orange grove designs
budgeting for a website
How much does a website cost?
This is a rather open-ended, 'how long is a piece of string' question, which unfortunately doesn't have a straight-forward answer.
The reason being is that there are so many options when it comes to designing a website and so many requirements which differ from one business or individual to another.
The best way of explaining this is by comparing it to a real-life example such as buying a new kitchen. If you know nothing about kitchens it's easy to assume they must all cost around the same amount, however once you delve deeper you discover it's not as simple as 'just installing a new kitchen'. Firstly how big will the kitchen be? Is it a bespoke kitchen or a flat pack? If you want a bespoke kitchen you will need someone to come around and discuss your requirements and measure up. Will you want a cooker, a hob, a dishwasher included with it? If so, will you want them all to be plumbed and installed professionally (this will require additional expertise).
Similarly with websites, we will need to find out how big your site is going to be, whether you want a very basic site or one which contains contact forms, Flash content, a shopping cart. Will you want to edit the content after it's been made live? Do you have an existing logo that you want to use or will you require a new one designed as well?
Whether it's kitchens or websites, it applies to both that before being able to quote for such a project, we will need to know at least those very basic facts.
understanding the costs
The most basic of websites; say a one page site with a bit of text, some images and contact details all put together into an attractive design, could cost as little as £200. On the face of it, without knowing the full process of designing a website some may be forgiven for thinking even this was pricey for such a small website. However it would probably take at least 2 days work to establish exactly what it is you're after in terms of design and content, then design one or two mock ups for you to choose between, make any amendments you specify before then actually building the website, uploading it and making any final tweaks. With all this considered you're actually getting a very good rate for a professional service.
Websites which require more time and specific expertise such as content management integration, are likely to cost upwards of £1000. E-commerce stores are one of the most expensive types of site and the costs are likely to span into the thousands.
Hopefully this has shown that each website needs to be assessed individually so that an accurate quote can be provided.
I have to say that in terms
of a really well laid out and
clean website it is a
fantastic one. The others
are so long and busy or
really dated. I'm really
chuffed and it was so quick!
Stephen - TFMP
