· Paul Carnevale
“How much does a website cost?” is one of the first questions people ask, and one of the hardest to answer in a sentence. It is a fair question, though, and you deserve a straight answer.
What we charge
At Carnevale Design, websites typically start at $1,500. A typical five-page site takes about three to five weeks. Larger or more complex sites, or sites with a lot of content to move over, are quoted after a conversation, and you receive a fixed price in writing before we begin.
Every studio prices differently, so the point here is not our number, but understanding what drives the price, so you can compare quotes sensibly.
What determines the price
The number of pages. A five-page site and a fifty-page site are very different amounts of work.
How much content needs moving or writing. Bringing over years of existing pages, newsletters or events takes time. So does writing new copy.
Special features. Donation forms, membership sign-ups, event calendars, archives and custom tools all add work.
How much design thinking is involved. A custom design, built around your organization, takes more effort than adapting a ready-made template.
Your timeline. A tight deadline can affect what is possible.
What should be included
When you compare quotes, check whether each one includes:
- Design that works well on phones
- Help with copy and photos
- Moving your content over and redirecting old links
- Contact forms and maps
- Search-friendly foundations
- Accessibility basics
- A clear explanation of who owns your domain and site
- A plan for what happens after launch
The cost people forget: what happens afterward
A website is not a one-time purchase. Hosting, a domain name and updates all cost something, whether you pay for them directly or not. Ask every studio what is included and what is extra.
Ours are separate and optional. Hosting is $25 a month, domain registration is $20 a year, and care plans start at $49 a month. You can also host your own site anywhere you like, and we will support it there.
Questions to ask any web designer
- Is the price fixed, and will I get it in writing?
- What exactly is included, and what costs extra?
- Who owns the website and the domain when we are done?
- What happens if I need a change after launch?
- Who will I actually be talking to?
- What happens if we part ways?
A good answer is clear and plain. A vague one is worth a second look.
Get a straight answer for your situation
If you would like a realistic number for your organization, tell us about it. You will get a fixed price in writing, and an honest recommendation, even when the answer is that you do not need a full redesign. You might also read does your organization need a website redesign?
Thinking about a new website?
Request a quote