Factors Affecting Price
Developing your design budget
Questions About Pricing? | Pricing Factors | Other Factors
Questions About Pricing?
Assuming you've read through the other web design pages and are familiar with Russ's philosophy and approach to design, your next question is how much your site will cost to design.
Each Site Unique
Each site design is unique. Russ doesn't sell “cookie-cutter” sites.
Your requirements and site complexities can affect his recommendations about design as well as the cost.
Based upon the information you provide, he will establish a price to create an original design based on your specifications.
Initial Design a Big Factor
Since he don't use cookie-cutter templates, most of the work (and cost) to build a site is in the initial design.
It is easier and less costly to change something early in the design process than when the site is nearer to completion.
It is also important to include the potential for future expansion within the original design. You want to avoid being forced to redesign your site when your business or organization grows.
Keep your future needs in mind as you set out your requirements.
Remember, this process is a dialogue. We both want to develop something that incorporates your current and future requirements, remains within your budget, and uses the appropriate technology to make it suitable for your target market.
What About Ready-to-Go Sites?
Companies that provide theme-based, ready-to-go sites generally charge a perpetual monthly fee for the design. Most are Content Management Systems, so customizations are limited. You NEVER finish paying for your site.
Russ has worked with a number of these sites on behalf of his clients. It is often frustrating for both of us.
Pricing Factors
Each project has its own needs and solutions.
Pricing is dependent upon project complexity, the sorts of content you can provide and similar factors.
The Preliminary Discussion
The more you can tell Russ about your requirements, budget and available resources, the easier it is for him to provide an accurate quote. In the preliminary meeting we can determine the scope of the work to be done and begin to develop an estimated cost.
He should be aware of any budget constraints before beginning the process. Your budget and your intended market will affect some of the parameters.
- What is your budget? How flexible is it?
- Who is your target audience?
- What features are critical to success? Which are optional?
What Are Your Goals?
If you don't know what you're hoping to accomplish with your website, it will be very difficult to determine what is necessary or how you will determine success. Focus on your needs rather than your wants.
- What do you think the site will accomplish?
- How will you know if you've succeeded?
- Who are the decision-makers?
- What are the other metrics?
What Content Can You Provide?
Russ will ask questions about what you can provide, the form that content currently takes and what expertise you or your staff have in preparing content for the website.
- Do you have web-ready logos, colour schemes, design limitations?
- Do we need to hire a professional photographer?
- Do you own the rights to the content you wish to use?
- Are the photos and graphics high-definition?
- Does Russ need to create, alter or scan your artwork?
- How much of the text do he need to create or edit?
- What existing content is suitable for use on your website?
The Nature of Your Web Project
To determine the base cost of designing a site, He'll ask questions about what you envision for your website.
- How many pages will be necessary to tell the story?
- How do you envision the display of images/photos on the site?
- Do you require the development of infographics or similar materials?
- Is video or audio content planned? How will it be integrated?
- Do you need a shopping cart or “buy now” buttons?
- Are there distinct sections of the site that may require a different layout?
- Is there a need for a databases?
- What interactive features do you require? Does that require the use of extensive JavaScript?
- What auxiliary pages are necessary for the site's integration, navigation and legal requirements?
Other Factors
Changes or additions to the original site design will result in additional costs above the quoted price.
The cost for extras depends upon the nature of the work entailed and will be charged at an hourly rate.
Russ doesn't charge like the big design companies. However, he is a professional with extensive experience, not an amateur. He prices his design work accordingly.
A service contract is recommended if you anticipate regular changes.
Web Design Index
The design process and the factors involved are laid out on these pages:
- Web design: An introduction.
- Design philosophy: How I view the design process.
- Design considerations: Using technology effectively.
- Design criteria: Determining your needs.
- Content management systems: “Do-it-yourself” websites.
- Customized blogs:For time-sensitive information.
- Factors affecting price: Developing your design budget.
- Request a quote: Estimating your web design costs.
- Site maintenance: Keeping it updated.
- My design portfolio: Example websites & blogs.
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Updated: May 29, 2025