No matter what its purpose is, nowadays, a website is probably the first thing people see when they look up your business, your product, or you (if you are offering a service yourself). And since first impressions go a long way in determining whether or not someone will want to do business with you, the design of your website is absolutely vital.
But how much should a website design cost, and how do you know that you’re getting your money’s worth? In this article we go over the different aspects that play a role in determining the cost of your website.
Quality
In this day and age, and with the myriad of service providers on the market – both locally and remotely – you could easily design and manage a website for as little as $20 a year. However, you get what you paid for; it may not be pretty, and sometimes, the usability of it can be even challenging for your visitors. That said, you don’t have to hire the most expensive designers out there – just don’t go for the almost-free steals either. As a helping tool, cheapwebdesign.co.uk estimates the cost to help you figure out the range of your potential spending, so you don’t have to overspend while hiring a professional to design your portal.
Size
Think of your website as a magazine; the more pages you will print, the more you’ll pay. Other than the landing or home page, how many pages does your plan entail? Are there many sections, or is it a simple list to choose from? The size of your website is a factor in determining how much you are likely to pay.
Complexity
Another aspect is the complexity of your website; is it a simple show-and-tell tool, or does it need to be interactive? Will it include features like a search engine, forms to fill, and user accounts that your visitors need to create? Will it be sending out automated emails like updates and newsletters to a database, or is it a one-way platform that people go to for information? Is it smartphone compatible? These are all questions that, when answered, will help you better understand how much your website will cost and why.
Who You Hire
Depending on the size of your business, your budget, and policies, you may opt for hiring either a freelance designer or an agency. Although a freelancer will almost always be cheaper than an agency, their fees are entirely based on their skill level; a pro level designer with decades of experience will obviously cost more than a fresh graduate on their first project. On the other hand, hiring an agency may grant you the best design option money can buy, at a cost that can reach up to six figures.
Websites are the new business cards; in thirty seconds or less, and with the help of a smartphone, seeing your website is now faster and easier for people than meeting you in person. That’s why you should not compromise on the look and feel of your website, its usability, and compatibility with mobile devices. That said, there are ways to cut costs and optimize operations if you do your research properly and simplify your expectations.
