Depending on the features you require, a website can cost anywhere from nothing to millions of dollars. Of course, in the beginning, the million-dollar website is nothing but a pipe dream… On the other hand, a free website can do more harm than good. You have to set your budget somewhere in between. What you put in, is generally what you get out.
As the owner of a new start-up, you will have to make many investments, and investing in an affordable, yet excellent quality website, is one of the most important investments you can make for your business.
Thankfully, there are several ways in which you can reduce the costs of your upfront website investment.
1. Save Time on Design
If you’re unsure about your design preferences, you will probably want to see a variety of design concepts, which designers will have to create. While it is important to look at a variety of concepts right at the beginning of the project, you may wish to reduce the number of designs the designers present, in order to reduce the associated costs.
Ask your designer if you could view their portfolio, and give them some ideas as to what you’re after. They will then brainstorm a strong design that will suit your needs and be beautiful at the same time.
2. Pick WordPress & Genesis
Using WordPress with Genesis enables your website to grow with your business. The simple, yet sophisticated platform enables you to reduce overall website costs while offering a scalable solution. Many modern, complex features are built into the platform, saving on design costs. CMS, e-commerce solutions, and other features make it a powerful, yet cost-effective option.
3. Build Your Dream Slowly
Websites tend to evolve over time and that is a good thing. At the beginning of the development process, make a list of all the features you would like to have on your site. Prioritize the must-have features, and set aside the nice-to-have features that can be added once your site has paid for itself.
4. Buy a Retainer Package
Once the design is complete, speak to your designer and find out if they offer retainer packages. A website requires ongoing maintenance and updates, which are best delivered by professionals. Instead of paying top-dollar for hourly rates, a retainer package will save you money in the long term while keeping your site up-to-date and well-maintained.
A professional website needn’t cost a fortune, but at the same time, it is good to invest into a well-prepared design that is uniquely you.