WEBSITE DESIGN
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Here at our web design agency, we often get asked a heap of common questions from clients regarding website design and development. Building a new website or revamping an existing website can seem daunting and complex, depending on the familiarity with the process. This article aims to provide answers to some of the most common questions we get asked all the time when it comes to building websites.
How Long Does It Take To Build a Website?
One of the most asked about questions today is the estimated time of delivery for your website. On average, an informational website (marketing showcase build) can take about 5-8 weeks to complete including the design and development of the site, and depending on its complexities. This includes going through the stages of the development process: planning, website wireframing, design concepts, front-end and backend development. When it comes to eCommerce websites, depending on its functionalities, it can take approximately around 8-12 weeks to complete.
The times mentioned above can vary from site to site. More complicated eCommerce websites with additional high-level features and functions including accounting, CRM and POS integration systems can take several months.
The time a website takes to develop is usually determined by the following:
Functionality
When it comes to building a website, a basic website showcasing a few products or services will take less time to develop than one requiring complex functionality. When it comes to website deliverables, the requirements that are likely to increase the development time includes:
- Integration with third-party software such as POS systems or payment gateways.
- Advanced accessibility options.
- Custom features that drive email handling and notifications.
- Additional security and testing before going live.
- Custom development within the WordPress framework to deliver specific requirements.
- Additional artwork requirements throughout the build process.
Content & Scope of Work
The size of a website will heavily impact the development time. The more pages and sections a website requires, the more time it will take to design, code, and develop.
Do I need a Content Management System (CMS) For My Website?
At Design Point Digital, virtually all our websites include a CMS platform so that you can manage and update your website, keeping it looking up-to-date and fresh. The benefits of having a content management system as part of your website’s framework are listed below:
Changing Content Frequently
If you have a business website that requires regular updates, a CMS will allow website owners to quickly login and effortlessly make content updates. They do not need to have a third-party developer make updates for them, it can be made in-house saving you cost and time in the long run.
Search Engine Optimisation
Most modern CMS website platforms like WordPress or Shopify allows you to make SEO changes to their pages without specific coding. It allows users to make SEO changes to their URLs, page titles, descriptions, headings and body content.
Legal Requirements
Some websites, such as governments, local councils, banks, healthcare providers, and law firms, have legal processes and obligations to keep their information accurate and up to date. Having a CMS build makes it simple and fast to have this updated on a frequent basis.
Reduce Third-Party Costs
When you can update your website internally there is no need to employ any third-party services which will help you reduce the cost of running your website.
Website Flexibility
As your business grows, a CMS allows for you to create additional web pages or sections with a navigation menu to reflect this. If you require additional functionality, a CMS like WordPress will allow for expansion to your website due to its flexible nature.
How Much Does a Website Cost To Develop?
The cost of a website depends on several factors, the main two being how many web pages will be included, its size and complexity when it comes to functionality. Below are some of the common factors that determine pricing of a website:
- The amount of different web pages that need to be designed and developed.
- The development platform of choice, some platforms are open-source (like WordPress), while other CMS platforms require licensing costs, which can contribute to the build costs.
- Will the website be an informational catalogue site or eCommerce website? Will there be additional portal development for members, event bookings, online payment processing, back-office integration, POS integration etc.
- Does the website require any content creation, graphic design etc.?
To provide more context and clarity of your website, provide your web design agency a detailed website scope document to ensure accurate delivery times and costs.
Will I Have a Project Manager?
All websites developed at Design Point will be handled in-house by an account manager and you will have direct contact to our web developers throughout the build. We ensure that the website process is communicated directly to our clients so we can manage timelines and resources to deliver an impressive website. This streamlines the complete web design and development process, preventing any delays in deliverables.
Who Owns The Website After It’s Developed?
Once your site has been developed, the ownership is fully transferred to the website owner. There are no hidden monthly surprises or fees. The only costs to run your website would be the domain and web hosting with your registrar or any ongoing maintenance and support, which is optional for website owners to have with us.
Are There Any Ongoing Costs Involved?
We charge a fixed fee when it comes to all web design and development for your online presence. If any additional changes are made throughout the build of your website outside of the agreed scope, we will provide you with costs of the work and only develop once it has been approved.
Some other ongoing website costs associated with keeping it running are listed below:
- Domain name renewal.
- Web hosting fees.
- Third-party plugin software that includes license fees.
- Transaction fees for online payment methods.
- Search engine optimisation or Google paid advertising for marketing work.
- Ongoing support and maintenance packages.
Do You Offer Support and Maintenance?
At Design Point Digital, this is a common question we get asked during the initial proposal and final handover stages. Website requirements vary and with today’s high security risks of your site being open to vulnerabilities it’s highly recommended to opt for website maintenance and support as part of the site’s operational life.
What Hosting Options Are There?
We offer flexible hosting solutions for all websites with our affiliated company Domain Point. Each hosting package varies in costs depending on several factors including CPU speed, memory, storage, plus more. Alternatively, we can always run a site migration and set up your website with another hosting provider of your choice.
Do You Have Any Questions?
If you’re considering having a new website developed or an existing site revamped, contact our team or schedule a call with us so we can answer any further questions you may have.