The first stage in any author website project is to specify what pages you need on your site.
However, it is important to remember that it is not just the page count that affects how much you will pay for your site. In fact in some cases, page count is the least important factor.
For example, A basic template-based website will be cheaper than a custom-designed site with unique features and layouts. Complex features such as event calendars, contact forms, and mailing list integration will also add to the cost. Here’s a summary of the factors that increase affect the amount of development time needed to create a site and therefore the overall cost:
- Custom v template (the more a design deviates from standard, the greater the development time and therefore cost)
- Complexity of design (the more intricate and unique the design, the more time and effort it will take to create)
- Bespoke v in-house design (the more particular a client is about the look and feel of a site, the greater the development time)
- Basic v advanced features (blogs, newsletter sign-up forms, contact forms, and calendars are examples of complex features that will increase the cost of your site).
- Self-editable websites (requires more design input, documentation and client training plus editing support)
- Standard v advanced SEO (the addition of an advanced SEO plugin will result in more development work)
- Urgency (we can prioritise a project for quick completion but rush fees may apply)
- Multilingual Support: (if you intend to have your website available in multiple languages, translation services and multilingual plugins could increase costs)
Different designers have different areas of expertise and working methods, so it is important to get at least two quotes to compare prices.