How much does a professional website cost?

Before we can answer this question, we need to define what a professional website is and the work that goes into making one.

Assuming that your designer is competent, a professional website is made using industry standard software. Software of this type is considered to offer maximum creative freedom, functionality, and reliability by the majority of web designers. I'm not trying to promote Adobe, but it so happens that most web design companies and freelance designers use Dreamweaver, Flash, and Fireworks for their web authoring work. 

What goes into building a professional website? First, there's the cost of the web design software itself and the steep learning curve of how to use it. The web designer must also have an artistic sensibility to create an esthetically pleasing design that is both functional and usable. Knowledge of basic skills in the various internet programming languages is also necessary. The web designer must also possess marketing savvy for effective website promotion and keep current with the latest trends in internet marketing.

Back to our original question.
The cost of website design can be moderate to expensive. It depends on what you want. ( That's why you should read my previous post and get the requirements nailed down. ) The average prices mentioned here assumes custom design. A basic website, similar to an online brochure, can run anywhere from $500 to $1000 for five pages. I know this is a wide price range. At the very least, expect to pay roughly $100 per web page. Beyond the basic website, you may also want flash effects, specialized programming, etc. Sites of this type can and do run into thousands of dollars. Shop around for the best price. Be aware that like with anything else, you get what you pay for. 

Have you shopped around for web design prices? Do you think prices for website design are reasonable?
Comment on this post and let me know.

Coming up in my next post . . . How to minimize web design and maintenance costs.

What every business website should have

In basic terms, a profitable website must contain the information, product, or service that your customer is looking for. To retain site visitors and encourage repeat visits (stickiness), the home page should clearly present the following:

• The products and services offered
• Why these products and services are of value
• Promise for customer support
• Accurate product reliability information
• How customers will find these things on the site
• Trust and credibility
  

The above points are called the ‘value proposition’. When the value proposition is clearly stated, customers learn that the site has what they’re looking for and how these items will satisfy their need. The last point assures customers your business is for real, explains why they should purchase from you, that they can safely purchase from your site, and you’ll be around for customer support if needed.

Before even contacting a web designer, determine what you want your site to do. This will determine what kind of website is right for your business, how large the site will be, and the cost of design and maintenance. Make a list of your online goals and see if they include any or all of the following:

• Sell products
• Provide a service
• Provide information
• Have secure areas for customer accounts
• Offer a method for user feedback
  

You now know what you want and require from your website. You and your web designer can now move on to build a successful website for your business.

What do you think every business website should have?
Comment on this post and let me know.

Coming up in my next post . . . How much does a professional website cost?

Welcome

Hi!
I'm glad you're here with me to learn about making a website for your growing business.

Good communication between client and designer is a must to build a successful website. My experience in designing websites over the years is that some clients aren’t sure of what to expect from their website or a website designer. As a result, designers aren’t sure what the client really wants in a website. The end result is that the client may end up with an expensive, unsuccessful website.

Over the course of several posts, we’ll proceed step by step on the path to an affordable small business website by addressing the following:

· What every business website should have
· How much does a professional website cost
· How to minimize website design and maintenance costs
· What makes a good domain name
· How to secure a domain name
· Where to find an expert web designer
· Questions to ask a web designer
· What type of design and content is best for a business website
· How to promote a website

These are just a few of the things we’ll be looking at. Note that "What makes a good domain name?' is not the first question to ask when developing an internet business.

Please let me know what other topics you would like to see on this blog. I learn so much from my clients. Your input is needed and appreciated. Thanks for visiting!