How We Build Websites
There are many ways to create websites, but the framework that we’ve found works best for us and our clients is to use a Content Management System (CMS) called WordPress. A CMS, according to Wikipedia, is “a software system which provides website authoring, collaboration and administration tools designed to allow users with little knowledge of web programming languages or markup languages to create and manage the site’s content with relative ease.” Back to WordPress…
Why WordPress?
- It’s Free and Open Source. WordPress has been developed by a worldwide community of developers, and the result is a rocking CMS that is constantly improving.
- Takes the Hassle Out. Things that may otherwise take hours to accomplish, or require the skills of highly experienced programmers, can be accomplished much quicker.
- Safety First. WordPress is a secure system upon which to build a website, and with a dedicated team ensuring its security, you can be confident that your site is in good hands.
- Super Customizable and Extendable. Without getting into details, trust me when I say that there are enough extension and add-ons for WordPress to make your head spin. If you think of it, someone’s probably created it.
- Amazing Support Community. There are hundreds of thousands of WordPress users around the world, and with that many people it’s rare to NOT find an answer to a question.
How Much Does It Cost?
There are many factors to consider when determining the cost of a website. Prices range anywhere from $500 for a very basic site to $2000+ for a more dynamic and complex one. Once we’ve consulted with you about your project’s scope, we can give you an estimate. Here are some of the things to consider, which will be discussed in our consultation with you:
Factors Affecting Price:
- The number of pages required. Are we talking 5 pages or 25?
- Styling of these pages. Will they be basic text or will there be images, columns, buttons or video?
- The use of images and graphics. How many images will there be and to what extent will I have to edit them?
- Use of photo gallery or image slider. Do you need a way to display a set of photos or marketing messages?
- Having us create content for you. Will we be helping you to write and/or edit content for the site?
- Robustness of contact form. Do you just need a basic contact form, or something a little more complex?
- Inclusion of a blog. Will you be writing blog posts or articles?
- The use of videos. Do you have any videos you’d like to post, and do they require any editing?
- Search Engine Optimization. Will you want your site to be optimized so search engines can best find it?
- E-commerce implementation. Do you want to sell products on your site?