Budget Websites – how I keep my costs down (and your pockets not too empty)

If you are in the market for a budget website, or cheap website, you have to ask yourself the following:

• If I can only afford a budget website, then will I meet the web designer / do I even need to meet the freelance web designer?
• Will I be able to relay what I need via email?
• Do I have the time to drive to see the budget freelance web designer close to their home?

I have done many websites for clients over the years. At the most I meet them once and from then on all correspondence is done via email. Some of the clients I have had for more than 5 years. Some had their websites and logos redesigned for a second time without even having to see me.

Think of it this way, if you want a budget website and find an affordable cheap quote from a freelance web designer, then most probably the designer does this part-time. This means that you won’t always be able to phone them during working hours – and they won’t be able to see you during their working day. Plus, since it is a website, ie. a virtual product, you can do the whole process by email.

What is my process?

I can only offer budget websites if I cut out on travelling and phone calls to clients, else I start paying to deliver a service. I do realise however that clients sometimes do need more direction and attention in order to get projects signed off to their satisfaction.

• I ask clients what their website is about;
• If there are any websites they like (and can forward the URL to me);
• If they already have the content or know which links or sections they will have on the website;
• I ask for all images and logos;
• Then I design up to 3 templates;
• From these 3, the client chooses 1 and suggests changes;
• After the changes are done, the client can approve or send more changes;
• As soon as the client gives me the go-ahead, I build the website;
• The website then goes live (on a test server) and the client can double check their content;

I’m a qualified graphic / web designer in Johannesburg; and have a copywriting qualification from AAA School of Advertising; I have also dabbled in search engine optimisation (SEO).