As a custom web design business, we hear this question often.
Unfortunately, it’s not one we can answer without asking questions.
As much as we’d love to provide an exact price, it’s difficult. We’re not flipping burgers and there’s not a menu. Every project we complete is unique and has different requirements, features, and varying deadlines.
For instance, a website can be a single-page website that takes a week or two to complete, to a 50+ page website that can take two to three months.
You may say, “well don’t have you a ballpark for say, a 10-page website?”
Sure, but first, we need to know what those 10 pages will contain.
I always like to relate our business to a custom home builder. Can you imagine calling a custom home builder and asking them, “How much does a house run?” They’ll ask questions. Many questions.
I think you get the point.
We need information and you need to know how much your website project is going to cost.
Before calling a web designer, make sure to have answers to these questions below. You’ll be in a much better position to have a quicker turnaround time on a price and may even get a ballpark over the phone.
1) Deadline
By what date do you need your website completed? I find most people who say they don’t have a deadline, really do, they just aren’t sharing it. If you have a trade show next month and it’d be amazing to have a fresh website to showcase your company, let us know. If you don’t want to miss the holiday season coming up, say so.
2) Pages/Features
How many pages and what type of pages do you want on your website? What will each page include? Photos, text, a contact form, photo gallery, etc.? Will these pages interact with each other in any way? Are there special features to be included?
3) Purchasing / eCommerce
Are you going to list items for sale and collect money through your website? How many products will you have for sale? Are you going to manage this yourself after the website is finished?
4) Blog / News
Do you want to be able to edit the website yourself? Or, are you wanting someone else to add content or images, in the future?
5) Logo
Do you have a logo that we’ll be using or do you need us to design a new logo?
6) Content (Text)
Will you need us to write the content (text) on your website? Or will you write your own content?
7) Photos
Do you already have photos that we can use on the website? Or, will you need a photographer? Or maybe, you’ll need help selecting stock photos?
8) Why Do You Want a Website?
Why do you want a website in the first place? (Read this article we wrote for more help with this question)
9) Website Examples
Gather a list of websites that you like. Include the reasons why. Do you like a special feature on their website and want something similar for your own?
10) Budget
This is optional but preferred since it allows us to let you know if what you’re asking for is even a reality within your budget. The last thing we want to do is provide a price that’s completely outside of your budget. This wastes time for you and us. Knowing your budget also allows us to think through the features you’ve mentioned and show you which can be included and what cannot.
These are just a handful of the questions we ask prospective customers. If you already have answers to these questions, you’ll be more likely to receive an accurate ballpark for your new website.
Whew!
Now can appreciate the complexity of a seemingly simple question such as:
“How much does a website cost?”
Let’s Talk About Your Website Project
We’re always happy to help. Call or text us at (360) 450-3711.
You can also fill out our Quote Request form online (don’t forget to think through the questions above!)
