Cutting Start-up Costs with Website Builders

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With any start-up there are certain costs that can give a business a good start, or send them into debt immediately. So many aspects of business are needed to be considered in order to properly assure a great start, especially when launching your company online. Websites are no longer a luxury in business but rather a necessity. In every marketing strategy and proposed business plan, a website is included. Those without are missing out on an opportunity to generate business by reaching a vast consumer base.

When deciding to launch your online presence there are many considerations that need to be addressed. As such, there are also many ways to save money on the design, implementation and overall completion of your website. With so many hosting companies, web design firms, and freelance designers, you have many options for getting your website designed, built, and online. Of course with options comes cost. Most start-ups are limited by a budget much less than that of a large corporation. Therefore, you must weigh your options and compare each route to assure you save money and still get the product you want and need.

Web Design Firms:

Web design firms are a great way to get exactly what you want all the way down to every color and shape. However, the cost may be more than it’s worth. The average website cost from a design firm ranges from $1500-$2500, possibly more depending on your features. When you are just starting out that cost can greatly impact a smaller budget.

Some firms will also offer add-on services that you may not need and research may be needed to assure the lowest cost. They may also offer hosting at a higher rate than other services you can find on the internet.

This cost may also come with a monthly maintenance fee, update charges, and technical support fees. These firms are capable of creating images, features, and functions that others are not able to, however it comes with a cost. Determining if those features are imperative to your site will help you determine if the cost is worth it. If your budget doesn’t allow for this cost, there are other options available.

Freelance Designers:

There are many industries that have freelancers. You may have a computer guy, mechanic, plumber and handyman that you can call when you need them. The rates are always much lower than the cost of professional firms or offices due to lower overhead. However, as with all other freelancers there are pros and cons.

Many small businesses will find a freelancer that is local. This is a perk for those who like to meet face to face and have more hands on control with their site. Meeting regularly and tracking the progress of your site can assure you are getting what you pay for.

The cost of freelance web designers is usually much lower than the large firms. Rates do vary based on location, the size of the project, and the freelancers desired way of living. You may find a freelancer for as low as $25 an hour to as high as $50 or more, depending on the cost of living in your area. As long as they are professional and know what they are doing, you may pay less than the larger firms.

There are risks of choosing freelancers. In recent cases, some advertised freelance designers were just scams, taking money and never completing the project. This is becoming increasingly common, which is unfortunate for those who are professional.

If you choose a designer that is new to web design, recently graduated, or does it on the side, you may find yourself waiting for your site. With time restrictions, research, and learning how to create the features you are asking for, the freelancer may bill you for time that is spent learning rather than working on your site. If you want your site to launch quickly, you may find it inconvenient using a freelancer who does not have the experience, regardless of savings.

Website Builders:

This is the desired method for small business start-ups. Web builders are professional companies with multiple plans and options to get your website built and up as quickly and effortlessly.

Website builders give customers a variety of designs, layouts and options for their site. Though it may appear all the sites are the same, their services include changes in design that you specify to give your site a personal and unique feel. Their services usually include set-up, hosting, building, design, and even marketing. Everything a small business needs.

Website builders usually offer different payment options. Some may charge a small one time fee, where others may charge a monthly fee. These fees usually include a setup fee ranging from $199-$399, depending on the type of site and features you desire. Monthly fees also range based on the type of account you want. The basic account may range from $19-$39 a month with an initial setup fee. A premium or upgraded account may charge a monthly fee ranging from $49-$79 a month, sometimes more depending on your needs; however they will usually provide free setup.

Along with the benefits of professional design, setup, and established procedures, most web builders also offer free 24/7 technical support. If you have any problems that occur, regardless of the time, you can have their technicians working on it with just a phone call. This is much more convenient than waiting for a freelancer to have time, or calling during the business hours of a design firm.

In addition, the amount of time for setup is quite low. Most web builders can have your site up in hours rather than weeks. If additional tweaks are needed, they can be done while your site is still live and generating customers and followers.

So whether you are a small start-up, or if you are a locally established business looking to build your online presence and expand, there are options. If you are on a tight budget, time restraint, or are leery of hiring freelance designers, web builders can be an affordable and dependable option to get you started.

London resident Thomas Hathaway is a financial consultant and a content contributor for payday-loans.co.uk, a company providing money advances when you need them.