I want to get a website built: where do I start?

“I want to get a website built but I don't know where to start” is something we hear a lot. The good news: you don't need technical knowledge. What you need is to make a few decisions in the right order. This article goes through the steps of getting a website built, what you will be asked for and what changes the price, in that order.

#1. Write down the site's job in one sentence

First of all, answer the question “what will this site do?”. The answer sets the size of the job:

#2. Register the domain in your own name

The domain name (example.com) is your site's address and part of your brand. Who registers it matters: the domain should be registered in your company's or your own name, and you should have access to its management panel. Domains that an agency registers under its own account are the most common problem when you later want to change companies.

#3. Gather your content in advance

What delays projects most is not the code but the content. If you collect the following in one folder before starting, the timeline gets noticeably shorter:

• Your logo and, if you have them, brand colours
• Short descriptions of your services or products
• A company introduction, address, phone number and opening hours
• Photos: team, premises, products, completed work
• References and customer reviews (ones you have permission to use)
• Two or three example sites you like, and what you like about them

#4. Compare companies and quotes

It is normal for quotes to differ widely, because most of the time they are not pricing the same job. Before comparing, make sure each quote states the scope in writing: how many pages, which features, how many languages, whether there is an admin panel and what post-launch support looks like. We cover what to look for when choosing a company in how to choose a software company and questions to ask before building a website.

#How much does it cost to get a website built?

A single figure would be misleading; the price is set by these factors: the number of pages, whether the design is based on a ready-made structure or built from scratch, the number of languages, custom features such as payments or bookings, integrations and who prepares the content. You also need to think separately about the one-off development fee and the costs that continue every year (domain, hosting, email, optional maintenance). For details: what determines website pricing and our pricing page.

#How long does it take?

A standard corporate website is delivered within 1 week. The process consists of analysis, design, development and launch stages, and each stage needs your approval at the end. For a day-by-day flow: how long does a corporate website take.

#Next step

Writing up your needs in a paragraph or two is enough to get started. You can look at our corporate website service, or book an online call for your questions.