WebSite Dollars & Sense

What does a website cost? I hear that question frequently. Many people have unrealistic expectations for website cost. A quality, worthwhile website does not have to cost thousands of dollars. Small businesses can usually get a quality web presence for around $1000, sometimes less.

You may be thinking about a website or a makeover for an existing site. You may fear it will cost more than you can afford. I’ll provide some insight to the factors affecting website costs and ideas of what your dream website might cost.

Content Matters

Costs relate to the content and size. Typical content includes text and graphics. Size is the number of pages. I don’t charge per page like some designers because there is no standard definition of a page, but the number of pages is a factor.

Graphics & Photos

Graphics costs depend on how many images there will be and how much work it takes to make them web-ready. Give me a disk with a file containing a photograph that is clear, focused and properly lit, it will add maybe $10 to the cost. Give me a photo that is blurry and underexposed and I will have to scan and enhance it. That photo might cost $20-25. More work = More cost.

Text

The same goes for text. Finished text, on disk, costs less than a typewritten rough draft. Provide rough notes hand written on cocktail napkins and the cost goes up again. As to amount of text, I base my quotes on an average of 200-300 words per page. The number of topics covered dictates the number of pages.

If you are considering your first site, Think Big, Start Small. Give your designer your budget and your complete wish list. I design the initial site to allow for eventual expansion as the client can afford it. Don’t let cost deter you. I pay nearly $1200 per year for a Yellow Page ad no larger than a business card. My website provides 100 times more information at a fraction of the cost. WebSites are likely the best advertising bargain ever.

Think Big; Start Small. You won’t regret it.