I am frequently asked how much a web site will cost. Asking this is a like asking how much a new car will cost. It all depends. Creation of a basic one page site may be under $100 or a large multi-page site with custom graphics and Java programming could run into thousands. However, the typical 4-5 web page sites that I create run $300 to $500.

There are several costs that may be incurred in setting up a web site -

$ Domain Name
$ Web Hosting Charge
$ Web Site Design
$ Web Site Maintenance

Domain Name
What is a "domain name" and do you need one? No, you do not need a domain name, but it is worthy of consideration. The web address of www.microsoft.com is a domain name address, so is www.whitehouse.gov. My web address of www.usbusiness.com/fla_www/ is not a domain name address - www.usbusiness.com is the domain name of the host and "fla_www" is a sub domain relating to my business. If you decide you want a domain name you must first find out if it is available for your use. Network Solutions (Internic) is one the agencies that registers domain names. Go to their web site at www.networksolutions.com/whois/ and enter the desired name. You will learn if it is available. The cost of a domain name varies depending on the plan selected, however for a basic site it should not be more than $35. Again, you do not need a domain name for a web site.

Web Hosting Service and Charges
Whether or not you have a domain name, you will need a web host. A web host is a company with large computers (servers) dedicated to hosting web pages. This computer is where your web pages will be placed. It is accessible to the world 24 hours a day and you pay monthly rent for use of space on their computer. The typical cost is $10 to $25.00 a month depending if it is a domain account or other features. This might be less if it is paid several months in advance and/or there may be a set up charge. It does not matter where your host is located. For example, my host, www.usbusiness.com is located in the north. If you decide not to have a domain name, your web address (URL) will include your host's address and whatever you decide. For example, www.your-host.com/your_name/.

Web Site Design
My business is designing web pages or web sites. Some hosts also offer design services. Many, like myself, charge by the hour. You can keep costs down by providing your designer with the text on disk. Type up the wording you want on your site, organize it into main sections (which can become individual web pages), and give it to the designer in Word or regular "text" format - or e-mail it to them. This saves them from typing the text. If you have photographs, images or a logo you want to use, give them the best quality you have - not only will they look better, but it will save time in working with them to make the site presentable. If you have images in a digital format, provide it that way. The heavy costs will be incurred if you want something out of the ordinary, such as an interactive data base, custom animated graphics, chat rooms, shopping carts, or any kind of programming. But most people do not need these bells and whistles. It helps to have an idea of the layout and overall look you want.

Search Engine Registration
In the past there was no charge to register a site with the search engines. That has changed and you may want to figure this cost into your budget. See The Mysterious World of Search Engines for more information. Also look at Increase Your Web Site Traffic

Web Site Maintenance
Periodically you should review your web site to be sure the information is still current and accurate. If you need a simple change, such as a phone number change, there may be a minimal charge. If you want extensive revisions, you'll have an hourly charge. As a rule, text revisions go fast but a new appearance will take longer. If there are no changes, there should be no monthly maintenance charge from the web designer.

Shop around and ask for addresses of web sites the designer has done. The sites I've created are listed on my website. If you see something similar to what you want in size and features, ask how much the site cost. Don't be talked into more features than you need. You can always add to it later - you can start off with a Ford and work your way up to a Jaguar.

parkerso@bellsouth.net