“I need a new website. How much does that cost?”
This may look like a simple request. But experience tells me that “I need a new website” is almost always code for:
I need business coaching, a new marketing strategy, an updated logo and brand guidelines, custom web design and development, copywriting, some bangin’ new photos, training on how to update the website myself, and if you wouldn’t mind grabbing my dry cleaning, that would be a big help!
This is why website pricing can be so damn confusing. What looks like “just a website” on its face is actually hiding a woooorld of design and strategy.
Take Marie Forleo’s website, in all its gorgeous glory. If I had a penny for every time a design client told me, “I want Marie Forleo’s website!” I’d go exhaust my local Coinstar and retire young. Guess what? What you love about MarieForleo.com goes way beyond web design. Not to mention, Marie has a huuuuuge team of talented folks who made that website happen and continue to keep it in tip-top shape.
Behind every great website you’ll find these 6 things:
- Strategy
- Logo & Brand Design
- Photography
- Copy & Content
- Web Design
- Web Development
If you’re thinking about a new website, you want to include all six of these elements in your plans. They work together — and they need each other. The question, then, when it comes to your website budget, is:
What will I be paying for with my time? And what will I be paying for with money?
It’s the simplest and most honest way I’ve found to approach budgeting for a new website. Yes, you’re going to spend money. But, depending on your budget and where you are in business, you will also be investing your own time and energy — keep both in mind when making plans, timelines, and blueprints.
Now, let’s talk dollars and cents. Here’s my quick ‘n’ dirty breakdown for what to do with your website budget:
What Does a New Website REALLY COST?
How much does a new website cost? Or a great logo? Epic copywriting?
I’m not going to lie. I feel AWKWARD talking dollars and cents. But you can’t spell “awkward” without RKA, so today I’m GOIN’ FOR IT.
Because it makes NO SENSE to avoid talking cents.
Here’s how that typically goes down: ⠀
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1️⃣ You’re afraid to know what something costs because the price might be out of reach. ⠀
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2️⃣ I’m afraid to tell you what something costs because the price might scare you away. ⠀
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Around and ’round we go.But, here’s why I’m busting past my own money blocks to talk about web design pricing today — because it SUCKS to see people throw money down the drain on services that get them nowhere. And, knowing your budget — and how to make the MOST of it, given what quality services cost — will ensure you spend wisely.
Video Spoilers:
I talk a ton about the importance of GREAT PHOTOGRAPHY and BRILLIANT COPYWRITING. And I give shout outs in the vid to the following creative powerhouses:
Copywriting – Natalie Taylor, The Missing Ink, https://www.themissingink.co/
Photography – Heidi Hapanowicz Photography, https://www.heidihapanowicz.com/The Ash & Heidi experience I reference in the vid is already sold out: https://ashandheidigoto.london/
And extra shout outs to the amazing photographer who just did MY updated picssss in the new RKA ink office, Linette Gary Photography. I’m over the mooooooon!
Posted by RKA ink on Thursday, June 8, 2017
If you have less Than $1,000…
Don’t hire a web designer. Have a mini session with a photographer for a few great shots, grab a minimalist WordPress theme, become besties with Canva, and focus on creating great content.
If you have $1,000-$,3000
Pick one from the above list.
If you have $3,000-$7,000
Pick two.
If you have $7,000-$10,000
Pick three.
If you have $10,000+
Choose your own adventure.
My system is simple. It’s all about deciding on where you’ll spend your time and attention and where you want/need a professional’s support and expertise. There isn’t a one size fits all solution here.
As I share in the video, if you’re a tech-loving, DIY design star, it might be silly to spend your website budget on design. You might say, “I’ll pay for my brand design and web design with my time and energy. But I’ll pay a copywriter to help me nail my message.”
As your business and revenue grows, your time will continue to be at more of a premium. This is where investing in more professional support makes sense, even if yeahhhh technically, you could do it all yourself. Don’t let holding onto your DIY crown get in the way of business growth.
Last thought: beware Mr. Do It All for $999! If you think he miiiiight be too good to be true, I promise you, he is. Just trust me on this.
