by Teri Robnett
(published in Brainstorm! 2005)

As web developers, one of the most common questions we get is "How much does it cost for a basic website?" I have to admit that I secretly smile when I get that question. I feel like responding with "How much does it cost for a basic house or a basic car?" It really depends on what one means by basic.

A friend once told me that if price was the only factor in making a buying decision, we'd all shop at Walmart and our cars wouldn't have automatic transmissions, radios or air conditioning. What my friend was really saying is that we're all individuals and spend our money differently depending on personal needs and preferences.

So why should a website be any different?

I wouldn't begin to describe any of our clients' businesses as basic or ordinary. Each one is unique, promoting and selling different products and services. Those clients with similar businesses offer individual perspectives, expertise and styles.

Each website we develop reflects that uniqueness in design, functionality and content. We talk with clients about their businesses - where they are now, where they want to go, and how the Internet can help them.

What factors affect cost?

Think in levels of complexity. Most web pages fall into three categories: simple, moderate, and complex.

• Simple websites are static, often referred to as "online brochures," and are generally the least expensive.
• Moderate websites add small dynamic pieces such as mouse-overs, drop-down menus, or forms that make the site more interactive and a bit more expensive.
• Complex websites use much more dynamic content such as online donations, shopping carts, calendars, interactive forms, surveys, and databases. Costs of complex websites vary widely because they are developed for your specific needs.

Keeping your website up to date. It's important to keep your website fresh and current if you want people to return time and again. Are there certain areas, such as calendars, articles, or special offers that will need to be updated regularly? If so, how do you plan to maintain those areas?

Client-centered design. What do your users expect when they visit your website? Will your site be designed to attract individuals, consumers, other businesses, or large corporations? There may be things you find on the Internet that are "cool" but may not resonate with your target audience. When it comes to technology, keep in mind that just because we can doesn't mean we should.

Other questions that affect cost are: Do I already have a logo or brand that will determine the look and feel of my site? Who will research and write the content? How will people find my website on the Internet once it's launched?

How do you begin to compare costs?

1. Come up with a budget. Think about what you can afford to spend on your website. Do you have those funds available now, or will you need to pay over time?
2. Make a list. Try to think of everything you want for your website - style of design, functionalities for yourself and your user, how much content you'll have, what areas will change and how you'll keep them updated - everything you can think of. Look at other websites and note what you do and don't like about them.
3. Prioritize your list. Of everything you want, what is the most important? What needs to be done now and what can be added later? Are there alternative ways of handling certain issues?
4. Get a quote. Share your budget and your prioritized list with your web developer. How much of what you want can you afford? What can you do now and what needs to be budgeted for later?
5. Be reasonable. Just because you've seen the technology on the Internet, even if it's widely used, doesn't mean it's easy or cheap. Remember, Amazon has devoted billions of dollars in research and development to come up with their cutting-edge online shopping system. The more customized and complex your needs are, the more costly the project may be.

So how much does it cost?

In the end, my answer to that question always is, "It depends." As discussed, the cost of a developing a website can vary widely depending on needs. I would be happy to talk with your about your wants and needs and determine if what we have to offer is a good fit. Nonprofits, I can help you develop a detailed technical project scope and RFP that you can send out to web development firms to solicit more accurate responses.

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