General Site Design Info


Email - roadtoads1@yahoo.com
So, what is the difference between a Graphics-Based and Text-Based Website?

Generally, a Text-Based, Informational site consists of a lot of words with just a sprinkling of Stock or Client-provided Photos. This page you are reading is an example of a Text-Based site. I did add a photo to give it a little eye candy though. These also tend to be less expensive due to the fact that there is not much graphic design work involved. The client  usually provides all text and photos. These are effective sites for specialized service businesses and non-profit organizations to explain their cause or function. For example, a text site is where you find out exactly what happens during an MRI scan or how to prepare for a Driver's License test. Another great example is Wikipedia. They tend to look more generic and blocky but if your clients need info NOW, that is of little concern.

Graphics-Based sites are far more elegant or dramatic-looking with a High-End feel. Just enough words to get your point across.  Click here to see an example of a Graphics-Based site. This approach is desirable when you want your site to be totally unique with your own vibe and personality. They do stand out from all the others - Very useful when there is lot of competition in the same business. They are also more expensive because each page is usually built from scratch along with custom-designed graphics, photo galleries etc.

Of course, there is no reason not to incorporate both types in one site. After all, we start with a clean page -  why not give all of them some style? You can always start simple and add more pages and features later on. Its a more economical option if you aren't sure what you want.

 I know there are people and firms who will build sites for very low cost. Some of these might be ok but some, frankly, are not. Depends on what you want. A lot of them are based outside the U.S. or might as well be. Some have hidden costs you find out about later. Inevitably then, there are always compromises. Thats all I will say about cut-rate builders. You pays your money and takes your chances.  

OK then, how much will a Website cost?

A website is a very effective advertising and promotional tool. As with any highly-specialized service, it does cost money. With us as your site builder, you could pay anywhere from $850 for a basic, single page, "Magazine Ad" to $20,000 and more for a full-featured site with many pages, a catalog database, photo galleries and custom graphics etc. A huge range but it represents the majority of site possibilities we could undertake.  Some we simply would not attempt on our own. For 95% of all small businesses and organizations, a 3 to 5 page, online "Brochure" is perfectly suitable. The average total cost and time for these range from $2500 (31.25 hours) to $5500 (68.75 hours) plus any maintenance costs if desired.  The cost can range higher than this if custom graphics, photo galleries, text composition or other features are added. Maintenance and design costs are charged at a very modest introductory rate of $80 per hour.  

Also factored into these prices are 2 hours of consultation time with the client, uploading up to 10 photos, and basic Domain/Hosting account setup. By the way, Domain and Hosting fees are recurring costs. I'll detail this a bit more down the page.

What you get for the money is a solid-performing, attractive, 24/7, online representative of your business which is available to anyone, anywhere in the world for as long as you need it.  It can allow customers to see your goods or services conveniently. You can have interactive maps to your location. Video, Sound and Guestbooks can be added.  You can sell your products online. Your site can be as dramatic, outrageous, funny, colorful or as subdued as you want... And it can all be changed almost immediately at any time. No other advertising method even comes close!
Maintenance, Domains and Hosting
Maintenance can consist of uploading new photos, graphics, text compositions or minor layout changes. Other changes can be performed at this time also. Regardless of the web site design costs, there are also some fixed, recurring costs such as Domain Registration, Hosting Fees, Special Enhancements and Certifications etc. The approximate ranges are as follows:

Service: Domain Name: $10 to $20 per year
Service: Hosting: $75 to $200 a year (depending on website size and features)
Service: Enhancements such as Domain Certification, Search Engine Registration and other features: $20 to $100 per year.
 Service: Web Site Maintenance: $80/hour for occasional maintenance and updates or $500 to $1250 a year for regular maintenance (depending on number of updates required).
E-mail accounts are typically included free with the hosting account!

Depending on scheduling and design requirements, it can take as little as two weeks to go live with a basic site. It will take longer for a more-advanced site.


Already have a website that needs updating? Let us know. We would be happy to give it a shiny new makeover!
Our main goal is to build solid, professional-looking sites that are unique from all the rest. We want yours to be an effective online representative for years to come, whatever your enterprise happens to be. Drop us a line with your requirements.
We are only an E-mail away...

 



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