How much to Build a Website? - Virtual Assistant Forums

#1 (**permalink**) 07-01-2008

I do not have a clue about building websites, it's something that I would like to work on at a later date. I've got a quote to get one built and links to yahoo, msn, google on it .... just not sure if it's an average price I'm being quoted!

Can you give me ideas of how much you paid, charge to build a simple website?

Tess · #2 (**permalink**) 07-01-2008

Honestly, prices for websites range from next to nothing to thousands ... even for something 'simple' - it's all about the skill level of your coder and the scalability of the site itself (can it grow with you easily?).

It depends on if you're receiving a backend to allow you to update the site yourself (unless you're good via FTP to do updates yourself) and what other special features are included. Also, is the code clean and written in an organized manner, is it W3C compliant?

Another aspect of good website design/coding is search engine optimization - a good website creator will take the time and have the skills and knowledge to go through your content and optimize that for the search engines as well as ensure you have image alt tags where they need to be, clean URLs, good page titles, tags, etc.

There is so much that can go into a website - and each of these aspects will affect the cost.

Sorry that I can't post how much we charge here, but do ask your designer/coder about all of the aspects I listed- are they included in the quote you were offered?

As with anything, you truly do get what you pay for - websites are no exception.

#3 (**permalink**) 07-01-2008

Thanks "again" for the top tips Tess - you are surely a fountain of all knowledge! Just very nervous about several hundred pounds to start of with and have no clients in the pipeline etc and for the possiblity for it to totally flop! All very daunting!

Tess · #4 (**permalink**) 07-01-2008

I completely understand - a website is one of those things I personally feel is worth the investment - at least if you really plan on being/staying in business. It's worth it to have a professional web persona - but that comes from someone who doesn't have to pay out to have it done...I know it can be hard to part with those funds! Whatever you decide to do - ask the right questions to make sure you're getting your money's worth

jeannedb · #5 (**permalink**) 07-08-2008

There is always the option of using WordPress to create a site. Most hosting companies (including the hosting associated with this forum I believe) come with Fantastico Scripts which can load WordPress in just a few easy clicks. Free and inexpensive themes are available all over the internet.

Just another option that I'm fond of promoting.

April · #6 (**permalink**) 07-08-2008

I'll just second what Tess said...the price varies so much. But since you do plan on learning some of it yourself later on down the road, definitely check out the CSS and HTML classes here. I had someone design my website for me - I won the package through a giveaway promotion - but I like being able to go in myself and make minor tweaks and adjustments just in case the designer isn't available. Between my hosting support and my web designer, I've been very happy it. Its worth the investment.

virtuallin · #7 (**permalink**) 07-15-2008

Tess is dead on (I keep saying that! <grin>)

If you're going to pay for any designer - you have to take the time to know enough about good design to make the right choice. It's just too critical to your success.

You have to think of both sides of the coin - visitors and search engines. If you have ugly code, not CS3 compliant - neither Google nor visitors will find it usable.

IMHO - WordPress is amazing for blogs. If you want a site that you can edit without having to know HTML that will be scalable with tons of functionality and good SEO - you need Joomla.