A few years ago, having a website was a “luxury” for companies. Even when they had the resources to do it, a website was not a priority. Even today there are companies that still fear or refuse to make that leap into digital.
Especially when there are platforms like Facebook, Instagram or Twitter that to some extent fulfill that role of being the online presence of your brand. But as you must already know, having a Facebook profile is not the same as having your own website.
There are currently many tools and platforms to create your own website, but as we have already mentioned in 9 tips for hiring a design company, having the help of a professional can be cheaper in the long run, since you will save time and effort and you will know that the results will be one hundred percent professional.
At the same time, to have a website you must consider certain factors that, if you are not familiar with, could end up frustrating you and leaving everything half done without wanting to see a website again in your life.
So today we are going to answer one of the million questions: How much does a website cost?
As we told you in the previous paragraph, there are many factors that you should consider when paying for a website.
The first thing is that each designer or programmer is going to charge you differently, we are giving you an approximate range, but factors such as the urgency with which you require it and the time and work of the designer also depend. It is not worth haggling over other people’s work. Sometimes in the creative industry we tend to underestimate the work of designers and creators because it is only “moving a few things” but it requires a lot of time, effort, knowledge and creativity.
So whether you are looking to hire someone or you are thinking about making websites, in this article we are going to show you what are the factors that you should consider when charging or contracting the creation of a website.
What do you need before you start?
Having a website can bring you many advantages as a company. You can demonstrate professionalism and availability to your clients and you can also make more people find you on the Internet and encourage them to hire your services.
That is why it is very important that when you think about your website you see it as an investment and not as an expense that you do not want to make. That is why you should consider the maintenance of your site, since these are not static.
And I don’t mean that you should spend every month on it, but rather that you should keep in mind that just as you take a car in for a review to have it tuned, the same thing happens with the site. Either because there are elements that are not attractive or sections that need to be added. Just keep in mind that although they seem like small things, they actually represent a great effort, so, as we already told you, do not minimize the work of others.
Another thing that you should consider before starting is that many times, although something seems beautiful to us, it is not always functional. Sometimes we get so caught up in a color or an idea that seems brilliant to us that when someone tells us it doesn’t work we get upset. I have had to see friends struggling because their clients do not understand that that color combination or that button is only going to hinder their work.
I am not telling you to give up your vision, on the contrary, maintaining very good communication with your designer or programmer is key so that both parties can work together and obtain the desired results.
Another element that you must take into account (and it is a mistake that I have made as a freelancer) is not giving the programmer or designer the information on time and adequately. Yes, if you are a designer or programmer, don’t start until you have all the information. This is going to save you a lot of headaches and changes because even if you use “while” info to get ahead, it is super important to have things like branding, images or videos as they can hinder your work and make you take longer (and work more) than estimated.
Also, if you are a freelancer it is super important that you make clear your times, what you need from the client and how much you will charge for extra charge or extra change. It is worth asking for an advance and do not be afraid of not starting without it, in the end if they do not pay you then you will not have wasted your time.
So now you know, if you are a customer:
Keep a list with reference sites.
All the material you need on your page.
Do not belittle the work of others.
And if you are a freelancer:
Do not start working before they give you all the information, including branding, text, content, etc.
Make clear your times and payment methods.
Clarify the cost for each change they ask for.
What is it going to do for you?
The first thing you should do is think about the functionality of your website, that is, what is it going to do for you?
Wanting a website to have a page with your company’s information is not the same as wanting a website that serves as an online store or e-commerce. Before going to a programmer or designer, you must take into account what you want your web page for so that he can begin to give you an estimate of the options that he can offer you.
In addition, depending on the complexity of the site, its price will be higher. And the better you have an idea, the less likely you will ask to make significant changes to the site, which also cost, although far from money, can delay the launch of your website.
Thinking about its functionality, you should also think about the number of sections you want it to have. For example, if you want a static page that serves you only to let people know about your services, you may not need more than the home page, who we are, contact and our services. On the other hand, if what you want is to have a web page where people can buy your products, it is very likely that you need an online store and even a blog.
Because as we have told you on other occasions, in 8 reasons to create your company’s blog, having a blog is not the same as having a web page. And even if you feel like it wouldn’t do much, having a blog can actually help you improve your online presence.
Especially if you are thinking of developing digital marketing, inbound marketing or content marketing campaigns to succeed on the internet.