Pricing
Get a better feel for what it'll take to create your new website.
Due to the unique character of every website, CMS can't offer flat pricing for websites. But you can get a better feeling for how much you'll need to invest in your new website. Below you'll see an individual breakdown on each component, it's range of price, and how you can help keep costs down.
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User Research (~$150)
It would do no good to sink money into a new website that your users hate. Investing in user research at the beginning makes sure your new website pays off at the end. Communication with customers on the web is much different than in person, and knowing how to talk with them in a store doesn't guarantee you'll be successful on the web. Many design agencies skip this step as a cost-reducing procedure, but knowing what your user is interested in and what their needs are is invaluable information. CMS takes the time to ensure you're tuned into your users and as a result, they're much more satisfied.
Cost Saving Tip
Take advantage of friends and family by asking them where they get lost or confused on your new website. User research doesn't have to be expensive, even though the information learned is priceless.
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New website design ($500 to $1,000)
Your website's design is one of the very first impressions new visitors will have to your site. It really needs to capture what your business is about. You don't want fancy text and frilly decorations for a site aimed at teens, and your business clients don't want grungy text and dark colors.
Not only do you need to worry about the design's theme, but also that it's readable and flexible to new content. Too many times a design is created in a way that it breaks every time you want to update information. Cibolo Media Services focuses on designs that are adaptable to change and accessible.
Also, each new website needs to have at least three layouts. You need to have a unique home page that welcomes visitors, but also have a design that can contain a lot of content. Along with that, any sort of unique behavior needs to be designed, like a personalized contact form or event calendar.
It's really worth it to invest in a professional design that fits your website, rather than a cookie-cutter site. You want to make an impression on your visitors, and a great design is the first step.
Cost Saving Tip
One of the biggest costs during the design process comes during the review phase. Too often clients get stuck trying to fit a design to their tastes, when they should be more concerned with the users experience. Keeping comments like "Can we make it 15% darker?" limited will lower costs and preserve the integrity of the design.
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New website development ($750 - $3,500)
The bread and butter of your new website is the actual site itself. Developing a new website is a lengthy process and requires someone experienced enough to make it a success. Expecting someone to create a website for less than stated means that a) you're getting a cookie-cutter website that won't impress users, b) the developer is skipping over important steps that will catch up with you later or c) you've got a friend or relative that is willing to cut their prices for you. If it's 'a' or 'b', you're better off investing more money now than paying for it later.
Cost Saving Tip
During this time you will be asked to give your feedback. Seeing your design as a website can tempt you to change it, ut any changes at this point can significantly increase costs and push back deadlines. Instead, make a list of ideas to discuss after the website launches.
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Testing (~$150)
The testing process is essential to making sure your website is professional and polished. Without it, users can experience inconsistencies that diminish their experience and reflect poorly on your services. CMS will test on several different internet browsers, including mobile devices like phones and PDA's. Your job will include testing on your favorite browsers and trying everything you can to break the website. It's better that we break something now than the customer break it down the road.
Cost Saving Tip
Include family and friends in the testing process. Make sure they focus on display issues or confusing areas. Feedback on the design is always welcome, but the most helpful feedback concerns their interaction with the site.
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Training (~$150)
An investment worth the price of admission, getting trained on managing your new website is essential to keeping information up-to-date and fresh. You will be trained on updating your website, a brief overview of HTML (the code behind websites) and then how to track your website visitors.
Cost Saving Tip
Be a fast learner. :P
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Advertising (~$150)
Without getting the word out, your website will be void of visitors. Any money invested in advertisement can pay dividends in return. Together we will create ways to drive users to your new website that are effective and reliable.
Cost Saving Tip
Think of creative ways to advertise your new website. Visiting on-line forums and discussion rooms can help you find at your audience. Be sure not to market your services directly, but rather engage with the people and help them out. They will in turn take interest in you and happily visit your website.
Overall, depending on the size of your new website and what functionality it will contain, it will cost anywhere between $1,750 and $5,000. If you think that is too high, remember that your investing in a website that will focus on increasing profits and creating new revenue streams. And unlike other cheap web design companies that create a website which goes out of date within a year, you will be trained in maintaining your website so it lasts for years to come.