I have been given the opportunity to wear many hats in my current position at HTC. One of these roles involves consulting on web development. Consequently, I have been asked by clients, friends and prospective clients why they need a website, why do they need to update their website and, my favourite: how much should it cost?
Why do I need a website?
First let’s consider the fact that 93% of business-to-business buyers use online search as a means to begin the buying process.
With this in mind, if your company does not have a website, you are not present to these buyers who are likely seeking your services or products. I have to advise people that it does take more than a website to create an online presence, but at least it is a starting point for which referred business can discover more about your offering. A website is an effective marketing tool as it provides your prospective customers with a wealth of information and resources in a single location. Furthermore, this is really where you have your opportunity to represent your company and tell people who you are!
Why do I need to update my website?
This can be a sensitive topic for some business owners, as some feel a personal tie to the one that was created in 1998. However, advancements in technology and in the way we shop and operate have made updates a necessity for those who wish to remain ahead of the game. My thoughts here could carry on as a 5 part blog series, but I will keep this concise and to the point. From solely a design perspective, 75% of Internet users admit to judging the credibility of an organization and 65% of users will not buy from one that has a poorly designed site.
How much should a website cost?
If only it was so easy… The fact is that the cost (or price) of a website can vary significantly based on the extent of your organizations needs, the expertise of the web development company and a range of many other factors (locations, functionality, quality, etc…). Asking this question, quite simply, is like asking somebody how much a car costs. It really depends, but you get what you pay for. To get a general idea, I highly suggest you check out Carol Lynn Rivera’s insight on the matter “How Much should A Website Cost?”
I would love to hear your thoughts on my blog. Do you have a question for a web solutions firm? Perhaps you design websites yourself, what kind of questions do customers ask you? Please share in the comments section below.
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