How much will a website cost?

Sounds like a simple question, doesn’t it?

Google it and see if you find a simple answer – we bet you don’t!

If you’re a small or start-up business looking for a professionally-designed website, please don’t be put off because no single price jumps out at you.

Consider a website as both a product and a service and it’s easier to understand why there’s no “one size fits all” solution.

The good news is you can have a top quality, eye-catching website for your business that matches YOUR budget. 

If you’ve got a few minutes to spare, we’ll explain how to get an accurate quote for YOUR new website.

You’re unique – that’s the problem

We’re not being flippant, but a self-employed painter and decorator won’t need the same kind of website as a global airline that sells it flights online.

And, a global airline will have a far bigger budget for its website than a self-employed sole trader – but both can and should have a professionally designed, high-quality website that they’re proud to use as their “virtual’ shop window.

Get a Quote

If you want your lounge painted and you contact a painter and decorator for a quote, you’d expect to be asked some basic questions before he or she could give you a price.

“What size is the room?’ “Does the job include stripping wall-paper or preparing woodwork before painting?’ “What paint do you want me to use?’

Once the decorator understands exactly what you want, they’ll quote you a price.

You need to ask “How much will MY website cost?”

The easiest way to get an accurate price for a website designed exclusively for your business is to contact a few marketing and design experts and ask for a quote.

Start with local marketing and website design companies who specialise in working with small or medium-sized businesses like yours.

Chances are, they’re small companies themselves and will totally understand your budget constraints.

You may be surprised to hear that small marketing companies are full of really nice people who want to help.

The good ones will talk to you in plain English and find out exactly what you want your website to do for your business. They’ll talk you through what’s included in their service without any gobbledygook and give you a price they’ll promise to stick to if you decide to go ahead.

Ask the right questions

One of the reasons you come across so many different prices when you search online for website costs is that different companies include different features in their pricing.

Check which of the following services and features are included in any website price you are quoted.

• Domain name – if you don’t already own a domain name (e.g. www.brandabble.co.uk), will this be extra?
• Hosting – Is the first year’s hosting included or will this be extra? What’s the cost in subsequent years?
• Professional copywriting – is this included or do you have to provide your own content or pay extra for this service?
• Images and photography – Are you providing photos and images or will you need to pay for images to use on your website?
• Aftercare – does the price include additional support if you need it or will this be extra?

You need these questions answered to be able to compare costs on a “like for like” basis.

Seek quotes from a few companies before making up your mind.

Compare their prices, what’s included in the price, look at websites they’ve created for other people and ask yourself if they’re the kind of people you want to work with.

Knowledge is power

Getting a price for your new website doesn’t commit you to anything.

Once you’ve got a price, you can decide whether it offers your business value for money and where a new website comes in your list of business priorities.

At least you’ll have a clear idea of cost in your head which will come in handy when you’re doing your business planning.

Brandabble is a small, friendly marketing company based in West Sussex.

We specialise in helping small to medium-sized business to punch above their weight with beautifully-designed, mobile-friendly websites, creative marketing ideas and professional copywriting that grabs attention.

If you’d like to hear how Brandabble can give your business the voice and look it needs to win new business, contact us today.