How much does a web site cost?

I saw this question asked in a forum I am part of and after I wrote this answer, I thought - hey, this could be a blog post for all of you! (This morning's lesson? Recycle your content! Don't waste a drop!)

So how much will a web site cost? Honestly, this is kind of like asking how much a car costs. The answer is, it depends on the car, its features, and who is selling it. Actually, in web site design, who is selling is is a bigger factor than with cars, because there are a great many people doing web design with varying years of experience and talents - just like customers have varying levels of expectation, budget and needs. Very often, the expectations, budget and needs are NOT in cahoots with each other at first - so it's almost an impossible question to answer. So, first you would have to define what you consider a basic web site, and what your needs and expectations are. Then, getting those three things in alignment, you can start researching and asking designers for quotes!

So, first, ask yourself these questions:

* How many pages of content will there be - and how much content?
* What areas of content will you have, and what features do you need on the site (auto responders, shopping carts, etc)?
* Do you know the answers to these questions or do you need the guidance of a consultant?
* What kind of design are you envisioning? Do you have photos or will you need them? Do you know what you want and need execution or need someone to present creative ideas to you?
* Will you do your own content writing? Or do you need someone to help you with that?
* Are you going to maintain the site yourself after its launched, adding and editing content?
* Do you have a domain to match your business name - and do you have a business name yet?
* Do you have a logo that you will brand your site with?

Thats just to get you thinking about it!

Then, you have to ask yourself what your budget is - how much money do you have to invest in your start up web presence? Do you have access to credit -- sometimes you can start a business web site and pay for it with credit cards, and launch with a great presence instead of just using cash on hand. Over time, the investment will pay for itself - and you can pay off that credit card so that is how a lot of micro businesses do it. Or, are you on a shoestring budget and intend to do this as cheaply as you can? These are important questions to ask.

Then, you get down to the "who" you contract web site services from. There are an incredible assortment of web designers out there, from people who just purchased a site builder and a box of clipart and hung a shingle, to veterans with design or programming degrees and years of experience. Obviously, prices vary, as does the level of service, professionalism, creativity, responsiveness and expertise you can buy. But that is not to say someone just starting out, offering "dirt cheap" design, is going to be a bad fit - it just means you HAVE TO do your homework. View sites they've done before. Look for testimonials. Get references - but don't just call who the designer tells you to call - consider contacting a variety of clients, ask to speak to the person who is responsible for the site being built, and ask how they felt it worked out with their web designer.

Then, ask the web designer for their policies - in other words, find out how they operate. For example:

*Who owns your site design?
*What happens if the web designer drops the ball - or you do - who pays who what? *What are the guarantees?

If you decide to go forward, you MUST have a contract. That should tell you, at the very least:

* what you are paying and when it is due
* what you will receive for that payment (in detail!)
* when you can expect completion of the site

There is some truth to the old saying that "you get what you pay for" - but it's not a law. Most talented, experienced and professional web designers who are running a business (read: they are serious about it, and have a solid presence)are going to charge AT LEAST a couple hundred dollars for the most basic site - probably more like $400-750. It really truly depends on what they are providing, designing, how much consulting and strategy is included, and so on - from a page or two, on up to content heavy or custom, database driven sites, the cost can go up and up. Add custom illustrations, Flash animations, and search engine marketing, and you're starting to see how it can go. Answer all those questions I posed up front, and your final costs should be really close to what you pay. On the flip side, I've seen people online offering starter web sites for $50, $100, and I have to ask myself, what kind of work are they doing? And, how long will they be able to stay in business like that?

No one truth or answer to the question "what does a web site cost?" but certainly, much to think about! And if you need an estimate, let me know - I've done over 300 web sites and have got estimating down to a science. I won't give you a cheaper price to bag you and then say "oh, oops! Scope creep!" like I hear many others do. With SOHO It Goes, what I quote is what you pay. Period. :o)

(c) Eileen Parzek, 2005

Eileen Parzek is an award winning graphic designer and writer providing digital and print graphic design and web design services. Always found at the intersection of information, creativity and technology, her business, Business Design Studio (www.businessdesignstudio.com) helps small businesses make a big impression, increase their reach and grow.

May be republished with full bio and credit link to http://www.businessdesignstudio.com