Unwrapped Web Design

Today I was scoping out some various web design and development companies on the web. My goal was aimed at developing a more systematic approach to quoting web site projects. Many online web design companies put together package deals.

For example…
A 5 page web site including search engine optimization, a flash banner, contact form, e-commerce, etc. Or perhaps the next package up which is a 10 page site, with the same feature as a 5 page site, plus a photo gallery, search forms, etc.

From a developer’s perspective, this sounds like the way to go. It is easy to manage and easy to quote. However, looking at these types of packages from the client’s perspective is a little aggravating.

What the client needs may be 7 page site, with the photo gallery from package two, without the e-commerce from package one. So does he or she contact the company to find out if they are flexible or does he leave thinking the company doesn’t offer what he/she wants? Most likely the latter… at least that’s what I would do. Clients dont want to pay for something they dont need. “Duh!”

It is difficult for a client to fit into a cookie cutter web package. Every client, every business is different and each one may require a unique web site. Stuffing a client into a package that is too big is like putting on a shoe that’s too big. There’s a lot of room left you don’t know what to do with and that emptiness makes for an awkward looking shoe…. errr site.

There are cases when a web package would work – say for example the basic, traditional 5 page site with a Home page, About Us page, Contact page, Products page, Services page, or whatever. A few pictures, simple design and structure, no e-commerce, no Blog, no extras… just the basic info.

My research made me realize that I didn’t want to make up a list of packages for clients to choose from. I want something more customized where client’s can pick and choose certain options. Something easy and not confusing. Stay tuned!

- Jessea