Step 6. What do websites cost?

How much should I expect to pay for a website and is there a standard cost?

Unfortunately there is no standard cost. We often get asked this question from people enquiring about websites, and the conversation usually goes something like this ...

 

Client: Hi, I'm enquiring to see what your website's cost?

Imaging4Design: Thank you for your call, it really depends on what you are after - the costs can vary

Client: Just a ballpark figure, you know - just a standard website - 4 or 5 pages you know the ones ..

Imaging4Design: Again it really depends on what is involved, will this be a simple brochure site or are you after something more substantial, like a site that gathers information from users through the use of forms, or a search function for your products and services, or maybe an eCommerce facility?

Client: Haven't really thought about that yet, was just after a price! - can you give me one or not??

 

Honestly, we're not avoiding the question!

There's nothing more frustrating than a website company trying to be evasive when it comes to cost! However, consider this ...

 

Say for example you wish to purchase a new car - would you realistically call a car dealer and ask 'How much for a car?' Probably not. Why? Because everyone knows cars vary in terms of make and model, additional features, safety components, fuel efficiency etc. This is similar to websites. What may seem a simple feature on your site may take many hours of coding and testing for that feature to function correctly.

 

So what should I be paying?

This depends on what you expect from your website. If you only need a simple site to convey basic information about your business, your products and services and some contact details you should consider estimates up to $1000 dollars. This should include a professional looking design and 5-10 pages of content with some sort of analytical tool to measure viewer traffic. You might also expect a basic content management system to update your own site for this price.

 

If you require something more substantial, like an eCommerce facility, or a subscription service for members to sign up and join this could raise the costs into the $1000's depending upon the complexity required. Each website design company will vary in cost when it comes to customised features. It is important to communicate exactly what you need in order to get an accurate quote.

 

What do I provide to get an accurate quote?

1. Give a detailed breakdown of your website, the pages you need and what is likey to appear on each page

2. Offer examples of other wesbites you have seen indicating layout and design perferences

3. Specify all funtionality you require in terms of forms to gather information from your users, sign up subscriptions, eCommerce capabilities and possible database requirements if you wish to load multiple products to your site.

 

Don't forget the golden rule! Planning, planning, planning! Adding addtional features at a later date could significanlty change the original quote offered to you!