Comparing Apples with Apples
This was one of the funniest questions that I had heard in all my time of talking with clients about building websites.
“How can I be sure that I am comparing apples with apples when looking at a website proposal?”
In other words . . .
“How can I know that a $2,000 website is better than a $1,000 website?”
I think I actually gave a little chuckle.
And my answer was quite direct . . .
You can’t!
At the very least, there are so many different types of apples. You have for Granny Smiths, Delicious, Fuji, Pink Lady, and the list goes on.
They each have different taste characteristics, different uses and often different prices as well.
And some web developers are simply not selling apples.
Some are selling oranges, some are selling pears, and some are selling watermelons.
And some are just selling lemons! LOL
So how do you make that decision?
Everyone will have their own criteria for how to make this decision. But here are a couple of things to think about.
Has the website developer talked with you at length about your business and your website?
They cannot provide the best solution if they do not understand you and your business.
If they gave you a price with only minimal discussion, you may be in for some surprises later on.
Has the website developer been able to answer all of your questions in a way that was easy for you to understand?
Communication will be a hallmark of the success of your project.
Has he or she talked with you about how to use your website as a marketing tool?
A website that does not help you make more sales has limited, if any, value for you.
Have you talked about ways that the website can help reduce your workload in the business?
You want a website that will improve your productivity, and not just create more work for you.
Will it reduce the amount of tasks you have to do? Perhaps transfer some things to your customers to manage? Automate payments, bookings, checklists, etc?
Did they show you how easy it will be for you to use?
Some website software forces you to pay the web developer for each little change that you want to make, and so many are websites never changed. (Did they explain to you why this is not good for your website?)
Did they explain how they are going to support you after the website is completed?
Many web developers do not provide ongoing support, leaving you in the lurch when it comes to changing or maintaining your website.
Are they going to take care of the techie things for you, and make sure that everything keeps on working?
Is their proposal for a fixed price?
You want to know what the cost will be before you start, and that the price will not blowout after they start.
Do they show preset prices on the website?
Prepackaged prices do have their place in business, but you want a solution that will fill all of your needs in the best way possible.
Getting a price “off the shelf” is not often in your best interests.
What should you do now?
1. If you are ready to get a new website, then get familiar with these questions.
2. Be prepared to ask some tough questions when talking with the web developer.
3. Want some help or ideas? Just contact us at Hotpink Websites now.
Quote
Million-dollar ideas are a dime a dozen. The determination to see the idea through is what is priceless.
~ Robert Dieffenbach
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