Hire a Freelance Web Professional
Hiring a freelance web designer or developer means hiring a professional who has the necessary web design skills and knowledge, but doesn't have the overhead of a traditional design agency.
Freelancers are generally less expensive than a design firm, and offer a direct line of communication – you are only dealing with one individual, as opposed to a multi-person team at an agency. They usually provide trouble-shooting, maintenance and upgrade services at reasonable rates.
However, they may not have all the required development or internet marketing skills you need to satisfy all the requirements of your website project . Additionally, if a freelancer suddenly becomes temporarily or permanently unavailable for work, then you will have to find another web professional to maintain your website – which can be a problem if you don't have access to your files (and your domain name) or your website is built in a manner that makes it difficult for another freelancer to take over.
Costs of hiring a freelance designer/developer vary significantly. Some freelancers charge on a per project basis, but more often charge by the hour. Current rates average $50 to $100 per hour, and the total cost of building your website will depend heavily on the scope of the project.
4. Hire a Design Agency
If budget is less of a concern or you have complex development needs, then you may want the full-service approach that a design agency offers. Agencies will assign your project to a team of professionals which may include a project manager, creative director, designer, developer, and content strategist. This team will work together to ensure all aspects of your web development project are in sync. Web design agencies may also offer print work to ensure their client's online and offline messages are complementary.
Web design firms often charge a flat fee for an entire project, and their hourly rates average from $100 to $150 per hour.
Making the Right Choice for Your Business
There’s no “one size fits all solution” when it comes to building your business’ website. Ultimately, how you decide to build your website – and who you enlist to help you do that – will depend greatly on your specific requirements. Simple brochure-style websites may be suitable for an ambitious DIYer to tackle. However, complex and dynamic sites that require integration with third-party services and plugins will likely require the intervention of a web professional.
Whichever route you take, be sure to map out your website requirements in advance, and remember that making an investment in a well-built website now can save you and your business time and money in the future.