gOLDeN WeB SoLuTiOnS » Web design

Quick break down on costing for web sites

admin — Sat, 03 Oct 2009 05:30:04 +0000

1) Web server costing.
This is “hiring” space where your web site sits 24/7. Normally to connect directly to a server company for entry level +/- R19 pm + setup R49 + own domain R80-140. If you require higher function on website i.e CMS and videos, costing is R99 pm.

2) Graphics and text procurement costing.
Taking photo’s / editing photos / typing up pages / logos. Cost can be saved if done or arranged by client. It is important to collect all information and media before web design starts.

3) Design costing
Page concept design and final design cost can be lessened if done by client i.e. in Word or Power Point. The first step is to establish a concept page and the rest of the pages follow.

4) Maintenance cost.
How often and what needs to be updated also has a cost. Sites that require +/- 4 updates per year eg. change of phone number or address should have no maintance cost or contract. It is recommended to have a Content Management System (CMS) if there is a high level of maintenance and updates.
Thereare always cheaper options out there but is dependent on workmanship detail and business continuity (fly by night web design companies ?).

It is better to meet to see what you have in mind and confirm the work that will need to be done before giving completed cost.

Feel free to give a call and we can meet for coffee.

Is the South African Internet user base worth “tapping” into?

admin — Sat, 03 Oct 2009 05:17:01 +0000

There are approximately 3 million users online in South Africa and it comprises of 1 % of the world market. South Africa is the largest user of google search engine on the African continent.

Not all users are active users and those that use the internet once a month cannot be worthy of economic consideration. In South Africa, the internet is less convenient for browsing and is mainly used for email. This is because of the computer prices, poor infrastructure, slow internet speeds and high telephone costs.

For this reason aggressive marketing and effective web design is essential to make web sites work in the South African internet user base. Although South African internet has shortcomings, there are industries that are benefiting on the net in South Africa.

10 reasons to have a web site

admin — Sat, 03 Oct 2009 05:15:17 +0000

1 ) Establishing presence on the internet
2 ) Make multimedia available (pictures, sound and video)
3 ) Networking with other businesses (B2B)
4 ) Providing business contact details
5 ) Providing a 24hr service to your customers
6 ) Selling and advertising products
7 ) Providing a database for salesmen
8 ) Answer frequently asked question (FAQ)
9 ) Open international markets
10 ) Feedback points for clients

What should you expect from a web design company ?

admin — Sat, 03 Oct 2009 04:08:52 +0000

Time, feedback, flexibility and commitment.

TIME:

Too many companies are selling cheap web packages, promising the much and never providing a follow-up service. Make sure your web design company is willing to meet with you regularly.

FEEDBACK:

Your web site MUST be monitored and it is important that you receive feedback on the hit success and what your web site is achieving on the Internet platform. The following question need to be answered by your web design company:
- Who is looking at my web site ?
- What are they looking at ?
- Am I providing the right content for my users ?

FLEXIBILITY:

Your web page will never be static. WEB SITES NEED MAINTENANCE, they require upgrades and changes. Your web site company must allocate time to update and change your web site.

COMMITMENT and CONTINUITY:

Web design company needs to provide you assurance that if they close or relocate that your site will still be able to run. A forced closure can have detrimental effect on your business.