How To Have Websites Built For You The Cheap Way

Building a website is a necessity for businesses, personal brands, and organizations today. However, the cost associated with getting a website built can sometimes feel overwhelming. Many people think that creating a professional website requires hiring expensive agencies or designers, but there are ways to get it done at a fraction of the cost. In this guide, we’ll explore practical ways to have websites built for you cheaply without compromising quality.

1. Why Most Web Design Companies Charge So Much

One of the biggest challenges people face when trying to get a website built is the cost. Professional web design companies typically charge hundreds or even thousands of dollars for a simple website. Why? It’s because these companies have a range of overhead costs that are built into the price you pay.

For example, when you hire a company to design your website, you’re paying for more than just the design itself. Their pricing often covers office rent, staff salaries, marketing expenses, and more. This is why a basic 5-page website can cost around $500 or even more.

If you’re working with a company that has a physical location, it’s likely that their operational costs will push up the price for you. But what if you could avoid these additional costs and still get a high-quality website?

2. Freelance Designers: The Cost-Effective Alternative

One of the best-kept secrets for getting a professional website built on a budget is hiring freelance web designers. Freelancers typically work from home, which means they have lower operational costs compared to big web design agencies. Because they don’t have to worry about rent, advertising, or paying a team, they can offer you the same level of design quality at a much lower price.

Freelancers are often just as skilled as designers from big firms, and you can find many talented individuals with years of experience who are eager to work for competitive rates. Platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer allow you to connect with these designers easily.

3. How to Choose the Right Freelancer for Your Website

While hiring a freelancer can save you money, it’s crucial to choose the right one. You don’t want to compromise on quality just because you’re working on a budget. To ensure that you’re hiring the right freelancer, follow these steps:

1. Review their portfolio: Always ask to see examples of their previous work. This will give you a sense of their style and ability.
2. Check their reviews and ratings: Freelance platforms have rating systems that allow you to see feedback from previous clients. Look for freelancers with high ratings and positive reviews.
3. Ask about their process: A good freelancer should be able to explain how they approach web design, from gathering requirements to delivering the final product.
4. Compare quotes: Get multiple quotes from different freelancers and compare them. Don’t just go for the cheapest option—consider value for money.

By following these tips, you can ensure that you’re getting a good deal while still receiving a professional and high-quality website.

4. Where to Find Affordable Freelancers

If you’re wondering where to find freelancers who can build your website on a budget, there are a few platforms that are perfect for finding the right talent. Websites like Upwork, Fiverr, Freelancer, and PeoplePerHour are great places to start.

These platforms allow you to post a job description outlining your project, and then freelancers will bid on the job. You can review their portfolios, read reviews from previous clients, and choose the best candidate based on their skills, experience, and price.

One of the advantages of using these platforms is that you can negotiate the price and scope of the project. Freelancers on these sites are often open to discussions on pricing, which means you can get a custom quote that fits your budget.

5. Designing Your Own Website: The DIY Option

Another way to save money when building a website is to do it yourself. You don’t need to be a web development expert or know any coding to design a basic website. Thanks to modern tools and platforms, anyone can create a website with little to no technical experience.

WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get) website builders make the process incredibly simple. Platforms like Wix, Weebly, and Squarespace allow you to design websites by dragging and dropping elements onto a page. You can create professional-looking sites within hours without ever touching a line of code.

If you have a bit more time and patience, WordPress is another excellent option. While it may have a slightly steeper learning curve compared to drag-and-drop builders, WordPress offers unmatched flexibility and scalability. There are countless themes and plugins available, many of which are free, so you can build a feature-rich website for next to nothing.

6. Utilizing Free or Cheap Website Templates

One of the easiest ways to save money on web design is by using pre-built templates. There are thousands of free and paid templates available online that you can customize to fit your needs. If you’re using a platform like WordPress, you’ll find both free and premium themes that give your site a professional appearance with minimal effort.

These templates are designed to be user-friendly, so you can make changes without having to understand coding. Some popular websites to find cheap or free templates include:

• ThemeForest (premium templates)
• TemplateMonster (both free and paid options)
• Wix and Squarespace’s template libraries (free with subscription)

7. Avoiding Hidden Costs

While it’s entirely possible to get a website built on a budget, there are some hidden costs that you should be aware of. These can add up if you’re not careful, so it’s important to factor them into your budget from the beginning.

Some common hidden costs include:

• Domain registration fees
• Web hosting fees
• Premium plugins or features
• Website maintenance costs

Before you commit to any service or freelancer, make sure you understand the full cost breakdown to avoid any surprises later.

8. Learning Basic Web Design Skills to Save Even More

Another way to save money is by learning some basic web design skills yourself. This doesn’t mean you need to become a coding expert, but understanding the fundamentals can help you maintain your website and make minor changes without having to pay someone else.

There are free and low-cost courses available online that can teach you everything from basic HTML to using website builders like WordPress or Squarespace. Platforms like Udemy, Coursera, and YouTube have tutorials that can walk you through the process step-by-step.

9. Outsourcing Specific Tasks to Save Costs

If you’re looking to save even more, you can outsource specific tasks of your website project instead of hiring a full-service web designer. For example, you might hire a freelance designer to create the layout and structure of your website but then handle the content creation and maintenance yourself.

By outsourcing only the tasks you can’t do yourself, you can cut costs significantly while still getting a professional-looking website.

10. The Long-Term Benefits of Budget Web Design

When you build a website on a budget, you’re not just saving money in the short term. A well-designed, low-cost website can generate long-term value for your business. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a small business owner, or a freelancer, having a professional website can improve your online presence, attract customers, and increase your credibility.

By investing wisely in your website from the beginning, you can ensure that it remains an asset for years to come.

Conclusion

Building a website doesn’t have to break the bank. Whether you choose to hire freelance designers, use website templates, or build it yourself, there are plenty of ways to get a professional website at a fraction of the cost. By following the strategies outlined in this article, you can create a website that meets your needs without sacrificing quality or overspending.

The key is to be resourceful, do your research, and take advantage of the affordable options available in today’s web design market. With a little effort and planning, you can have a high-quality, low-cost website that helps you achieve your goals.