These are the guidelines I follow in creating a customized estimate. Whether you are looking for a budget solution or something truly fantastic, you should be able to get an idea of what your project will cost by reviewing this page. Also detailed here is a high-level description of how I build websites and what to expect from me. This isn't everything I can do, just a general synopsis. Please feel free to contact me with questions or for a customized estimate for your project.
My Process
Every project is different. Regardless of specific needs there are at least four parts. The first part is design, where I nail down what the site will look like. The next part is implementation of the agreed-upon design into web format and programming/installation of software for managing and modifying the website content in the future. The site is then ready to be populated with all of your text, photos and other content which I will ask for via a separate document. The final part is testing and documentation, where I check for any outlying bugs in the site or anything not working how it's suppose to be. In addition to this, during this step I also prepare written detailed documentation on how to go about modifying your site in the future. Some sites have a fifth part which involves custom programming, and this can sometimes be the largest part of the job. Consider each of these parts as you look at the pricing options.
Business Websites ($700 - $1750)
Most of the websites I build fall into this category.
I will first have you show me some website designs that you like. We will then discuss your needs for the site in great detail. Once I feel I have a good idea of what you have in mind, I create a design image for the site.
After this is approved, the next part is the website development. This is where I take the design and create a functioning website that looks just like it. This part also includes integration with a content management system, which I almost exclusively use Wordpress. Wordpress is a free server software solution that can powerfully help you manage your site by allowing you to easily make changes and add content. If you can use Microsoft Word, you can use Wordpress.
Once the website is functioning appropriately, I begin to fill it with the initial content you provide to me. This includes text, pictures, and anything/everything else that gives your website content. Loading the initial content allows me to bug-test the website and prepare the documentation all in a single step, thus saving time. If you're pressed for time and cannot provide some or any content, I will more than happily do my best to do that as well with you overseeing everything.
The Budget Site ($210 - $420)
If you have a very small budget, but need a decent website, I have a solution that works well. You'll have the ability to edit your own site, and a lot of flexibility to update the site at a later time. In this option I will set up a WordPress website for you, install a theme, insert your logo, add a contact form and Google map (if required). Also included is my thorough documentation to show you how to get started with adding your text, pictures and other content.
To save money on the graphic design part, you will select a free theme from WordPress.org. You'll be able to have as many pages as you want and be able to add or remove these pages without paying a web designer to help you. On the Internet you'll find tons of free videos and tutorials that will teach you how to make changes and do other things with your WordPress site.
Ecommerce ($350 - $700)
Adding this option to your website allows you to sell items directly from it. There are several ways to go about implementing this, and I won't go into too much detail here. The general way I go about doing this is implementing easy to use and maintain ecommerce software onto your website and having PayPal handle the customers. This saves you quite a bit of hassle setting up accounts to take credit cards, etc as PayPal does all that as well as provides a shopping cart and customized shipping options.
Domain Names ($20 per year)
In most cases you will decide on a domain name and I will register it for you - aka www.YourBusiness.com.
When you register a domain name, you don't own it, you pay for the right to use it - you actually rent the name for one year or more. If you register the name for a year and then forget to renew it, you lose the name and anyone typing that name will no longer reach your site. This would be a disaster. That's why I stay on top of it. I'm alerted 2 months in advance prior to a domain going out of registration, and when that time comes I will send you a bill with the option to renew. Some clients also choose to pay ahead for an additional year or two just to keep that paperwork out of the way.
Website Hosting ($0 per month, $30 one-time setup fee)
Yes you read that right - free monthly hosting. This is truly where my services differ from others and my clients rack up a huge amount of savings. Other web developers offer hosting anywhere from $10-$30 a month. This is not the case with me. With only a one-time setup fee, you can save hundreds a year in web hosting alone. Coupled with my aggressively affordable pricing, working with me is a very big win for you.
There may come a day when the free hosting I provide doesn't cut the needs of a client's project. I have yet to encounter this, and I don't plan on it anytime soon - but for the sake of throwing everything out on the table, in the rare case of this happening, hosting would be a flat $10 per month, paid annually.
Editing Your Website
As mentioned above, I almost exclusively use server software called WordPress to manage the content on the websites I create. It is an amazing and free piece of software that allows you to control the content of your website without any web design skills whatsoever. If you can use Microsoft Word, you can edit your site with WordPress. I have gotten great feedback from clients on how much they enjoy the control WordPress gives them over their site. Wordpress integration will certainly pay for itself over time just by saving you from having to hire me to make changes to your site in the future.
Search Engine Optimization
SEO is the process of improving the ranking of a website within leading search engines. This is accomplished through many factors in order to better reflect what search engines are looking for, and thus increase traffic to the website. Basic SEO is provided with all of my websites and is done both during the design implementation and during the content integration phase of the process.
Deliverables
Upon completion of the website, the two things always delivered are the website itself (obviously) and detailed documentation for managing, editing, and adding content. Any other added functionality is also covered in the documentation as needed.
Technical Support
I handle technical support a little differently than most, in that I don't normally charge for it.
If you need help understanding how to do something on the website that isn't explained or not understood from the documentation I provide, I'll help you accomplish it without a problem and without cost. If you just need me to add content onto your website, modify something, or something else that is beyond technical support and more into the realm of work - then I usually charge $25 an hour.
Payment
The remaining balance for your account is due once the website is complete. Bills are either mailed or emailed in PDF format depending on your preference. I accept cash, checks or payments made through PayPal (which takes major credit cards and bank accounts).
All pricing mentioned here are ballpark ranges based on my hourly rate of $35/hr. Please feel free to contact me for a customized estimate, and with questions you may have that I haven't answered here.