I get asked this on an almost daily basis. And the answer is: Exactly the right amount to make it work. There is no magic answer to this question. Us web designers and web developers, we don’t quote projects up per page anymore, those are days of the long ago past. We quote based on how long things will take us. So what we need from great clients (like you) is a proper, formulated brief.
If you can tell me what you want, and what you are looking to achieve, I’ll be happy to talk to you about your business plan and help you to decide the must-haves on your site, and the nice-to-haves. Once we know these, then (and only then) can I start to think about giving you a quote.
“But what if I want as site that is really simple?” – I hear you cry! Well, simple sites are easier to quote, because the time that it takes will be less. But you have to remember, that each site is unique. It isn’t just the click of a button and it’s done. Each site is crafted, with content and user experience in mind. Not to mention SEO and how easy it will be for you to update it using a solid CMS.
So, in short. There is no answer to how much does a website cost, because if you go to the right people (like me!) Then there are no two websites the same. And if there are no two websites the same, it’s logical that no two websites should cost the same.
Get rid of pre-conceived ideas that a 5 page website will set you back £999.99 – it just isn’t like that now. If you really want to know how much your site will cost, I highly suggest that you do some initial groundwork and map out the pages you’ll have, the rough content for each page and come to me with that information – it makes my life so much easier, and in the long run, will make your site that bit more affordable too.
Now, don’t get me wrong. I don’t mean to sound like I am client bashing. I am not. If you genuinely don’t really know what the website is going to do from a functional point of view (perhaps you have a seed of an idea and want to discuss it), then by all means, bend my ear. I’m a good listener and I don’t charge to take your call and give you my honest advice. I’ll try and estimate costs for you based on what you are saying too. But just remember, that until we all agree on a proper brief and technical document, the quote is till a moving target.
I hope that clears up some of the confusion within the ‘how much does a website cost’ debate – that is my take on it anyway.
Originally posted by Rob Fenech