What to think about for your very first website

Never had a website before? Start here.

Let’s first address who this entire article is for.  I’m not talking to people who’ve had websites in the past or run a massive corporation.  I’m talking to people that are just getting started with a small business, in independent contracting, or even as a job seeker.

I’m pretty sure if someone like my dad was starting up his own business, he’d be asking for help with everything from logo design to website help. Which got me thinking.  People don’t necessarily know what to ask for or where to start if they’re just starting up their own small business or for contracting or looking for a job. 

In fact, based on past calls I received, they don’t know how web designers may charge them for help with website development.  Having knowledge on where to get started, is important when you’re figuring out how much money you’ll need to have in your cost analysis for the business plan and understanding your initial budget.

THE DELICATE BALANCE OF A WEBSITE’S NEEDS & BUDGET

Website Domains & Hosting

First off, what’s in your wallet? 

Anytime you look for tech to help you with a problem, you’ll have to create a budget.  This isn’t a willy-nilly process since there are realistic costs upfront to even having a website to begin with.  Best thing to do, is to start with a list of basic costs and create a realistic understanding of how to create your initial budget. This means you’re looking at initial costs of (at a minimum) of $154USD just to have a website plan that works online. 

Investigate the costs further, what I didn’t mention is that the IP address can cost up to a few thousand dollars depending on what you’re looking for.  The ballpark is around $10 to $20 dollars per year.  Finding a domain and purchasing one can be done in a number of places (here are a few of your options). 

If you’re a job seeker (or a contractor) you can use a personal plan without a hitch for the basic price of about $154 per year.  They’re simple to set up on your own, or with a professional’s help.  Most places offer guided instructions to help you, so you can do this without spending extra cash. 

For business owners, a basic business plan is a great way to get started.  In this case, you’re looking at around a base of $310USD (minimum) per year to have a domain and website hosting.  You’ll need the extra options as a business for integrations and themes that you’ll want to have.

Content

Content is a mixed bag of items.  Typically, when you hear or read the word “content” you should be thinking about, text, graphics, photography, and video.  It’s what’s contained in a website and on the web.  So, it should go without saying that you’ll either be handing over your content to a having it created for you, giving it to a web designer, or posting it yourself. 

Copywriter

If you need content written or edited by a professional, there’s going to be a charge for it.  Rates for good writing will vary, but there’s a typical range you will see that’s asked for in the industry.  And there are a couple of ways a writer will charge you for their work, either per word or by the hour.  Both usually work out to about roughly the same price.  If you aren’t writing your own content, you’ll need to budget on a copywriter.

Graphic Art

Art is important as part of the content of your brand, and it isn’t free.  This can include your logo, typography, and digital art.  The things that make up your brand should be included, even on a bare-bones website.  A digital graphic artist can range from $50-$150 per hour based on their skills sets. 

Photographer

Professional photography makes a significant difference in content & sales.  If you’re business or personal website needs either you or products to look good, you’ll probably want to consider a photographer.  Photographers my offer a package for their work, but the standard rate is around $100-$125 per hour.

Web Designer

Depending on the type of website you’re in need of, your price range for a web developer will range from $100-$180USD.  I’ll point out here, the more complex the work, the more expensive it becomes.  A UI/UX designer might charge a little less than a back-end software developer, but overall, you’ll still need to consider that you’ll spend on average $125 per individual per hour. 

Ready to get your website up & running?

It’s pen and paper time. 

When you call your friendly web designer (you can read this as: me), we’re going to ask you some basic questions.  When I get calls it’s always “How much do you charge?”  Well, that answer, as you probably guessed by now, varies.  There’s a better way to get started to save yourself some time and energy when you make that call.

In fact, here’s a list of questions you’ll need to be able to answer for any web designer:

1. What is your website for?
2. Who are you targeting?
3. Can you show me 3 to 5 websites that you like from your competitors?
4. Can you provide examples on those websites of things you do not like?
5. What features do you want to include on your website?
6. What is the timeline to start and when would you like to launch?
7. What’s the overall style of your website that you are imagining?

Therefore, you’re first question should not be “How much do you charge?”  It should be, “Can we discuss the different types of websites you create?”  This will get you pointed in the right direction of getting help you need to create a website that works on your budget. 

Need more help?  I’m available and can give you direction or help you with a new website.  Give me a shout at info@atomicdumpling.com with some deets about what you’re looking to create.