Aside from getting official quotes from web design companies, it’s hard to know what kind of web development cost to expect when you need website design or redesign services. With the help of industry experts, we’ve compiled a list of useful information to shed help some light what type of services you can expect to pay for and if you should use a free service-based software, a freelance designer, or full-service agency.
Which type of design service provider should you use?
Thanks to the versatility of the web and the various digital demands of companies, there are several options to choose from when it comes to deciding which type of web design source to use.
Freelance Web Designers
What is a freelance web designer:
A freelancer is typically a self-employed person who is not affiliated or committed to any particular long-term employer. Generally speaking, however, choosing a freelancer over a web design company should largely depend on the type of work you need done. Because these individuals aren’t affiliated with an agency or firm, they don’t have to utilize predetermined templates or styles are can be more flexible when it comes to meeting your needs. Keep in mind, however, that some freelancers might not have the experience or training needed to bring your vision to life and they may be working on several projects at once.
Services you can expect:
The services you can expect from freelancers largely depends on who you choose as your freelancer. Unfortunately, freelancers who find work through online agencies don’t have their work closely monitored or reviewed, which means you could be hiring on someone who has little to no experience. But by choosing a freelance web designer with his or her own website, you’ll be able to gain valuable insight into the type of results you can expect as well as client testimonials and services provided.
What you’ll pay:
Freelancers charge their services by the hour as web development cost. Rates on the lower end typically hover around $40/hr and can reach up to around $75 to $100/hr. When planning your budget for web development cost, however, you can expect to pay freelance web designers an average of $59 an hour for their services.
Free Service-Based Softwares
What is free software:
Web design software sites like Weebly and Squarespace provide users with intuitive interfaces and drag-and-drop features that make basic web design simple. For small businesses, these software models can offer an array of benefits such as simple design templates, high-quality results, mobile application design, and more. However, many of these software companies require you to use their domain which can hinder search engine results and brand awareness.
Services you can expect:
As a free website builder, these service-based software programs offer an array of various services. They should clearly list these features on their websites. Generally speaking, though, services typically include an integrated website builder, blogging platform, hosting service, commerce platform, and more.
What you’ll pay:
While free service-based software programs are just that – free. There are additional pricing options for added services that reach beyond the basic website design needs. Most of the leading web design software companies charge anywhere from $10 a month to $30 a month. The price depends on the package. Remember, too, that these prices don’t include the assistance of actual web designers and that you (or a team member) will be responsible for building and designing the website.
Full-Service Web Design Firms
What is a full-service web design firm:
A website design firm or agency is an established, accredited company that specializes in all aspects of web design and redesign. These companies have a team of expert designers. So they work with a high volume of clients on a variety of different projects. They have a portfolio of past client work and a catalog of all-encompassing design services. With their experience, these firms also have the capability of working on strict deadlines. They can easily meet specific design requests.
Services you can expect:
The services offered by established full-service web design firms are vast and plentiful. In general, however, you can expect to receive everything from digital marketing services, search engine and conversion rate optimization, branding and identity, social media management, cohesive branding web design, and developmental coding.
What you’ll pay:
Agencies charge differently as web development cost, but, in general, you can expect to pay by the hour. However, when determining your budget, it’s wise to be as forthcoming and upfront about your needs. Be clear on how much you can put toward the project. This will play a big role in what tools and resources the services use in bringing your design to life. “A potential client may think, ‘I have about $50k to spend on the site, but I want to get the best deal possible, so I am going to try to get it for $20k,’” said Matt Sutherland, Co-founder at HQ, “When we do a project for $20k, it is going to be as good as we can get it for that amount. The fact is it still is going to be a $20k project no matter who does it.
If we put the time into it to make it a $50k project, it will be worth that. You definitely get what you pay for. If you really want it to be great, let us know and we will start with that in mind.” This goes for most design firms: the more you’re able to budget, the better your web design will be.
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