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Building a website can be expensive. Especially for small business without a lot of cash to commit during the start up phase. To build one, for example, you have to…
- buy a domain
- sign up for web hosting
- and have a web developer build it
And if you need to get content for your website, there could be added fees for hiring copywriters.
As a result, many businesses generally postpone development until it is absolutely necessary. Yet, given the advantages of having a website, delaying the creation of your web site could be a very costly mistake.
Fortunately, there are ways to build a website on a budget. In the list below, I’ve detailed a few ways where you might be able to cut out some of the whiz bang features and other ’nice to haves’ to save on your web development costs.
1. Use a Web Site Template.
Using a template for your website is one of the easiest ways to save money. Even better, it enables you to accelerate the process, and quickly launch your site.
If you don’t like the idea of using a template, and many designers don’t, remember, that you can also use it as a starting point. And you can always hire a developer to customise it with new colors, images, and fonts.
2. Don’t Re-Invent The Wheel.
Believe it or not, there is a lot of free software floating around the Internet, just waiting for you to find. This software, known as open source software, can do anything from run a blog, operate a content management system through to managing an eCommerce store.
When planning your web site, be sure to consider these solutions rather than having your developer build a custom application. Many developers often prefer to work with open source software.
3. Use Free Content.
There is also a lot of content that can be freely used. These come in the form of stock photos or free reprint articles.
The catch? Many website require a link of attribution, acknowledging them as the source of the material. And while this might be undesirable, it is often better than the high-priced alternative.
4. Get a Good Hosting Plan But Don’t Over Do It.
Hosting is an ongoing cost that you will have to pay to keep your website up and running. If you opt for an expensive host, you may find that your budget is stretched thin. Fortunately, the web hosting industry is well catered. This means that you will be able to find a great host at a low price or a quality host for a good price.
5. Be Realistic.
Your budget can only get you so much. So be realistic when planning your website and selecting your development team. To get your website built on a budget, you will have to make a few sacrifices and you might have to forego some features. But still add them to your list. That will become ‘Your Web Site: Stage 2″
Have you had your web site built in stages? Have you grown your online presense over time? Tell us about your experience.
Tag: top web hosts
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