In this rough economy, everyone, especially small businesses, is looking for a way to cut costs. And often times it might seem like you have to choose between low cost and quality, because rarely do the two seem to go hand in hand.
Do NOT Run a Business Without a Website
When looking to launch a new website, this very conundrum can cause you to pull out your hair. For a lot of businesses, a website is the public face of the company, the first impression to a potential customer. And even in the cases where the website simply serves as an additional information source, it still has to be an honest and professional representation of the business and its goals.
But on a strict budget, it might seem like an impossible task. Cost and quality are the biggest concerns for any small business, and no one wants to choose one over the other.
Well, take a deep breath and relax. There are several ways to secure quality, professional web design without breaking the bank.
Prepare, Prepare, Prepare
But before you start your search, preparation is the key. Start by securing a domain name. The domain is the web address your customers will type in their Internet browser to get to your website. The most popular and easy to remember domain names end with .com. But .net and .org are other alternatives should the .com domain not be available. Once you’ve secured your domain name it will make the design process much smoother. Next, you also want to have an idea of what you want out of your website. Will it be informational only? Or will you also be selling products and services online? Determining this will help the web designer better understand the kind of website your business needs.
Find Your Free Web Designer
Now that you’ve done your homework, you can move on to the good stuff: finding your web designer.
I firmly believe that you get what you pay for. However, having said that, there are several free ways to secure quality web design.
If you have any kind of computer know-how, you could try the do-it-yourself approach. There are several DIY websites out there for web design. They are very user friendly and most of them are free.
If you aren’t too computer savvy, or simply don’t have the time to create your own website, try the local newspaper or online classified ads. In this economy, it’s all about give and take. If you have a particularly useful skill set, such as painting or carpentry, it is feasible that you can find a web designer that is willing to work on your website in trade. You both get something out of the bargain, and have also saved some money.
If neither of these free alternatives works for you, then you can easily find a web designer at a reasonable price(psssst, I’m running a great $100 website setup special right now). A quick online search will put a lot of web designers at your fingertips. But make sure to do your research to make sure the web designer you choose is reputable.
If All Else Fails, Hire a Professional Web Designer…
I currently work as a web designer in New York City, and I have been developing and designing websites since 1997. I’ve created websites for a vast array of clients, and I specialize in working for small clients looking to establish their online identities. I would be more than happy to work with you to build your website at a reasonable rate.
Email me and tell me your desires for your website, and I’ll respond as soon as possible telling you how I can help you not only meet, but also exceed, the goals you’ve set forth.