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Building a Website on a Budget

Ethan Leonard
Categories: Website Development
Aug 14, 2023

Building a Website on a Budget: Tips for Startups and Small Businesses

As a small business owner, I know it can be hard to gather the necessary resources to put together a website. The biggest factor is often time & money. We only have so much time in a day to bring in new clients and make new connections that we often push the website to the wayside. This thinking is incorrect, we should view a website for what it is, a new customer acquisition channel and a worthwhile investment.

Websites shouldn't be static billboards that only exist for people to look at. They should be an interactive experience that engage the visitor, inform them, and drive them to take action. If you aren't seeing results from your website, the simple answer is that it isn't an effective website. But enough of the lecturing, let's dive into building a website on a budget.

I'm sure that you've reached out or been in touch with a marketing agency about a website only to find that their quoted price is way outside of your budget. So what next? My advice depends on the following factors: a) What is your website's goal? (to get traffic, e-commerce, etc.) b) How complex will it be? c) How much time can you dedicate to it?

Determining Your Website's Goal

a) What is your website's goal? (to get traffic, e-commerce, etc.)

Understanding your website's goal is essential. Is it to generate leads, sell products, or merely provide information about your services? Identifying the primary goal will allow you to focus your resources on what matters most and select the right tools for the job.

  • Lead Generation: If your goal is to generate leads, consider using a simple content management system (CMS) with built-in forms for easy data collection.
  • E-Commerce: Selling products online? There are budget-friendly e-commerce platforms like WooCommerce or Shopify that are user-friendly and highly customizable.
  • Informative: Perhaps you just need a platform to share information and showcase your brand. Simple website builders like Wix or Squarespace can get you online quickly and affordably.

Considering Complexity

b) How complex will it be?

The complexity of your site will directly influence the cost and time required to build it. A one-page landing site with basic information will be less expensive and faster to develop than a multi-page e-commerce site.

  • Simple Sites: Utilize templates and website builders to create visually appealing pages without the need for extensive coding knowledge.
  • Complex Sites: For more intricate websites, consider hiring a freelance developer who might work within your budget. There are also pre-built themes tailored to specific industries that can be customized.

Allocating Time

c) How much time can you dedicate to it?

Time is money, especially when it comes to website development. Consider your schedule and how much time you can realistically dedicate to the project.

  • DIY Approach: If you have the time and inclination to learn, platforms like WordPress offer countless tutorials and a vast community to assist you in building a site on your budget.
  • Hiring Help: If time is scarce, consider engaging a freelancer or a digital marketing agency specializing in small business solutions. Many agencies offer tiered pricing to accommodate various budget levels.

Building a website on a budget doesn't have to be a daunting task, and you don't have to do it alone. I understand the challenges faced by startups and small businesses, and I'm here to offer a solution tailored to your needs. For a one-time project cost of $2500, I'll design a professional, effective website that aligns with your goals, with a monthly hosting fee of just $50 after launch. If you prefer a more comprehensive package, I also offer a $200/month price option that covers everything you need for your website, with a 12-month contract. Don't let the website development process sidetrack your focus on growing your business. Let me handle the hard work, so you can concentrate on what you do best. Contact me today to discuss your needs and find the perfect solution for your business. Let's turn your website into the powerful customer acquisition channel it deserves to be. Invest in your business's future without breaking the bank. I'm here to help, and I can't wait to see your business thrive online!