“What is the cost of a basic website?”
“I really need something very basic.”
“I don’t want a big website — just something basic.”
I hear this a lot. Specifically, the “really basic” part.
Unfortunately, there is no such thing anymore as a “basic website”. Any web presence should be — must be customized to fit your needs, otherwise, what’s the point? Even if you envision a small website, it’s not likely to be “basic”. If your business/product is like everyone else’s, then your specific site goal should be to set you apart. If your product is different, highlight that. And your content delivery method must figure into determination of what’s “basic” — are you planning to update yourself or have your designer update, or some of both, and if so, what specifically, and how much/often? Do you intend to blog, sell things, display adspace, etc.? Do you need a site up in three weeks or have you allocated more time for development? Would you need dynamically-generated content, feeds, or would it all be hard-coded?
These scenarios require vastly different processes and it would be wholly irresponsible for me to even indicate a cost without knowing your plans and druthers. And factoring in all these various factors, how can your website be considered basic? I know a lot about author sites. But even with those, I ask a lot of questions. It’s even more critical to ask questions about unique small businesses.
I don’t mean to be argumentative, and I respect wanting to know a cost, but no designer should advertise a “basic cost” unless they are merely churning out templated, cookie-cutter, clip art stuff. There is certainly a market for that type of product, and kudos to those who can make a living at it. I pass no judgment on those who feel that that is all they need for their web presence. But it is not what we create here, even though the majority of our clients are all in the same industry. Not even our Waxcreative Express site, which is based on a base price, is a “basic” site.
We have built websites that took 25 hours and we have built some that required over 300 and hundreds of hours have gone into building them up over the years. It’s all relative. There is no such thing anymore as a “basic website”. Plus, what a lot of clients think is “basic” is really quite complex code — it’s merely that they have seen it in a bunch of places and therefore think it must be as easy as 1-2-3.
So how do you get a sense of cost? Have a ready Scope Document, or be prepared and available to answer a lot of questions. But I bet your needs are more complex than “basic” — because your company idea is pretty cool, isn’t it? And you are an individual, with individual content management needs and workflows. Don’t sell yourself so short.
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Anyone looking for basic, shouldn’t use Waxcreative, as there is nothing “basic” about your work. One look at the portfolio should tell prospective clients that!
Well, gosh. Thanks, Rosemary!
But lovely compliments from happy clients aside, there really isn’t such a thing anymore as “basic” website. If what you do has any unique value, look for better than basic.