Portland Web Design for Vibrant Businesses Ready to Grow.

I think it's like choosing a decent bottle of wine. Go for the cheapest and it'll be unsatisfying and will probably leave you with a big headache! Of course you can pay a lot, but the return on investment diminishes the more you pay. But there is a sweet spot range that can be really amazing without setting you back too much! That's the kind of wine I drink and the kind of websites I build!

Small agencies may charge $3,000 to $15,000 for business websites, while larger agencies can exceed $75,000 for custom designs. Thanks to website builders like Squarespace, an expert designer can give you a beautiful website that markets your business for an affordable price. Make sure to think about what you need your website to do, and don't just pick someone that can make a pretty website. Also think about what you want your website to do and have, like SEO, social media or mailing list integrations.

The cost of a professionally designed website can vary greatly depending on the scope and features required. Basic websites can cost as little as $500 on sites like FIVERR, but be aware that you often get what you pay for and a cheap website that misses out on sales, isn't actually costing you less.  More advanced sites incorporating digital marketing features, local search optimization, and strategic sales funnels can range from $5,000 to $50,000 or more. Perspectives on what makes a "good" website differ—some prioritize aesthetics, while others emphasize functionalities like SEO, analytics, user experience and integrations for business growth. I can talk you through what makes sense for your business based on your budget and business goals.

The average lifespan of a website design is typically 2 to 4 years with smaller updates every few months. A well-designed website may last longer with periodic updates, but as web standards, SEO requirements, and design preferences evolve, businesses often need a redesign or refresh to stay competitive and maintain functionality. Like with fashion or home design, the more trendy you go, the more you'll need to plan on updates. Having a good foundational site, with a classic design and updated features can take your business far! And knowing how to maintain your website on an easy to use platform like Squarespace can help keep your site current.

When interviewing a potential web designer, consider asking the following questions to ensure they’re a good fit for your project:

1. What is your design process?
   – Understand how they approach projects, from planning to final delivery, including collaboration and revisions.

2. Can you show me examples of websites you’ve designed, especially in my industry?
   – Review their portfolio to gauge their style, experience, and ability to work within your industry.

3. How do you handle SEO and performance optimization?
   – A great website needs to be easily found and perform well. Ask about their strategies for search engine optimization and page speed.

4. What platform do you use for building websites (Squarespace, vs WordPress vs Wix etc.)?
   – Ensure the platform they choose aligns with your needs for scalability, ease of use, and future updates.

5. Do you offer ongoing maintenance and support?
   – Websites often require updates or troubleshooting. Find out if they offer maintenance services post-launch.

6. How do you ensure the website will be mobile-friendly and responsive?
   – Mobile responsiveness is critical. Confirm they prioritize design for different screen sizes and devices.

7. How do you integrate branding and ensure the site reflects my company’s identity?
   – Make sure they consider your brand voice, aesthetics, and values when designing the site.

8. What is your timeline and pricing structure?
   – Ask for a clear breakdown of costs and a realistic timeline for project completion.

9. Do you offer training for using and updating the website?
   – If you’ll be making updates yourself, ensure they provide guidance or training on the website’s CMS.

10. What’s your approach to website security?
    – Inquire about strategies for protecting the site from threats like hacking or data breaches.

Asking these questions will help you assess the designer’s expertise, reliability, and alignment with your business goals.

Once the client has submitted their website content, most of my sites are built in a couple weeks with some sites taking up to 6 weeks to build.

Good web design means that a site looks good, is easy to navigate on desktop or mobile, leads visitors toward the businesses site goals (buying a product or a service etc) and is found by visitors searching for relevant search terms. This Portland web design company aims to get you the results your business needs, which means we’re committed to “good web design” every time!