When it comes to small business websites, typically managers and business owners set out looking for something affordable that looks good and helps them "stand out". But the problem is, looking good and standing out isn't enough...

Times have changed and we're no longer living in the days where you can merely throw something together with a few keywords and expect the phone to ring.

So now more then ever, before talking about website prices, it's important to consider the following:

• Do you really just need a website that looks good or is what you need actually more leads or sales?
• Do you really have the time to be learning websites, or is it important for you to get it right the first time so you can focus on what matters most?
  

If your time is valuable to you and your business then you don't want to be messing about with DIY websites. It's very easy to waste a lot of time trying to design your own websites and even if you purchase a cheap $50 template, you'll spend hundreds of hours trying to make it work for you.

Professional web designers often produce great looking websites, but usually they do a terrible job at generating leads and sales. So if you do want more leads and sales, make sure you choose a solution that will deliver and don't overcapitalise on just a "good looking" site.

The most expensive is NOT always the best!

Contrary to popular belief, you don't have to spend the most to get the best. Depending on the design, lead generation effectiveness and special functions, a small business should expect to pay between $1,000 to $6,000.

You may be able to achieve your desired outcome without all the 'bells n whistles'. So focus on lead generation, sales & marketing results, website design and it's ability to be ranked well in search engines... Don't focus on the latest and greatest features that you're likely to never use!

What's it going to cost in the long term?

Another important thing to consider with the cost of your website is what it's going to cost you in one, two or five years time.

Some websites may seem cheap because their start-up fee is very low, but a $500 upfront site with a $100 monthly fee will turn into $2900 in just two years of ownership.

Read the fine print!

Above all...

Your time is money, invest in a website that is designed to convert at a high rate so you don't have to spend as much on advertising and make sure our web designer understands lead generation and can deliver this at an affordable price.