Have you been trying to figure out how to revamp your website for as cheap as possible? Maybe you’ve done some extensive research, or you haven’t. Either way, stop and consider if cutting costs on web design is a smart decision:
- Why do you want to create a website?
- Are you looking to give customers a place to learn more about your business?
- Maybe you want to sell goods, services, or wares on a platform created just for you?
Whatever the reason, the webpage is a crucial part of your company. We live in a digital age, and having a killer website will put you above your competition to gain customers.
Though most websites seem like no major hassle to produce, the behind-the-scenes process is complicated. Even messy sites have many hours of work behind them. If you want to impress your target online audience, you’ll want to pay for high-quality design services. Let’s go over web design costs and why getting professional help will set you apart from the competition.
What is the Cost of a Website Designer?
What if we told you that there’s no single answer? Annoying, we know, but it’s better than lying to you. Web design is a case-by-case industry, which means that you won’t know the approximate cost until you get an estimate.
If you insist on having numbers, here are some super broad and vague ranges that you can expect.
- $500 – $10,000 for a website with a pre-designed template
- $5,000 – $30,000 for a custom-designed website
- $8,000 – $100,000 for a special feature website
Is your jaw hanging on the floor? This list doesn’t cover specifics nor does it include things like management costs or analytic data. Stay with us on this..
However, many agencies like us understand that small-medium sized businesses cannot afford big bills for website design. If you want to know exactly how much you can expect to pay for a website, you should go to an agency to get an estimate.
What Can I Do to Lower My Costs?
The prices can be quite extensive, and we will be honest about that. However, we understand that your business must follow a budget to stay afloat. But what can you do to lower your costs?
1. Use a Template (DIY Builder)
The easiest way to pay less for web design is to use a pre-built template or do-it-yourself (DIY) platform that allows you to customize a website.
2. Minimize the Content On Your Site (get laser focused)
Content is KING in the growth of your website, but you have to be laser-focused on who and what your content is designed for. You should always have your target customer in mind and craft content to meet what they are searching for. This is a very tedious task, especially if writing is not your strong suit. If you enjoy writing and putting in a few hours of research you can save a ton of money by writing your own content.
You do not want to waste time on content that yields no results, read our 20 Ideas to Grow Your Business Online in 2020 for some help! Hiring a firm gives you access to a team of professional content writers who will do the work for you and generally yield much better results in the long term.
Why Should I Hire an Expert?
Creating your website DIY seems like a money-saving idea before you get started. Are you prepared to become an expert web designer, content creator, SEO creative, and data analyst, among other things? If the answer is yes, go for it but read our article on 10 Things DIY Website Builder Do Wrong before you get started!
In most cases, we’re going to guess the answer is a fat no. You’re already busy running your business, and you don’t need the additional stress of revamping or creating your website alone.
Even though the upfront expenses can seem to be a bit much, hiring an expert to design your website has a plethora of benefits:
- Professional web design knowledge
- Understanding of SEO & CRO sales tactics
- Communication and implementation of your ideas
- No extra effort on your part
You could hire an individual soloprenuer, or you could go with an agency. Check out the differences between different agency types over here.
What Are The Benefits of Expert Help?
A professional knows what they’re doing, and it’s as simple as that. An expert web designer will smooth any issues that you’ll face, whether they arise in the plan, design, or post-launch process. The upfront cost might seem extensive, but maintenance and repair expenses from a DIY job could end up emptying your bank if you’re not careful.
Aside from support and assistance while you pursue other parts of owning a business, a professional gives you more options when it comes to the aesthetics of your website. The cost isn’t just for show because you reap benefits from working with an agency or solo designer.
1. Custom Content Pages
When you choose to go with a team of experts, you can get creative with the presentation of your content. Regular pages and blogs will only get you so far in keeping the attention of your audience. With a design team, you can choose to add:
- Event calendars
- Unique staff bios
- Directories
- Call to Actions
Plus, you can add detailed job listings, previous work portfolios, product listings, and so much more.
2. E-Commerce/Online Payment Set-Up
No matter what type of purchase mechanism you need set up on your website, having someone who knows what they are doing is crucial. Though we live in an online shopping era, creating these pages is complex.
A design team will help you create:
- A catalog page
- Detailed descriptions of each product
- A simple check out system
- Notification emails to both you and your clients
Along with these features, you’ll also be able to integrate your e-commerce page with processors like PayPal.
3. Online Training/Course Page Set-Up
Just like the creation of the courses and memberships, webpages take a lot of behind-the-scenes work to be easily accessible and aesthetically-pleasing.
Pre-launch testing is essential to ensure that your customers have the most agreeable encounter possible. Among other things, you’ll require password encryption for your exclusive content.
4. Special Features
Almost all business websites have some additional functions to make things easier for its customers. These specific features cost more money, but make navigating your page less of a hassle for returning and prospective clients.
Some of these features include:
- Extensive forms
- CRM-connected contact forms
- Email-linked website opt-ins
- Online payments directly attached to your accounting program
- Customized data reports
5. All the Aesthetics
Unless you have extensive prior experience in digital design, animation, and video production (which is just the tip of the iceberg), a professional team will help you. If you want to stand out from the competition, pay attention to the finer details of your website.
High-quality designs aren’t free, but they are worth the cost to draw attention to your business.
Agency vs. Freelancer
- If you insist on saving money above everything for this website, freelancers have to worry about one salary instead of multiple. Though you benefit from an expert who can help with all aspects of your website, a freelancer is an individual that works directly with you. Going freelance means that you are dependent on one person to complete your website. You’ll have to adjust your schedule to match theirs and hope that they can meet all their deadlines.
- On the other hand, an agency gives you security. You have a team working on your website, which means that deadlines are more strict. Another plus is that agencies usually have plenty of previous experience for you to check out before making a decision. Learn more about the differences here.
Need Affordable Website Design Today?
At Two Dot Marketing, we’re an agency that offers professional website design for all businesses. Our humble Michigan web design costs won’t kill your budget. We know how to work with small-medium businesses and deliver results!
Reach out to us today to get started with a free consultation!
