Website 101:
I need a site, where do I begin?

1. Determine the purpose of your site.

Okay, the first thing you need to do is determine what you need your site to be. Sites can be anything from a brochure on the web, to your storefront open to the world.

Most businesses will want to start simple, with a site that functions as an online brochure. This site will be a place where people can find out more about what you offer. The site will allow users to find out how to contact you for more specific information. The web is the new Yellow Pages, and it pays to have your business listed.

Some businesses will want to start immediately with a site that operates as a storefront. If you have the budget to put your product line for sale on the web, and your product is one that individual users might purchase, there's no reason not to do so.

2. Determine your budget.

Your budget is going to play a large part in determining what your site can be. You won't be able to build a site that sells 100 products for $400. But you may be able to put up a small but effective brochure site for that money.

We suggest the following guidelines for determining how much site your money will buy:

The initial graphic design and planning of a standard, non-flash site will take approximately ten hours, or $450, at our regular rate (this does not include the cost of the actual site production, instead consider this the pre-production work).

After the pre-production, you can figure it will take one hour per page to produce your non-flash site. Some pages take less time, some might take more, it all depends on how interactive the page is (store type interactive pages take longer to code than a page with only text and images).

So a standard, non-flash site with 8 pages may cost around $800.

Several things can add to the cost of your site.

Outside Graphic Design Work

Some of our clients are happy with our in house graphic design work. Others choose to have us work with independent designers. Graphic design services can add significantly to your costs, but can also enhance the look of your site.

Flash Programming/Design

Flash is the programming tool that is used to make sites with graphics that move or fade. Flash programming of splash (introduction) pages, or entire sites, will also add significantly to the cost of your site. We do flash programming in house, which can save you money, but it is time consuming work, and will make your site more expensive.

Text Composition and/or Photo Aquisition

Your site will cost more if we have to research and write your text, or aquire your pictures. To keep costs low you should have all site text and images available in electronic format.

3. Get a rough idea of how you want your site to look and work.

Browse the web. Especially pay attention to sites that sell or advertise products or services similar to what you offer.

You want to get a basic idea of the layout and organization you want for your site. Prepare a list of sites you especially like, and why you like them.

4. Contact a designer.

After you have a clear idea of the purpose of your site and your budget, and after you have identified sites you like, then it's time to contact a designer. Bring them your ideas and the information you have gathered. Talk to them about your vision for your site. Listen to their ideas. Look at the sites they have done. Email their clients. Select a designer you feel good about, then let them do their work.

Click here to contact Circle Web Works for help with your site design.