Website design costs.  There is an old adage that says “you get what you pay for”.

For website design and services competition for your business is fierce.  You only need to Google search “web design” and you will find 323,000,000 pages.  It is probably one of the highest number of results for any search.

Most however are one man bands and hobbyists who aspire to be a web designer one day.  However, you can pay very little for a website and, as per the adage, you will get what you pay for.  In a few months you will be asking questions like “why can’t I find my website on Google” or “why don’t I get any hits / visitors”.  It is an all to often trodden path for many.

So what is a fair price for a website?  well let us first of look at some marketing / advertising alternatives.

What is common amongst all the above is that they are all “push” based.  The adverts either create need i.e. “aspirational” like cosmetic advertising “buy this product to look” as good as the air brushed model we are paying.  Or  value “You can buy cheaper on everyday products”.

There is no doubt that advertising works or no one would do it.  But the smart money is now moving to the Internet.  There is now more money spent on website and search engine optimisation than there is in TV advertising.

So why the shift?  Well let me ask you to think abut how you use the Internet.  95% of websites are accessed via a search engine and 87% of those searching are using Google to do so.  When you are searching the Internet you are pro-actively looking for something.  Sometimes it will be for advice.  But more often than not is to find something to satisfy a need.

So when looking to book a holiday, buy car insurance, buy gifts, gadgets..  The list is endless!  You are looking to buy something.  So compare this to watching TV, listening to the radio or reading the paper.  Yes something may catch your attention but you are not pro-actively looking for something.

Hence businesses large and small are catching on to the reality that if someone is in a “proactive state”, to find goods and services, the Internet is the number one choice.

The Internet is not a level playing field.  It was meant to be but with over 3 web pages for every living person on the planet competition has become fierce.

So back to the question “How much should you spend on your website?” Answer – as much as you can.  Website design, to make an impact, is less about design but more about optimising your product and / or services to be found by “proactive” people searching for your specific product or service.

Services Web Design has entry level websites for self employed people / small companies, starting at £199.00.  This provides a basic, but never the less strong foundation for growth, brochure / business card website.

But on average a minimum spend of £1,500 to £15,000 should be allowed per year.  Which is small beer compared to the alternatives.

If you would like more information, set up a meeting or to discuss your specific needs use the contact us form or call us on 01285 711699.