Good help is hard to find. Finding a good web development shop is even harder to find. There are an abundance of web shops in Denver and online at sites such as Fiverr and Upwork. How do you go about hiring a good web developer?
You get what you pay for
Most web development firms do not offer their prices on their website. For good reason: it can cause sticker shock! If you are just staring out as a solopreneur or entrepreneur then website costs can seem a little out of your reach, especially if you’re on a shoestring budget.
If you are considering hiring a web developer and they are only charging you $500-$600 for your website then there’s a good change they don’t know what they are doing or it’s going to be off-shored. Perhaps they are just starting out in the business (I’ve been there and have built my fair share of $500 websites!) and are looking to grow their portfolio. They may be a good fit to start but they may also drop off the face of the planet after six months and then you’re stuck with a site you can’t update or move to another web shop!
What goes into a website
There are quite a few “do-it-yourself” website builders available for non-web people. These include WordPress.com, Wix and Squarespace to name a few.
These sites are a great way to set up a quick website, but you may sacrifice ranking well in search results if your site is built on a pre-made template and stock photography.
While these sites may provide a simple (and easy) way to set up a website, they are not likely going to convert your visitors to customers. A lot goes into creating a website that delights your visitors, from the design and content to how usable your website is for both humans and the search robots.
Why good enough isn’t good enough
Having a quick and easy website is not going to be good enough for your audience, and they will not only see it, they will feel it. You have about two seconds to make a great first impression on your visitors. Therefore your website needs to be attractive and convert your visitors to customers by appealing to their needs.
Tap into your audience’s pain points. If they are seeking out your services then they are experiencing a problem or situation that requires what you’re offering. A stellar website utilizing persuasive copy will speak directly to your audience’s emotions and resonate with them.
What should I expect to pay for a website?
The cost of a website will vary depending on your needs. If you’re selling products then you’ll likely need a shopping cart and payment gateway. If you’re selling services then you might need a very basic website with your offerings, a sample portfolio, and contact information.
Each website is unique so it can be difficult to apply a standard pricing convention around website services. A good web shop won’t advertise a one-price-fits-all convention and should provide you with a quote that fits your specific needs instead.
There are a few other factors that will play into website development costs as well:
- Strategic development: if you’re just starting out then you’ll likely need to do a little strategic development including, brand development, persona creation, competitive analysis, etc.
- Do you need custom photography or are you willing to use stock photos? Stock photos can range from $15 – $100 and they aren’t always your best bet as your audience will likely recognize it’s stock art. Be ready to pay more for custom photography, but it will make you stand out from the crowd.
- Copywriting services: if you need custom content then expect to pay more for original, authentic content that fits your brand and voice.
Partner versus vendor
Your website is an extension of your business and brand. It should be original, authentic and genuinely YOU. A good web shop will understand this and work with you to develop your unique online brand and voice.
The web shop you hire should absolutely be your partner and not just a vendor. They should answer your emails in a timely fashion (48 hours max) and be available to take your calls, or at least return your call within 24 hours.
Sublime Creations, The Anti-Web Shop
If you’re constantly chasing your web developer around then you’re likely dealing with a vendor and not a partner. Sublime Creations takes pride in being a partner to all our clients. We are the “Anti-Web” shop because we are here for you. We take the time to understand your business and brand, your customers and your ideal client.
That’s why we only take on a certain amount of new web customers each month, so we can truly focus on your business and provide the best possible service for you.
If you’re sick of your web developer not answering your calls and emails or they have dropped off the face of the planet, then feel free to contact us online or call us at (720) 443-1407 to schedule your free 30-minute consultation to discuss your needs.
