I have had a lot of clients that are quite surprised how low I can quote relatively large website to be built. Here are some tips on how I save the cost of my clients while saving myself some time in getting projects done.

Don’t be afraid to use currently developed tools

When one first has a website built they are under the impression that most features of the site are built custom; sometimes this is true. Most web developers, such as myself, have built functions that are commonly used in a wide variety of websites. Also, developers try to use currently existing scripts to lesson the amount of time to build a site (so not to reinvent the internet wheel).

A good tip on how to keep the cost of your current or future website project is to do your research first. For example: if you wish to build a website with a blog in it, look into having WordPress be part of your website. There is software already created for creating subscription websites (aMember). Don’t require your web developer to recreate such features, simply try to suggest alternatives that will fit the needs of your website that they may not already be aware of.

Just remember, you do not have to sacrifice a well rounded professional web developer because of price. Just bring down the amount of hours it will require to build the project.

One person does not have to create the whole website

Rather than looking for someone that can design, plan, and develop your website, look for three separate individuals that do a specific aspect very well. My strong suites are development and planning while my designing skills are limited. So when I start a project for a client I usually give them three options: 1. Hire a professional graphic designer to create your layout. 2. Let us use a free website layout and tweak it to fit their needs. 3. Let me create a design at my standard programming rate and let it take longer than someone else would. Usually number one is selected.

Just remember, no one is great at everything. Either choose someone that is mediocre in full website development or two or three great individuals to create your final great website for you. Odds are that you’ll better budget your website and have it developed a lot quicker.

Sign multiple website agreements at one time

If you are planning on creating more than one website in the near future. A smart idea is try to negotiate the prices for both at one time. There is a good chance that the developer will give a discount on future work when signed upfront rather by promise. About every client I have will promise extra work after their project is complete. Some follow through while others are yet to contact me. For those that sign two or more contracts for a website at once, I give a 10% discount off the project with the lesser quote price. This can be a great savings and also keeps the developer with a vested interest for future work.

Just remember, store products have a bulk discount and so do websites. Play your cards right and built a relationship and website simultaneously.