January 28, 2019Have you decided to hire a web developer?
Outsourcing website development is a smart move. Doing so guarantees a customized, professional site designed to set you apart from your competitors.
However, it also means a significant investment. Some business owners decide to build their own websites as a means of saving money.
A DIY site is possible. But it simply cannot compare to a professionally developed one.
Luckily, it is possible to find affordable website development services. Keep reading to find out how!
1. Know Your Needs
It can be difficult to find the right website developer without knowing your website needs. Take the time now to identify the extent of the services you’ll require.
Do you already have a website in place? Are you just needing a few touchups?
Or are you prepared to build your site from the ground up?
You may also be looking for advice as to how to proceed with your current website. If this is the case, a business or design consultant may be more appropriate at this stage.
It’s also essential to know what you hope to accomplish with your website.
Websites can be ultimate digital marketing tools if used correctly. They can supplement other online advertising efforts.
These include Search Engine Optimization (SEO), Pay-Per-Click (PPC) advertising, and social media campaigns.
What do you want your website to do for your business? Do you need it to generate more conversions? Do you want more traffic to boost your brand’s visibility?
Identifying these goals can also be helpful when preparing to have a conversation with a prospective web developer.
2. Identify a Budget
You’re on the hunt for affordable website development. It’s imperative to have a budget as you research potential developers.
Failing to identify a budget may mean signing up for services that you truly can’t afford. It will also be tougher to find a developer likely to meet your needs.
Keep in mind that professional website development does require a financial investment.
Nonetheless, this investment could have an immense return on investment (ROI). This is especially the case if you intend to use your website to leverage your marketing efforts.
Figure out how much can you comfortably allocate for website design and/or development.
The best developers will be transparent about their pricing up front. They may also be able to negotiate depending on your specific needs.
3. Research, Research, Research
Now that you know your needs and your budget, it’s time to build a list of potential web developers.
Most business owners turn to the internet to start this research. If this sounds like you, make sure you look in the right online places for affordable website development services.
Location-Based Online Searches
We recommend searching for developers who are based in your area. These may be more likely to cater to community-specific needs.
For example, at Mighty Fish, we provide expert website design services for Camarillo and the surrounding Ventura County. We know these communities well and can even help business owners with local Search Engine Optimization (SEO).
Online Reviews
It’s also wise to consider developers who have high reviews on platforms like Yelp or Google Reviews. Online reviews can be immensely helpful, particularly if you want to learn more about the type of services a developer offers.
What’s more, if the services are costly, chances are you’ll run into a customer review that mentions this. Some developers also have client testimonials on their websites themselves.
Referrals
If you aren’t finding much online, talk to colleagues, friends, and family members. You may be surprised at how many people have relied on web design services in the past!
Even a simple Facebook query can help in this regard. Check out Facebook’s recommendations feature here.
Freelance Developers
You may want to consider freelance website developers. These are typically individuals who operate independently of any company.
Some freelancers offer affordable rates, especially if you only have a few development needs.
Be cautious when hiring a freelancer, however. Make sure you catch a glimpse of their portfolio before you agree to any terms.
In fact, we always recommend working with a dedicated marketing agency when possible. These are more likely to cater to your comprehensive advertising needs.
4. Peruse Portfolios
Once you’ve built a fairly solid list of potential developers, it’s time to check out their portfolios.
Experienced developers will have evidence of the fantastic work they’ve done in the past. Make sure you can look at these sample sites before you make any decision.
If a portfolio doesn’t appear immediately evident when you navigate to a developer’s site, reach out and ask. The best developers will jump at a chance to show you some snazzy sites they’ve recently designed and launched.
When looking at portfolios, keep your website needs in mind. Does it seem as if this developer can meet your needs specifically?
Do you like the designs they’ve chosen? Do the sites function well?
Avoid any developers who don’t have portfolios on hand or seem to have created shoddy work.
5. Consider Scaling for Growth
Are you planning on growing your business this year? If so, make sure you keep this expansion in mind when finding a developer.
Chances are, you’ll need to modify your website as your business grows. If you own an e-commerce company, this may be an especially pressing need.
The right developer will be able to help you scale for this growth. They may be able, for example, to enter into a long-term relationship rather than a short-term one.
They may also be able to prep you for other marketing needs down the road.
Finding Affordable Website Development Services
It is possible to find affordable website development services, provided you do your research wisely. Make sure you know your budget and web design needs ahead of time.
Make thorough use of the internet as a resource, browsing online reviews and searching for local developers. Don’t forget to inspect portfolios and consider future business expansion.
Are you ready to turn your website dream into a reality? We can help. Learn more about our affordable design services by reaching out today.