivation in competition.

Science Writing: www.technologyreview.com

Web: www.printmediany.com and www.Edgeofmyseat.com

SN: What challenges do you currently face as a web entrepreneur?

To keep readership interest we constantly have to be innovative in content and functionality of scitech360. This is of course aside from the infrastructure problems associated with Nigeria.

SN: What do you think of new startups and innovation coming out of Nigeria today?

Francis: They need to raise their game, sharpen their skills so that they’re able to stand shoulder to shoulder with providers of similar service globally.

SN: What new Nigerian startups, in your opinion, should be watched?

Francis: startupsnigeria, dudumobile, Digital Craft Studios

SN: Do you have any thoughts on our Universities and their curriculum in terms of promoting and encouraging entrepreneurship and innovation amongst students?

Francis: I’ll like a more project oriented education approach, i.e. undergraduate research should be encouraged not only as a final year project but all through the duration of study. I see it as the most effective means of keeping the students interested in learning and innovation by showing them the real life applications of the problems they solve in class.

SN: What do you think the Government (both Federal and State) should do to improve the culture of innovation and entrepreneurship in Nigeria?

Francis: The Government would do well to focus on science, technology and even the arts, if Nigeria is to be a service producing economy and not just a consuming economy.

SN: Do you have any advice for people who want to launch new startups?

Francis: Start by having a plan. At least start and don’t let the difficulties woo you

SN: Do you have any business advisor/mentor?

Web: Steve Jobs and Rachael Andrews

Science Writing: Technology Review and Alex Abutu of News Agency of Nigeria.