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web site estimate

The following exercise is a chore by any definition. However, it will be beneficial to you to complete these tasks no matter what your next step will be. You will learn a lot, and it's all work that needs to be completed at some point anyway. The right time to do it is now, before you go any further or spend another dollar.

More info on this crazy policy here

"Asking 'How much is a web site?' is like asking 'How much does a house cost?' It depends on many factors, including size, function and level of quality." 

I. Determine Your Needs and Intended Level of Involvement
Where are you coming from and where do you want to go on the Internet?

• We just need to catch up - help!
• We're just getting going online and have some specific questions
• We're ready to experiment a little
• We're ready to explore a new revenue stream
• I'm basing my entire business on Internet traffic

If you've got a better expression of where you're coming from, state it in detail. From this information, I can properly 'scale' your job to meet your needs.

II. Inventory Your Resources
Content: the pictures and text that will appear on your site. 

• Do you have copy that will be suitable for online presentation?
• Do you have photographs and artwork?
• Do you have someone who can capably develop these materials?
• Do you have a current database of information or customers you'd like to interface (some or all of) to the web?

These questions are important because the more you can provide, the less time your developer will need to spend on it. More importantly, you're in a far better position to provide meaningful information about your business than anyone in the world.

Obviously, my estimate will be different for a client who says "Gee, you're going to have to take care of that" than for one who has everything ready to go on disk. I can write copy and take photos, but naturally, I have to charge for these services.

III. Define Your Vision
Now is the time to define exactly what you expect your web site to accomplish. Acceptable answers range from dipping a toe into the new technology to developing an entirely new stream of revenue for your business, or even creating a business that exists entirely online. Attracting new business, increasing awareness, and improving customer service are other common goals.

Another useful purpose for a web site is found internally. Your field reps can have private, up-to-the-minute access to your inventory status, product data sheets, pricing and incentive information. Printable documents can be made available online as well, so you're never "out of brochures." Valued customers could also be allowed access to a private section of the site with deeper access to company representatives and technical staff. A feasibility study is required, as reliable and easy access to the Internet is a minimum requirement for all involved.

Implementation of such a system can range from moderately difficult to prohibitively complex, depending on a wide range of variables. It is always implemented in parallel with existing systems, with encouragement toward using the new system and an investigation into the resistance of the holdouts.

IV. Do Some Research
Now that you know what you have, it's time to see what others have. See if you can locate a site that's similar to what you have in mind -- it's nice if it's in the same industry, but it doesn't have to be. You could look at other local businesses for ideas, too.

You should be noting things you like and dislike, and developing some good ideas about how and why your site will be better than the ones you're looking at. You might want to perform this step first, but if you do, you should do it again in the context of the next task.

V. Develop Your Vision in 3-D
I don't know why this step is so hard to do, but it is. Just do it. Construct your web site on paper (copier paper is fine, it doesn't matter), with one sheet of paper representing each page of the web site.

This step is super important as an exercise on your part, as doing a thorough job requires considerable thought and will often sprout new ideas and insights. Even if you don't plan to do a web site soon, it's a valuable exercise because it will get you thinking in new ways and preparing you for the future inevitability.

The other value of this exercise is demonstrating the importance of structure. I often am asked to quote "a single page site" where the client figures he can get off inexpensively by only developing a single page. This exercise will tell you whether or not that's a viable option. It is a start -- but it's only fair to warn you that all my single page sites have grown to include multiple pages, and usually while we're still in the development stage. 

How to do it: Start with the home page, and just write an outline of what will appear on the home page, copy and pictures. It's helpful to have a computer nearby so you can use some current sites for ideas.

Write in what you have, and what you plan to develop. Remember, the home page should be thought of more like a magazine cover and table of contents than a page of actual information. It is the 'front end' for everything on your site, and lets the visitor know what's there and how to find it.

Soon you'll be thinking of categories of things you'd like to feature. Some come naturally, others are forced and contrived. Don't worry, we'll make it better later. Just get a rough draft going -- it'll fall into place once you've been over every page.

When you're done, you might have a structure like this:

• Home page
• About our company and contact information
• Products or services (may be several per page)
• Technical Support
• Sales Information
• Policies

That describes a very simple site with no provision for online ordering. E-commerce is somewhat daunting to enter, but it's getting better every day.

VI. Now we're ready to talk 
Yes, I know this is a lot of work, but developing an estimate without this information is like estimating a house building project without a blueprint. I can tell you a house costs around $100,000, but if you're thinking a sprawling arts and crafts style ranch house and I'm thinking funky pre-fab geosdesic dome, we'll have a problem. Do I need to include plumbing and light fixtures, or will you provide them? Yes, of course windows are included -- but if you want triple-glazed units, it will cost more.

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