During initial discovery meetings many of our clients frequently rush to the question of “how much do you charge for a website?” Clients that have never built a website before or have a first- generation website tend to shop on price. They tend seek out their brother-in-law who is a sociology major “but does websites on the side.” Then they will brag about how they spent $1,000.00 on their new website.
These low budget websites frequently:
1) Are never designed to achieve a specific goal or action
2) Lack the visual appeal necessary to engage the audience
3) Do not contain the necessary information desired by the target audience
4) Have no support from the original web designer
5) Possess outdated information
6) Have not been optimized
7) Contain programming errors, dead links and more
8) Most importantly do not drive sales
After a few months or sometimes years the client realizes that their current website is actually damaging their image. They start reviewing their competitors websites and realize that their prospective customers are going through the same process. This is when companies start seeking professional website designers to develop their new web presence.
Let me cut to the chase…..There is no average website cost. Just like every client, every website is different.
Some of the questions that need to be asked – that will determine your cost:
1) What are the goals of the website? (e.g. inquiries, sales)
2) Do you need to incorporate animation or video?
3) What graphical images will need to be created?
4) Will the website require database capabilities?
5) How many rounds of edits will be included? (you WILL underestimate this)?
6) Who will maintain/update the website?
7) Do you need the website to be optimized? (It should be)
8) What will be the final number of pages? (you WILL underestimate this too)
9) Will you provide all of the copy or will you need a copywriter?
10) Is the website being built from scratch or are there components that can be reused?
Lastly, ask yourself this question…”How many sales will it take to break-even on this website?” This will help you determine whether the proposed website is a good investment or not.
If you have questions about this blog or questions about Sales Sherpas website services you may reach us at 800.287.7198 or visit us at
www.salessherpas.com.
