I'm gearing up to build websites for small businesses primarily using WordPress and Elementor, adding WooCommerce when needed. While I'm comfortable with layout, mobile responsiveness, custom UX, and plugin setups, I'm looking to understand what truly makes a website successful beyond aesthetics. If you've sold websites, I'd love to know:
- What do you typically charge for a site?
- How long does the process usually take, from the initial meeting to launching?
- What elements are crucial for success (like SEO, page speed, compelling offers, etc.)?
- What post-launch issues do clients usually care about?
- What practices did you stop because they weren't effective?
- What do you wish you had prioritized earlier?
I'm aiming to create effective, repeatable websites that actually drive leads and sales for businesses. Any insights on your processes would be greatly appreciated!
5 Answers
Success is also about communication. Regular check-ins build trust and minimize misunderstandings on project requirements. If you treat your clients well, they will stick with you for the long haul, and that's where you find the real success.
From my 15 years in web design, I've learned to build clear contracts outlining deliverables and timelines. If the client delays, it needs to be their responsibility, not yours. It's key to define roles and have everything in writing!
Yes! Clear contracts make sure everyone's on the same page. This definitely streamlines the whole process.
Controller contracts are so important! They help avoid scope creep and miscommunications.
The most vital part of selling websites is building a relationship. Make sure to have a good first call to gauge needs and expectations. If everything is done per email, the risk of project stalling increases. Face-to-face (or at least voice) communications help a lot!
Absolutely! Maintaining rapport with clients makes a huge difference in workflow.
For my clients, success boils down to performance. Fast, mobile-friendly sites with strong SEO and clear conversion paths are essential. After launch, they care most about maintaining the site and tracking performance. I often provide ongoing updates to keep projects running smoothly.
I've been creating websites for local businesses for a while, and here are my insights:
**Pricing:** Expect to charge between $1,500 to $3,500 for a standard site, with WooCommerce sites ranging from $3,000 to $6,000. Charging under $1,000 just leads to a race to the bottom.
**Timeline:** Generally, you’re looking at 2 to 4 weeks, but a lot depends on how quickly the client provides content. Set clear expectations early on.
**Key Factors for Success:**
- Optimize the Google Business Profile—this often drives more traffic than the website itself.
- Ensure fast loading speeds, especially on mobile.
- Have a single clear call-to-action, like "Call Now" or "Book Online."
**Post-Launch:** Consider offering maintenance plans ($50-$150/month) to ensure clients feel supported and to create recurring income for yourself.
**What I've Stopped Doing:** I've moved away from creating extensive feature lists upfront. Instead, I focus on a basic launch and then enhance based on actual client needs, plus I no longer offer unlimited revisions—it’s now a few rounds included, then hourly.
Great points on the pricing and content delays! Focusing on a clear CTA and site speed is so crucial for conversion. The maintenance plan sounds like a smart way to keep clients engaged long-term.
Totally agree about avoiding unlimited revisions! Setting limits on feedback helps keep the project on track.
100%! When clients feel valued and understood, they're much more likely to keep coming back.