Rather than work on an hourly schedule, which in my experience often results in cost overruns, I prefer to offer my clients a fixed price for their web design project.
I am often asked – usually in the first conversation with a new client – how much their new website will cost. My normal response to them is: “How long is a piece of string?”
Until detailed information is obtained from the client about the design and functionality requirements of their website, it is impossible to provide a firm estimate of the project cost. With that in mind, what follows are some price guidelines for a typical brochure ware website project.
Basic Website Design & Development
My basic website development generally consists of the following:
- Domain name registration for one year (if needed)
- Installation of the WordPress content management system
- Five to ten pages of content
- One contact page with Spam protection features
- One search engine friendly Site Map
- One information page for copyright, privacy and accessibility information
- Complete testing and troubleshooting of any issues found
Generally speaking, you can assume that a website of this type will cost between $3,250.00 and $4,500.00 to complete. This price can vary significantly depending on the graphic design needs or other features required by the client.
E-Commerce Websites
If your needs include being able to conduct e-commerce through your website you can expect the cost of the site to increase by as little as $450.00 to as much as $2,000.00 above the costs of the basic website described above. This is a ball park estimate that cannot be better determined until your needs are analyzed and understood.
Free Initial Consultation
The first phase of this per-project pricing is to discuss your needs. I will send you a fairly detailed questionnaire asking about different aspects of your business, your customer base and your website goals. I will also ask about your color preferences, graphic logo availablity, etc. After receiving and reviewing your questionnaire I will have a much better idea of what is required for your project. I will communicate my thoughts to you and see if you are interested in doing further business with me.
Web Design Proposal
If you are willing to proceed, I prepare a detailed and comprehensive proposal that is particular to your needs. This proposal outlines what you can expect, when you can expect it, and how much the total price will be for the project. This price will only change if the scope of the project changes. By pricing projects in this way, you are assured that the project price will not change.
What’s Next?
If the you approve the proposal, I require an initial deposit before beginning the project. I accept cash, check or Visa/MasterCard through PayPal. Once payment is received, I am off-and-running with the new project. I will work hard and smart until the project meets all the terms of the proposal. Contact me today to get this whole process started.
