Setting the budget for your Web site
Marylou is overwhelmed by different quotes for Web site development. What should Marylou look for in a Web site developer?
From Ted Hessing, Charlotte, NC The specific question asked by MaryLou was "What is the price range of a typical website in MD."
The forum question "What should Marylou look for in a website developer" is a great way to find the answer to the first question of website design price.
The only reason to have a business website is to make money. A good web developer will be able to determine what features a site should have to maximize the return on her investment. Great developers should be able to create a phased approach to scale the site as her business and revenues grow.
From a pure price perspective, web development cost really does depend on the effort required and project timeline – just as most other services do. Just make certain you will get that return.
Ted Hessing
Charlotte Web Development
From James, Lake Forest, CA I agree that the range of the quotes are so different is because most small business owners don't know what they want and/or don't understand the scope of some of the features they want.
As someone who works with small businesses on sites, I've had a number of cases where they say they want a one page site where people can login, create accounts, order, view order history, etc and expect to only pay $500.
On another hand, I've dealt with clients who thought they needed to spend $5,000 but after ironing out what they want, and only had to spend $1,500 to $2,000.
- James
http://www.truepathsolutions.com
From Nancy Chorpenning, Atlanta, GA I agree that as a starting place, it is critical to clarify the main purpose for Marylou's website. It is of concern that her query did not give some clue about that, beggin the question of how well thourght through is this website? Too often, small businesses put up a site just for presence, because "everyone else has one." Without clear focus, that is throwing good money after bad. Also, it is important to understand what role Web presence plays in a comprehensive marketing strategy, where action plans and measurements of success are hopefully in place. She could use a trusted business advisor to serve as both an advocate and accountability partner, as well as to resource web developers who won't take her to the cleaners! Depending upon her needs, she could potentially do something for less than $5000 – perhaps even using a blogging approach would be a better route? The limited information provided makes it impossible to know but it does open up important questions to be asked and answered.
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I think you first have to pose the question "What kinda of site do I want".If you are looking for e-commerce my first advice would be examples of working sites.If you can contact site owners and ask if they are happy.Make sure their is a written agreement of what you will be getting and not.It should define payments arrangements as well.Leave a healthy balance for after everything is done.Investigate rates for changes after site is done.A lot of developers can give you a live demo of backend(administration) interface that you will use to interact with your site.If all the above checks out to your satisfaction then you can expect the site to be several thousand dollars however it will probably be money well spent in long run.
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