HOW TO: Budget for a project. PART 2

16 April, 2010

Below is the second installment of an overview on Costings and Budgets for projects.
To read HOW TO: Budget for a project. Part 1 CLICK HERE

Transparency

Contact and meet several agencies. Once you've established a relationship with one or two that you feel completely comfortable with, it's time to be honest with them.
Outline your expectations, goals, budgets and timeline, be realistic and put in contingencies for both parties if things don't go according to plan.

It also helps to sign a Non-Disclosure Document so that you can freely discuss ideas and really make some progress with your project without feeling like your ideas or suggestion might be stolen.

Clear Scope and Understanding

Scope is important. If you and your agency have done little or no research and scope, then don't be surprised that you didn't get what you paid for, or doesn't work the way you wanted it to.

Templates

If you're a start up or small business, and your exception of "simple website" doesn't involve original design, customised features and functions, then maybe a template for the layout and design is best for you.

Now, I might be selling myself out of a job, but maybe your project doesn't need to be fully customised. If you have a budget of $3,000 to $5,000, you might be better off on having an agency work with you on choosing a pre-built template to help you over the first year of having a website. *Templates can be restrictive, but you can then focus your time and the money saved on compiling information and feedback for when you refresh your website in 4-18 months time.
*Please consult with your preferred agency about this possible option*

Review the Quote

When reviewing a quote, consider the following

Domain and Email Hosting
Fees and charges if you are processing orders and payments online
Cost per hour for both parties
Accountability
Timelines
Development and Creative Costs
Support and Administration
Convenience
Flexibility and management of features and functions

What can blow out a budget?

Changing your mind
Not communicating
Not providing feedback and content
Not having a true understanding of what you want to achieve
The Agency not understanding what you wanted to acheive
Not having clear goals
Not being honest.
Assuming it'll be fixed later

I hope this helps you with budgeting for your next project. If you have any questions, would like a FREE QUOTE or would like to talk more about your ideas, don't hesitate to contact Feedia today.