Some Things To Consider When Establishing a Budget For A Web Site

If you are small to medium sized business there are somethings you need to really think about when you are thinking about a budget for a new Web site. I have had many discussions with my Web designer and she has pointed out a lot of great points that I would like to share. She and I both get calls from people that say they want something really cheap and believe me, I understand, but if you look at the big picture getting a Web site for $1,500-3,000 is really a steal.

Some Things to Consider:

How much do you spend each year on newspaper ads, magazine ads and other forms of advertising?
What is the ROI for each of form of advertising you choose to invest in?
Both of us have had people call and say well I spent $2,500 2 1/2 years ago. Why should I have to pay again? Well, how much advertising did you get out of that $2,500? Spending another $2,000-2,500 is not throwing your money away, you are just basically paying for more advertising.
Web sites are very successful forms of advertisement when they are done right. There is no doubt about this. It is perhaps your best tool for reaching potential clients and customers.
When you are looking for the right office building or office space for your business is your main concern getting a cheap place? OR are you looking for something that is attractive and that will serveas a foundation for your business. Are you looking for something that will instill trust with potential clients and give the appearance of pure professionalism? What do you need when choosing an office space? What is important? You should be looking for the above factors when choosing a Web site. You won’t get everything you need for cheap. You may have to adjust your advertising budget one month or one year and invest in a good Web site that will function well for you in the future, but do it right the first time. I will save you money in the long run.
Cheap is fine. We all want things for cheap, but what is cheap? So you spend $2,000 for a local magazine advertisement that might boost your ego, but will it bring you any business? In comparison $2,000 for a properly coded, functional Web site that has all the features you need is cheap! It will last a lot longer than your magazine ad and it could reach an unlimited amount of people.
How much do you spend on Starbucks or some other restaurant each month? Skip starbucks for 2 months and give more money to your Web site.
A business Web site is a crucial part of your success. It solidifies you as a professional (well, depending on how good, cheap or terrible it looks).

Getting a Cheap Web Site Should Not Be A Priority; Functionality and Proper Coding Should

Proper and clean coding does nothing but benefit the Web site and your business. I don’t think I need to go over this aspect again. Functionality is also important and “Functionality” can apply to how easy the site is to use and can also apply to the various functions a Web site offers to the business. I am focusing on the latter in this case. Every business needs different functions to effectively promote their business. Some may need a blog built into the site and some may need a news section with an RSS feed. Some may need a blog that automatically takes posts and turns them into a newsletter that is distributed to clients and potential clients, while others may need easy to navigate staff directories that companies can modify at any time. Functions vary and the options are limitless, but you can’t get these things for cheap. YOU CAN SAVE MONEY BY choosing a Web design company that has all of the options you need, but doesn’t insist you pay for them all at once. Think modular. Maybe you don’t need login areas for clients at this time, but you want the blog and newsletter option now. Doesn’t it make more sense to spend an extra $500-1,000 to have a site that can easily and affordably be added to later? You don’t want to spend $1,000 now, but in 6 months have to pay $2,500 to redo the site just to be able to add the options you wanted orginally.

My Main Point

My main point is that nothing great in this world is cheap. We all want cheap and we all need it in this economy, but you can’t think cheap with your Web site. Your Web site, in my opinion, is the most important advertising and marketing tool you have. It should be done right. Think about the functions you really want and come up with a real budget that will give your business what it needs to succeed. You may have to cut back somewhere else. Cut back on the stuff that brings nothing back to you and put that money into an attractive, functional Web Site that will help your business grow. On a side note… I have discussed GoDaddy’s Website Tonight as a very cheap and affordable option for getting a Web site. Is this the best option for everyone? No. I discuss it because in this economy I am finding businesses and sole proprietors that have an extremely small budget and need something really cheap to get started. I understand that, because I have been there myself. It is a great option and a great starting point, but it is in no way the right option for everyone. Have a Happy Day Melissa – SEOAware.com Sarasota, Florida