How Much? How Much? How Much?

Sometimes it's hard for me to remember that other people don't spend as much time as I do in front of my computer. This is in no way a bad thing (for others, not myself).  In my personal experience, every time I have met with a potential client, the most important question (to the client) is How Much? How much will my website cost to design, run, and maintain. How much is the start-up cost? How much is the monthly cost? How much will a website cost me on a yearly basis?

Let's Start with the Necessities...

The 2 things that YOU MUST HAVE in order to have a website. A domain name / URL and a web server (web host). Why and where do you get these things?

First, you need a domain name/URL. My personal suggestion for a domain name is Google Apps. I recommend Google Apps for a few simple reasons. First is price, Google's price for domains are hard to beat. Google uses GoDaddy as a third party vendor for their domains. Unlike GoDaddy's regular priced domains, new domain names registered through Google start at just $8/year (average price is about $10/year). Besides a great price, Google Apps offers you all of the great advantages of Gmail like: calendar, docs, team sites, etc. Google Apps packages range from free to about $10/user/month (depending on the package you need).

Second, you need web hosting. There are so many hosts to choose from! My personal favorite is HostGator. Why? Because I simply have not had a problem with them in 6 years! Customer service is excellent, the service is terrific, and the pricing is completely affordable.

So with that being said...you are looking at around $100/year (depending on the hosting package you choose and where you register your domain) for your basic necessities.

How much does a website cost?

Pricing and building a website is much like pricing and building a new home. There are so many factors involved it is impossible to give one price. Websites can range in price anywhere from $100 (from a local student) - $100,000+ (for large corporations). This is an excellent article that explains more about website pricing (http://inspiredm.com/website-pricing-how-much-does-a-website-cost/)

What does Sugar Webs charge?

Sugar Webs tries to work within your budget. Many times you will be asked for a budget (think realistically), the budget you give is not so that it can be maxed out. By telling me your budget, I will be able to offer you different options to work within your budget.

Pricing usually starts at $1000 (discounts may be applied, for repeat customers, customer referrals, or maybe I am just in an extremely good mood that particular day). On average, a site from Sugar Webs costs around $2000-$2500. Once again, this depends on your needs. You need more, it will cost more, you need less, it will cost less. Are you happy with a pre-made template? Is it necessary to have a custom design? Do you need custom contact forms, a calendar of events, a shopping cart - eCommerce, etc. Do you have over 10 pages to your website? These are just a few things to consider in determining the price.

Consulting rates may vary by contract. My consultation fees range from $30-$65/hr. Why? It depends on how much you need. If you need me for a brief moment, fees are higher. If you are planning a long term relationship, fees are lower. Most contract consulting carries a monthly fee (basically to have me at your "beck and call") as well as an hourly rate.

Special Pricing

Sugar Webs offers special pricing for Churches/Religious Organizations, After School Organizations, Clubs, etc. If you need a site for one of these types of organizations give me a call and you might be amazed at the soft heart I have for community organizations! These sites include a content management system, a branded pre-made template, and training. They also start as low as $350! Don't be fooled by the low price, these are not low quality sites. Check them out below...

Here are a few examples of my "special price" websites:
www.StMaryParkForest.org
www.MantenoPTO.org
www.FirstTabernacle.org
www.ParkForestHistory.org

Did you have a look? Not too shabby eh?! No one would ever guess the sites above are "discount sites".

So...How Much Will Your Site Cost?!

It depends. Sorry, I really don't have a better answer.

Generally, sites from Sugar Webs are "one time fees", unless you need ongoing maintenance, updates, etc. The cost of the website is a one time charge. I do not charge ongoing fees to use or run your website. Once I create the site, you pay the bill, I "hand it over" and it is all yours. Until you contact me with your budget, "wish list", and needs, it is hard to say how much your site will cost and if you will have any recurring fees.

If you're still with me...take a look at my portfolio and if you like what you see, contact me so we can work out a price and all of the other sticky details.