Are you feeling a bit overwhelmed about buying your first website?
Don’t worry, you’re not alone!
I am often asked about what’s involved in building a website and the first question is usually how much does it cost, followed quickly by how long will it take.
So to help you understand what’s involved and an idea of the likely costs I have put together some information to help you make sure your project is a success and that you feel confident throughout the process.
Understanding Your Website’s Goals
Websites come in all shapes and sizes, each with its unique purpose.
Here are some common reasons people create websites:
1. Sharing Information
Maybe you want to inform people about a topic you’re passionate about.
2. Attracting Customers
If you run a business, your website can help you reach potential customers.
3. Selling Products
Do you have items you’d like to sell online? Your website can be your virtual store.
4. Content Publishing
Some websites focus on regularly sharing articles or blog posts.
5. Online Booking
If you provide services, you might want clients to book appointments on your website.
6. Membership Areas
Some websites offer exclusive content to members.
Don’t Just Dive In
Before diving straight into building your site it’s important to think about your website’s goals.
Start by considering:
- How many pages will your website have? (e.g., homepage, about, services, contact)
- Is being found on Google important to you?
- Do you plan to publish content regularly, like a blog?
- Will you sell products online?
- Do you need to list events, properties, or maintain a directory?
- Are you interested in email marketing?
- Should visitors be able to book appointments or services online?
- Is a “members only” area necessary for restricted access?
If it’s your first website, create a list of must-have and nice-to-have features.
Depending on your budget, you can focus on the essential elements first and add the advanced features at a later date.
Understanding Website Costs
Now, let’s talk about the costs.
It’s a common concern when creating a website, but don’t worry; everyone is concerned with their first website
It’s not unusual for someone to ask how much a website costs without offering any information as to what the website needs to be or do.
Websites can vary greatly in cost, and the final price depends on your specific needs.
Remember, think about what you need the website to have or need it to do:
- How many pages will your website have? (e.g., homepage, about, services, contact)
- Is being found on Google important to you?
- Do you plan to publish content regularly, like a blog?
- Will you sell products online?
- Do you need to list events, properties, or maintain a directory?
- Are you interested in email marketing?
- Should visitors be able to book appointments or services online?
- Is a “members only” area necessary for restricted access?
Here are some general price ranges for different types of websites:
- Informational or Small Business Websites (8-16 pages): £1,500 – £10,000+
- Larger Corporate Websites (25-75 pages): £6,000 – £20,000+
- E-commerce Websites (100-1,000 products): £4,000 – £35,000+
- Database-Driven Websites (20-2,000 pages): £5,000 – £50,000+
Your website’s cost depends on your unique requirements and the skills of the developer you choose.
Small businesses with straightforward needs usually spend less than those with complex e-commerce or membership sites.
Think about the problems you want your website to solve and what it’s worth to you. A well-designed website can bring value and profit to your business.
Having a budget range in mind before reaching out to developers helps you find a good match.
My Websites start at £1,250 and my average site is £3,500.
Examples of things that make the price increase are Secured Membership Areas and ecommerce Stores. I also provide an optional ongoing Website Care Plan for every project I build starting at £30 per month,
Website Content
Now, let’s talk about the heart of your website—content.
When people visit a website, they’re looking for information to solve a problem or get answers.
Your content plays a vital role in your website’s success.
Here are three ways to handle website content:
1. You Provide All Content
You know your business best, so you can create all the content yourself.
It’s the most budget-friendly option.
2. Collaboration with a Writer
Work with a writer who can help craft your ideas into compelling content.
It’s a cost-effective and authentic approach.
3. Content Created for You
Let professionals handle content creation, ensuring it’s optimised for search engines and user engagement. This option is often the most expensive.
Consider your expertise in your field, your time availability, and your budget when deciding on the content approach that suits you best.
Remember that content isn’t just text; it includes images, videos, and other media that you’ll need to curate or create.
My single articles start at £75 and my content creation package starts at £500
Attracting Visitors to Your Website
Creating your website is just the beginning; now you need to attract visitors.
With millions of websites out there, you’ll need a strategy to stand out.
Here are some ways to drive traffic to your website:
1. Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
Optimize your website to rank higher in search engine results.
SEO requires ongoing efforts like creating content and building links.
2. Social Media
Use social platforms to build an audience and direct them to your website.
3. Paid Advertising (PPC)
Invest in paid ads to quickly drive traffic, but it can be costly.
4. Traditional Advertising
Promote your website offline, such as on business cards and flyers.
Your website’s ongoing success depends on regular updates and maintenance.
Think of your website as an investment, and budget for hosting, domain registration, and software licenses.
It’s often a good idea to consider professional management to save time and ensure everything runs smoothly.
Choosing a Web Designer
Lastly, let’s talk about finding the right person or team to help you build your website.
Here are some factors to consider:
- Do you prefer working with a local developer or are you open to remote collaboration?
- Do you want to work one-on-one with a developer or with a team?
- Research potential developers by checking reviews, references, and their portfolio.
- Get to know the companies you’re considering and ensure they’re a good fit for your project.
Here’s a guide I wrote which covers the questions you should ask a web designer
Building your website is a significant step for your business or project, and by taking the time to research and plan, you’re setting yourself up for a better chance of success!
A polite request from a web professional to potential first time website customers
Now you know what is involved in building a website, when you decide to choose a designer or developer to do it for you, don’t forget there is a ton of work involved and they have usually put in thousands of hours perfecting their craft.
Be sure not to upset them by either not valuing their time or service
As a pointer, here’s a few comments that would likely stop me from taking on a customer for their website
- My friend who is a web developer said…
- My mate down the pub said…
- When a client knows it’s budget, but not it’s scope
- I could probably do this myself but I just don’t have the time
- I know I’m not paying for an SEO contract but can you explain why we are not appearing in the search rankings
- I don’t need the care plan. Let’s just get the website online and see how it goes
- I want to build something like Facebook. My budget is £500
- What I need is very basic and easy, It should be cheaper I think…
