The cost of a website is one of those questions that’s incredibly tough to answer. 100 design firms will give 100 different answers all of them not applicable to you or your built environment firm unless they know your needs. That answer is entirely correct, but it’s frustrating when you’re looking for numbers, so we’ll give you some.

At the low end of the spectrum is building your simple website for free (or nearly free) with a content management system like WordPress. Of course, it will take a few years to master the website, SEO, UX yadda yadda and you run the risk of malware and hacking with a free open source CMS like WordPress. Large companies, on the other hand, spend hundreds of thousands for custom-designed websites. You’re probably reading this blog because neither of these options is right for you. 

How Can I Get the Most Value for My Money?

Custom-designed websites are great, but they’re expensive. If your budget is small, and you need a website with social media sharing and calls-to-action, you can hire a professional to build a site using a content management system. In the hands of a pro, a CMS-built website will generate web traffic and help sell your services.

Small to medium-sized architectural, interior design and design-build firms should be able to get a basic website with interactive features starting at $4,000-$6,000. This is not a do-it-yourself-looking site; it’s professional quality. The price might include six pages (with content), search engine optimization, a blog page, social media buttons, a contact page, call-to-action buttons, white papers and more: the essential tools of inbound marketing for a built environment.

A more sophisticated CMS website with 12-20 pages, for instance, might start at $8,000-$10,000. This would likely include all the elements above and more. These are just starting prices, of course. You could easily run up the bill with extra pages and features.

Many website designers offer a fixed price while others charge an hourly rate. In most cases, you’re better off with a fixed price. You’ll know what to expect upfront. Although a secure, interactive website is key to the success of marketing a built environment, you don’t have to agree to an open tab.

What To Expect From A Web Designer

Before you hire anyone, it’s important to set some clear expectations. The designer should sit down with you to ask questions and discuss exactly what you’re looking for.

• Will the website be mobile and tablet friendly? Easy to use is non-negotiable because mobile traffic makes up nearly 30 percent of all web traffic. 
• What are the ongoing costs? Website design really should be viewed as a service, not a one-time purchase. Websites aren’t as successful when they’re static; they require consistent updating and fresh content.
• What is the search engine optimization "SEO" strategy for the website? What keywords will be used to attract web traffic?
• Who will be writing the web content and taking the photographs? Who will write white papers and blogs - you or the web design company? Copywriting is important because the quality and context of content can make or break your marketing for a built environment.
• How long will you spend designing the site? How much time have you spent on your last couple clients?
• Will you link all of my social media pages to the website with share and follow buttons? Marketing for a built environment should include an active social media presence. 

About Michael Conway and Means-of-Production

My firm builds Squarespace websites, Houzz profiles, and content marketing and advertising solutions for architects, interior designers, design-build contractors and landscape design firms. Our all-in-one tactics attract the right clients with exceptional architectural photography and brand messaging that sets you apart from the competition. Contact me for a free-of-charge consultation and marketing review. It takes about 40 minutes and you'll be provided a list of actionable improvements designed to solve your specific marketing problems.