If you're supporting a business, why are you looking for inexpensive (cheap)? I understand no one wants to pay more than it should be. Why go solo? if you have a business to run and apparently you are good at it or you won't be doing it. Why take time away to build a website, learn SEO, do Social (usually without a strategy), create a logo, make dynamic memorable business cards and print media. Not to sound hateful but that's why professional do what they do. We are good at what we do. Our company started 15 years ago. We have aligned our company with the top in our fields to support and create a lasting buzz for our clients. We don't take shortcuts and we don't use Wix or WP.
There are things to consider - so you build a website using the cost effective tools and let's say your website and business take off and your SEO is working great but now you are ready to take a new approach and get a professional website. You know all those links your business is built on .. they go away. You are renting NOT owning.
I think you can tell this is my soapbox. We want to work with our clients, get to know them and how to help them start with limited funds and help them grow into a dynamic brand.
The moral of the story. Don't fall into the trap. Research, learn and talk to a professional before you jump into something that can cause issues and heartache in the end.
We do consultations at no charge and if you local to us in a 350-mile area - I will travel to you.
One last note, go to the web designers website, look at their clients and call them on the phone, ask how are they to work with? are they responsive? if you had to hire someone again - would you hire them? Then ask for references and see if you get the same list.
Thanks for asking. I love my job, it's my dream job.
Hi Linda, It really depends on what you consider expensive. The cost of buying something that helps you reach your goals, versus the cost of not buying it all versus the cost of buying something at a reduced rate that doesn't help you reach your goals.
I look at it like buying a car in this case. I need a car that will get me to and from work (that's the goal). It cost $20K. Expensive, not really. Is that a lot of money, Yes. Here's the thing though. I can count on it to get me to and from work safely where I can put in my 40 hours and get paid every week. This car helps me reach my goal.
If I choose not to buy a car, I will have to take the bus, uber, taxi or lyft to get to work everyday and I will loose more time as a result of depending on other means of transportation. This will cost me more and potentially even keep me from getting better paying job opportunities. The cost of not buying or inaction.
Now I have the option to buy a car for $10K, but here's the issue. It breaks down and needs a bunch of parts replaced all the time. Sure it's getting me to work, but some days I'm late because I have to put it in the shop, it doesn't start, or I miss work trying to get it fixed. It's not only causing me not to make as much money, but it's costing more money to keep it going and get me to work. In the long run it's going to cost me more than if I paid for the $20K car. the truth is this used car was not a good purchase for everyday commutes. It's also a killer on gas mileage.
Hopefully this will help you see the parallels to getting a website that includes a strategy for growth, versus just getting a site online, versus not buying one at all.
The truth is I own an agency, so I may be a little bias, but I know the impact of cutting corners on your marketing. You'll never get the results you want and the dollars you spend will not be an investment, but more like a risky gamble. One that you'll keep dumping dollars into trying to break even with the house.
I recommend finding a partner (an agency or professional) that can walk you through strategies to help you reach your business goals, work with them to figure out the budget to reach those goals, then figure out a payment arrangement that works for you both.
The truth is a website that helps you reach your goals is not expensive (for what it is), it's just a lot of money much like a $20K car is not expensive (for what it is), it is however a lot of money.
I don't think you'll mind spending a lot of money if you know how your going to make your money back plus a positive return. Your website should be viewed as an investment, and the hub for all of your marketing.
Consider this, I was going to give you $10K for every $1K you gave me, what would you do? You try to put together as many thousands of dollars as you could. This is how you should view your website, but only if there's a strategy for generating traffic and leads.
Here are a couple of free resources to help you start off in the right direction.
I recommend WordPress or Squarespace, however, there is a significant difference.
WordPress is self-hosted, meaning, you're responsible for maintaining the website which includes updating security and plug-ins update in addition to website content. Those updates are crucial to the performance of your website and and is required. It has a bit of a learning curve and require some training before getting your website up and running. The WP have free templates and plug-ins for free and some are available for purchase. It offers a wealth of flexibility, templates, and plug-ins which depending on your needs can be a great option. Pricing will depend on your template, plug-ins, web hosting, and domain.
Squarespace offer monthly/annual subscriptions that includes website maintenance which gives you the freedom to focus on just updating website content. Little to no training is needed to get your website up and running and the options in templates will definitely meet your needs. The templates are also included in your subscription. Even if you do not touch your website for months, your technical updates are still taken care of. No coding is required and SS does all of the guessing work for you. Subscription ranges from $145-$220 if paid annually, however, for commerce options, pricing range from $315 -$480 annually. This includes web hosting and website maintenance; the domain is additional but free for the first year.
Below is a link to an article written by a web developer that compared the two platforms.
Bottomline, both platforms are GREAT options. The question is where you want to spend your money and time. If you're not familiar with Wordpress or Squarespace, you can hire someone to create a website for you. If you choose Wordpress, be prepared to hire someone to keep up the maintenance (security and plug-in updates, website backup) or learn it yourself and you'll definitely be in the driver seat! Squarespace, the maintenance is included in your annual subscription and would only have to focus on updating web content which you can handle yourself. The plug-ins are limited but in most cases will meet your needs. For me, focusing on just updating content is the most important and that's where I want to spend my time.
I love both platforms played around with WP and SS before choosing Squarespace. I played around WP using the Divi builder because WP is the common option. Even with the builder, I found there was a learning curve and I wouldn't had been able to get my website up and running as fast as I would like it with a polished appearance (and I'm very tech savvy and a fast learner). I jumped onto Squarespace and within thirty-minutes, I was designing my website like a pro. I will use Squarespace when building my client's website but also learning WP for future use. With any platform, it depends on the user's technical knowledge and it's not always as "easy" as people advertise. If you like to see my finished product, feel free to visit my website www.yourvirtualofficemanager.com. I hope this information is helpful. Please feel free to contact me if you need assistance or have any questions.
I used iPage (hositng service) and and Word Press (WP) and built my site in a day. WP is the standard for websites and there are a lot of free or very inexpensive templates you can use that will make it easy for you to get your site up. There are also plugins that will help you get your site noticed.
Many people think of Wix or Squarespace or other online do it yourself website building platforms and go out and throw some words and pictures on the the pages without giving a lot of thought to the big picture. A website is an important piece of your internet marketing efforts. There is so much more that needs to go on behind the scenes for an internet marketing strategy to "get it out there on search engines." If you don't start out with search engine results and conversion as the drivers behind your website, don't even bother. If you aren't willing to invest in a website with a professional, don't bother to invest in your business at all.
If its e-commerce, 1st build a free Google Website under MY Business when you register with Google. 2nd you build a Freewebstore, 3rd you use google url submitter and web crawler to both sites. Also build Facebook business page, Twitter, YouTube, Pinterest and Instagram all will assist on google rankings when you post. Then register with IBO Tool Box for free and use their platform powered by Google to issue Press Releases. Make sure keywords and descriptions are the same for all and you will top google ranking in two to three days. All that for free, just your time which may not be free..lol I'm pretty sure some people gave you advice on non e-commerce sites its basically the same except in place of Freewebstore you would use Wix or WordPress for free. Free is the most inexpensive way to go. Now if you wish to spend a little, theirs and immense list of things you could do. Or reach out to me and get it done for a fraction of the cost 99% others charge!
I would post a position on Upwork.com, share example websites you want to look like, and get one person to write the copy (words) for the site and another person to turn that content into the actual WordPress site.
Get someone who can build it using Elegant Themes Divi builder because your annual theme fee includes technical support forums and updates ($100yr), hosting and domain can be had through bluehost cheap ($50/hr).
there is no right answer but I prefer wordpress. If you get stuck and need some local help, you can't throw a rock without hitting someone that knows wp. Your host can help you install it and then just buy a nice theme and start tweaking and learning. Obviously DIY is key to saving money. Wp has SEO plugins and also make sure to get a couple security plugins that don't get mentioned enough.
When in doubt, choose a solution with wide support.
Answers (1-10)
Speed, quality, price. Pick two.
If you're supporting a business, why are you looking for inexpensive (cheap)? I understand no one wants to pay more than it should be. Why go solo? if you have a business to run and apparently you are good at it or you won't be doing it. Why take time away to build a website, learn SEO, do Social (usually without a strategy), create a logo, make dynamic memorable business cards and print media. Not to sound hateful but that's why professional do what they do. We are good at what we do. Our company started 15 years ago. We have aligned our company with the top in our fields to support and create a lasting buzz for our clients. We don't take shortcuts and we don't use Wix or WP.
There are things to consider - so you build a website using the cost effective tools and let's say your website and business take off and your SEO is working great but now you are ready to take a new approach and get a professional website. You know all those links your business is built on .. they go away. You are renting NOT owning.
I think you can tell this is my soapbox. We want to work with our clients, get to know them and how to help them start with limited funds and help them grow into a dynamic brand.
The moral of the story. Don't fall into the trap. Research, learn and talk to a professional before you jump into something that can cause issues and heartache in the end.
We do consultations at no charge and if you local to us in a 350-mile area - I will travel to you.
One last note, go to the web designers website, look at their clients and call them on the phone, ask how are they to work with? are they responsive? if you had to hire someone again - would you hire them? Then ask for references and see if you get the same list.
Thanks for asking. I love my job, it's my dream job.
Hi Linda, It really depends on what you consider expensive. The cost of buying something that helps you reach your goals, versus the cost of not buying it all versus the cost of buying something at a reduced rate that doesn't help you reach your goals.
I look at it like buying a car in this case. I need a car that will get me to and from work (that's the goal). It cost $20K. Expensive, not really. Is that a lot of money, Yes. Here's the thing though. I can count on it to get me to and from work safely where I can put in my 40 hours and get paid every week. This car helps me reach my goal.
If I choose not to buy a car, I will have to take the bus, uber, taxi or lyft to get to work everyday and I will loose more time as a result of depending on other means of transportation. This will cost me more and potentially even keep me from getting better paying job opportunities. The cost of not buying or inaction.
Now I have the option to buy a car for $10K, but here's the issue. It breaks down and needs a bunch of parts replaced all the time. Sure it's getting me to work, but some days I'm late because I have to put it in the shop, it doesn't start, or I miss work trying to get it fixed. It's not only causing me not to make as much money, but it's costing more money to keep it going and get me to work. In the long run it's going to cost me more than if I paid for the $20K car. the truth is this used car was not a good purchase for everyday commutes. It's also a killer on gas mileage.
Hopefully this will help you see the parallels to getting a website that includes a strategy for growth, versus just getting a site online, versus not buying one at all.
The truth is I own an agency, so I may be a little bias, but I know the impact of cutting corners on your marketing. You'll never get the results you want and the dollars you spend will not be an investment, but more like a risky gamble. One that you'll keep dumping dollars into trying to break even with the house.
I recommend finding a partner (an agency or professional) that can walk you through strategies to help you reach your business goals, work with them to figure out the budget to reach those goals, then figure out a payment arrangement that works for you both.
The truth is a website that helps you reach your goals is not expensive (for what it is), it's just a lot of money much like a $20K car is not expensive (for what it is), it is however a lot of money.
I don't think you'll mind spending a lot of money if you know how your going to make your money back plus a positive return. Your website should be viewed as an investment, and the hub for all of your marketing.
Consider this, I was going to give you $10K for every $1K you gave me, what would you do? You try to put together as many thousands of dollars as you could. This is how you should view your website, but only if there's a strategy for generating traffic and leads.
Here are a couple of free resources to help you start off in the right direction.
Free eBook: 3 Reasons Your Site Isn't Generating Sales
Free eBook: 47 Ways to Promote Your Website
I hope this helps.
I recommend WordPress or Squarespace, however, there is a significant difference.
WordPress is self-hosted, meaning, you're responsible for maintaining the website which includes updating security and plug-ins update in addition to website content. Those updates are crucial to the performance of your website and and is required. It has a bit of a learning curve and require some training before getting your website up and running. The WP have free templates and plug-ins for free and some are available for purchase. It offers a wealth of flexibility, templates, and plug-ins which depending on your needs can be a great option. Pricing will depend on your template, plug-ins, web hosting, and domain.
Squarespace offer monthly/annual subscriptions that includes website maintenance which gives you the freedom to focus on just updating website content. Little to no training is needed to get your website up and running and the options in templates will definitely meet your needs. The templates are also included in your subscription. Even if you do not touch your website for months, your technical updates are still taken care of. No coding is required and SS does all of the guessing work for you. Subscription ranges from $145-$220 if paid annually, however, for commerce options, pricing range from $315 -$480 annually. This includes web hosting and website maintenance; the domain is additional but free for the first year.
Below is a link to an article written by a web developer that compared the two platforms.
https://wpshout.com/squarespace-vs-wordpress-devel...
Bottomline, both platforms are GREAT options. The question is where you want to spend your money and time. If you're not familiar with Wordpress or Squarespace, you can hire someone to create a website for you. If you choose Wordpress, be prepared to hire someone to keep up the maintenance (security and plug-in updates, website backup) or learn it yourself and you'll definitely be in the driver seat! Squarespace, the maintenance is included in your annual subscription and would only have to focus on updating web content which you can handle yourself. The plug-ins are limited but in most cases will meet your needs. For me, focusing on just updating content is the most important and that's where I want to spend my time.
I love both platforms played around with WP and SS before choosing Squarespace. I played around WP using the Divi builder because WP is the common option. Even with the builder, I found there was a learning curve and I wouldn't had been able to get my website up and running as fast as I would like it with a polished appearance (and I'm very tech savvy and a fast learner). I jumped onto Squarespace and within thirty-minutes, I was designing my website like a pro. I will use Squarespace when building my client's website but also learning WP for future use. With any platform, it depends on the user's technical knowledge and it's not always as "easy" as people advertise. If you like to see my finished product, feel free to visit my website www.yourvirtualofficemanager.com. I hope this information is helpful. Please feel free to contact me if you need assistance or have any questions.
LaTonya Wallace-Conyers
ALC Concepts, LLC
www.yourvirtualofficemanager.com
I used iPage (hositng service) and and Word Press (WP) and built my site in a day. WP is the standard for websites and there are a lot of free or very inexpensive templates you can use that will make it easy for you to get your site up. There are also plugins that will help you get your site noticed.
Many people think of Wix or Squarespace or other online do it yourself website building platforms and go out and throw some words and pictures on the the pages without giving a lot of thought to the big picture. A website is an important piece of your internet marketing efforts. There is so much more that needs to go on behind the scenes for an internet marketing strategy to "get it out there on search engines." If you don't start out with search engine results and conversion as the drivers behind your website, don't even bother. If you aren't willing to invest in a website with a professional, don't bother to invest in your business at all.
If its e-commerce, 1st build a free Google Website under MY Business when you register with Google. 2nd you build a Freewebstore, 3rd you use google url submitter and web crawler to both sites. Also build Facebook business page, Twitter, YouTube, Pinterest and Instagram all will assist on google rankings when you post. Then register with IBO Tool Box for free and use their platform powered by Google to issue Press Releases. Make sure keywords and descriptions are the same for all and you will top google ranking in two to three days. All that for free, just your time which may not be free..lol I'm pretty sure some people gave you advice on non e-commerce sites its basically the same except in place of Freewebstore you would use Wix or WordPress for free. Free is the most inexpensive way to go. Now if you wish to spend a little, theirs and immense list of things you could do. Or reach out to me and get it done for a fraction of the cost 99% others charge!
Wix.com
I would post a position on Upwork.com, share example websites you want to look like, and get one person to write the copy (words) for the site and another person to turn that content into the actual WordPress site.
Get someone who can build it using Elegant Themes Divi builder because your annual theme fee includes technical support forums and updates ($100yr), hosting and domain can be had through bluehost cheap ($50/hr).
Total under $500.
there is no right answer but I prefer wordpress. If you get stuck and need some local help, you can't throw a rock without hitting someone that knows wp. Your host can help you install it and then just buy a nice theme and start tweaking and learning. Obviously DIY is key to saving money. Wp has SEO plugins and also make sure to get a couple security plugins that don't get mentioned enough.
When in doubt, choose a solution with wide support.