Some questions about web design work

z0mb13

Lifer
May 19, 2002
18,106
1
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Hi folks, I have some questions about web design work for my start up business. Thank you for any inputs.

I am interested in running a website for my start up business that deals with real estate. Since I am a total noob in web design (I dont know flash and what not) and I dont consider myself to be an artsy person, I plan to pay someone (or use a professional service) to design the website.

Here are my questions:
- How much am I looking for to pay someone to design (and maybe maintain the site)? I think I will get my own hosting through places like cernax.
- Is there a forum that is dedicated to web design? Maybe I will have better luck there to get someone to design the web page.
- What other things should I be aware of (other than paying for the domain name and hosting services)?

TIA!
 

Blazin Trav

Banned
Dec 14, 2004
2,571
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0
Depends if you are paying for Search Engine Optimization...

Hosting? $7+ a month, depending if you want quality, how large you expect the site to get etc.

$200+ for a professional design, or design it yourself.

Just a few things to think about. A business plan is key.
 

z0mb13

Lifer
May 19, 2002
18,106
1
76
Originally posted by: Blazin Trav
Depends if you are paying for Search Engine Optimization...

Hosting? $7+ a month, depending if you want quality, how large you expect the site to get etc.

$200+ for a professional design, or design it yourself.

Just a few things to think about. A business plan is key.


search engine opt wont be necessary.

only $200 for professional design? really its that cheap?

I already have a business plan, the website will be for marketing purposes.
 

Atheus

Diamond Member
Jun 7, 2005
7,313
2
0
only $200 for professional design? really its that cheap?

I doubt it. You mean just the design? Like on a bit of paper? Then maybe, but to write the code... $200 would only get you about 5 hours of my time (£20 an hour, I checked the exchange rate) and I'm not hugely expensive.
 

z0mb13

Lifer
May 19, 2002
18,106
1
76
Originally posted by: Atheus
only $200 for professional design? really its that cheap?

I doubt it. That would only get you about 5 hours of my time (£20 an hour, I checked the exchange rate) and I'm not hugely expensive.

where are you located and do you have a portfolio?
 

Atheus

Diamond Member
Jun 7, 2005
7,313
2
0
Originally posted by: z0mb13
Originally posted by: Atheus
only $200 for professional design? really its that cheap?

I doubt it. That would only get you about 5 hours of my time (£20 an hour, I checked the exchange rate) and I'm not hugely expensive.

where are you located and do you have a portfolio?

Edited post as I'm not sure if you're just looking for a mockup design or a whole site coded up.
 

Injury

Lifer
Jul 19, 2004
13,066
2
81
Originally posted by: Blazin Trav
Depends if you are paying for Search Engine Optimization...

Hosting? $7+ a month, depending if you want quality, how large you expect the site to get etc.

$200+ for a professional design, or design it yourself.

Just a few things to think about. A business plan is key.

Depends.

How complex do you need it to be, are they making the entire site, or just a template page... it's all specific to the situation.

But yeah, you could probably find someone to do a basic site for $200 fairly easily.
 

z0mb13

Lifer
May 19, 2002
18,106
1
76
Originally posted by: Atheus
Originally posted by: z0mb13
Originally posted by: Atheus
only $200 for professional design? really its that cheap?

I doubt it. That would only get you about 5 hours of my time (£20 an hour, I checked the exchange rate) and I'm not hugely expensive.

where are you located and do you have a portfolio?

Edited post as I'm not sure if you're just looking for a mockup design or a whole site coded up.

hmm I dont know if what I am looking for requires extensive coding or not.

here are the requirements:
- it needs to look professional and high class since this will be about upscale residences
- the site needs to show a lot of pictures of house designs and what not (I will supply the pcitures). If I can add pictures/houses on the fly that would be nice.
- maybe uses flash to make it look professional? I am kinda torn on this since I am concerned that some people will use dialup to access it.

Just from those info is it enough to deduce how much the cost would be?
 

sash1

Diamond Member
Jul 20, 2001
8,896
1
0
Originally posted by: z0mb13
Originally posted by: Atheus
Originally posted by: z0mb13
Originally posted by: Atheus
only $200 for professional design? really its that cheap?

I doubt it. That would only get you about 5 hours of my time (£20 an hour, I checked the exchange rate) and I'm not hugely expensive.

where are you located and do you have a portfolio?

Edited post as I'm not sure if you're just looking for a mockup design or a whole site coded up.

hmm I dont know if what I am looking for requires extensive coding or not.

here are the requirements:
- it needs to look professional and high class since this will be about upscale residences
- the site needs to show a lot of pictures of house designs and what not (I will supply the pcitures). If I can add pictures/houses on the fly that would be nice.
- maybe uses flash to make it look professional? I am kinda torn on this since I am concerned that some people will use dialup to access it.

Just from those info is it enough to deduce how much the cost would be?

I personally hate flash, but I guess it's up to you.

Keep in mind, I do work fot ATers for free. I'm a graphic designer, but I can also code if you need me to.
 

z0mb13

Lifer
May 19, 2002
18,106
1
76
Originally posted by: sash1
Originally posted by: z0mb13
Originally posted by: Atheus
Originally posted by: z0mb13
Originally posted by: Atheus
only $200 for professional design? really its that cheap?

I doubt it. That would only get you about 5 hours of my time (£20 an hour, I checked the exchange rate) and I'm not hugely expensive.

where are you located and do you have a portfolio?

Edited post as I'm not sure if you're just looking for a mockup design or a whole site coded up.

hmm I dont know if what I am looking for requires extensive coding or not.

here are the requirements:
- it needs to look professional and high class since this will be about upscale residences
- the site needs to show a lot of pictures of house designs and what not (I will supply the pcitures). If I can add pictures/houses on the fly that would be nice.
- maybe uses flash to make it look professional? I am kinda torn on this since I am concerned that some people will use dialup to access it.

Just from those info is it enough to deduce how much the cost would be?

I personally hate flash, but I guess it's up to you.

Keep in mind, I do work fot ATers for free. I'm a graphic designer, but I can also code if you need me to.

would you mind if I see some sites that you did?

Thanks in advance
 

amdskip

Lifer
Jan 6, 2001
22,530
13
81
I would find a template and pay someone to modify it. I'm not a huge fan of flash websites but if done right they are ok.
 

doze

Platinum Member
Jul 26, 2005
2,786
0
0
Many webhosts offer free templates that you can use to layout your site. Once you have the basic template down you can pay a designer to clean it up and make your logos, business cards, letterhead etc...