Choosing the right Website for your Business. Not all are equal, Pricing and Considerations
When navigating the options for website development and search engine optimization in this world, it can be a tougher task to pick the right options. I find that the varying levels of understanding and expectations from one small business owner to another could not possibly vary more.
I am taking a few seconds here to briefly explain in an organized fashion what you as the decision maker for purchasing a website should expect.
To begin, first consider the source from were you are seeking a website professional. If for example, you are looking on Craigslist versus going directly to avwebsite development firm, expect some huge differences in price, quality, and professionalism.
I also advertise on Craigslist, however, I provide professional website development. On Craigslist, one can often find great deals. Great deals can be had from postings such as this on bulletin board websites. And, equally big disasters can result as well. I find that 30% of my business comes from those who chose to go with a freelance developer. A freelance developer can obviously possibly offer the best price. The possible downfall is quality, a project that does not get finished, or the project is not delivered as expected. Strongly consider this! - A freelance developer that does it ‘’’’’on the side’’’’ is not paying taxes and does not have an established business. They have nothing to loose by not finishing your project, or not delivering your website project as expected!
So now - finally, let me cover pricing and coding quality. Pricing for a professionally coded website should start around $2000. for a 5 to 10 page website. If less than this, expect the coding to not be so professional. What are the downsides of bad coding you ask? On the front end, your website may look pretty, on the back end, if a Professional web developer has worked on your website, the code is clean and therefore - Search Engines(such as Google) will pick up your website better, rank it better, and will result in better revenue for you! There is something called style sheets. A professional web developer knows how to use these. Style Sheets are additional coding that will filter out ‘junk code’. If a website maker simply uses a graphic tool to slap a website together, the result is garbage on the back end. Saving a buck is not a good idea if you want your website to rank well and be read well by search engines such as Google. A pretty website is just a pretty website. You need a pretty website that also ranks well and increases your revenue.
The next level up in pricing should be around $2000 to $4000 for the same number of pages but increased functionality. For example, if you are wanting to add a form email contact form, some flash animation for the home page, unique logo design, extra one on one time to help with taking special notice of some branding recommendations, and perhaps a few special pop up menus, then expect to be in this price range.
The next and last level up will be around $6000 and up. In this range of pricing expect all the above with CMS (Content Management System) which allows you to update pages without needing any website knowledge. You can log into a control panel and update content on certain areas of the website. Keep in mind, there are also basic and advanced CMS systems. Some just update simple content, others will allow you to update pictures, tags, etc. Adding Blogs, Forums and other special features will also be additional pricing.
Without having any prior website shopping experience, or much website technical knowledge, I will sometimes be asked the following question - ‘How much can you do a website for’. Even though I have heard this question several times, it still remains to put me in a state of disbelief. The reason for this, is that asking this question is exactly the same as asking - ‘how much will you sell me a car for?’….
There is more than 1 car out there… You have your Go Cart and your Ferrari, different options, different performance, difference speeds, and different price!!!!
So 1. Consider the source that you are using to find a website developer. 2. Decide what your budget is based on the 3 main qualities - clean coding, great looks, and functionality. If you want all 3, then you want a Ferrari - just make sure you can afford it. 3. Decide approximately how many pages you will need to communicate your message by looking at competitor’s sites as examples. Decide what functionality you will want and what your time line is for completing the project. 4. Lastly, clearly define your project scope with your website developer, make sure of what the deliverables are and what the functionality is that you are expecting by using other websites as examples. There are a lot of options and different levels of options, so make sure that you use examples for everything you are needing. It is the responsibility of both the buyer and the seller to set the right expectations for a website project before starting any development! The developer you do decide upon should also always be available to answer any project or technical questions you have and make you feel like they have time to take on your project.
I hope that helps some of you out there jumping into a website purchase!
Thanks..
Stathis Adel
Website Development Austin