While it looks like the economy could be turning around soon, many companies still have to be a little creative with resources in the meantime. And as you’re weathering budget cuts, you still need to wow clients and prospects online.
Sound impossible? Don’t panic. I’ve outlined several budget website alternatives to help you save money without losing credibility.
DIY Website
A “do it yourself” website. This would be a very, very basic website with minimal design and functionality.
Unless you have a working knowledge of XHTML, CSS, JavaScript, PHP, and ASP and your own server, you would need:
- Adobe Dreamweaver software to maintain and update the site
- $399 per new license, or you can grab the entire Adobe CS3 Creative Suite for $399, including Photoshop, with a student ID
- Adobe Photoshop software to edit photos and create graphics for the site
- $699 per new license, but see above for discount information
- Website hosting
- $8 per month through www.omnis.com
- Domain name registration
- $8-$10 per year, if it’s not taken, through www.omnis.com
- FTP software such as Filezilla to load your files directly onto the server
- Free at http://filezilla-project.org/
Estimated labor hours:
Expect to spend 8 to 24 hours on your DIY site. This assumes very basic site requirements, a basic level of coding skill and familiarity with online coding environments.
Basic Template Website
This gives you a cleaner, more polished, but still cookie-cutter website with more functionality. You can add calendars, a basic blog, and contact forms so visitors can send inquiries to you through the site. However, the site does not have a custom design.
This level of site would have a built-in content management system for fast updates. This option requires a moderate level of programming ability in XHTML, CSS, JavaScript, PHP, and ASP to execute. You would need:
- One of three free content management system software platforms:
- WordPress (moderate level coding ability required, for small firms and businesses)
- Joomla (intermediate level coding ability required, for mid-sized firms and businesses)
- Mod X (advanced level coding ability required, more powerful, for businesses with a full time programmer)
- Website hosting
- $8/m through www.omnis.com
- Domain name registration
- $8-$10/year, if it’s not taken, through www.omnis.com
- FTP software such as Filezilla for direct file uploads/downloads to the server
- Free at http://filezilla-project.org/
Estimated labor hours:
A basic template website can take anywhere from 32 to 40 hours, depending on your level of skill and knowledge.
Custom Website
This is a site that has been custom designed and includes a high level of interactive features and functionality. It is meant to compete with large firms and to act as the cornerstone of marketing and publicity efforts.
A few of its features might include:
- Blog with community features, such as:
- Comments
- Audio/video posting ability
- Trackbacks (link sharing)
- Event calendars
- Interactive photo galleries
- Portfolio
- Custom quote forms
- Forums
A custom website would include a full content management system, allowing any user to log in and make quick and easy updates in an environment similar to MS Word or Outlook’s interface.
This site would require a high level of design and programming ability. You would need:
- A professional design
- A professional programmer
- Website hosting
- $8/m through www.omnis.com
- Domain name registration
- $8-$10/year, if it’s not taken, through www.omnis.com
Estimated labor hours:
A fully-functional custom website requires 32 to 48 hours for an advanced design and programming team.
Summary
Any way you slice it, it’s going to mean a minimum of 8 hours setup time, plus the time and the software required to update the site.
The DIY option is the deal for you if you just want to be able to say you have a website, and to have custom e-mail addresses for your domain. This has the lowest possible ROI of the three, but requires the least amount of time and expense to set up.
The Basic Template option is if you’d like a website that does invite viewers to browse your materials a bit more easily and aesthetically, but doesn’t need to knock their socks off.
The ROI on this one is still relatively low, as it’s not designed as a marketing platform. But when accompanied with a personal selling and fairly frequent updates, it can still be a valuable selling aid and informational tool.
The Custom Website pulls its weight when you need to approach large firms or reach a wider audience for the purpose of business sales, fundraising, or event organizing. It takes the most time and money to create, requires the most education and experience, and boasts the highest ROI of the three options. If you’re looking for a high-impact website with the versatility to handle sales presentations, interactive elements, and internet publicity, this is the vehicle for you.
My Advice
A lot depends on what you’re trying to do and how much time, experience, and money you have to invest in your project.
Though it may look cheaper initially, the first option is counter-productive, in my opinion.
It’s sort of like setting a bone in the wilderness. Anyone with first aid training and the basic tools can do it, but it’s a poor second to a doctor and a hospital.
For cash-strapped businesses, I’d recommend the Basic Template option. It’ll get you off the ground with a decent-looking site, and the CMS makes it easier for a layman to update than if you were using Dreamweaver.
If you are a larger business, (or want to look like a larger business), the Custom Website option gives you a flagship designed to wow prospects. Custom design helps you stand out from the crowd.
Regardless of which site you choose, expect to spend about $80-$100 minimally for hosting and domain registration for the first year if you don’t have them already. If you outsource professional design and development for a Basic Site, expect a price tag of around $1,700-$2,000. Custom Websites can run anywhere from $2,000 to $25,000 depending on the functionality you need.
If you weigh your options carefully, you can establish a solid online presence for your business that won’t break your budget. By building the foundation now, you gain a strategic advantage immediately, and position yourself to outstrip the competition over the long haul as you expand.
