There are a wide variety of prices out there when it comes to designing websites.

So maybe the first thing we will look at is a list of some things that may be part of creating a website:

• registering a domain name
• setting up hosting for the website
• setting up the e-mail addresses to go along with the website
• ongoing maintenance
• basic fees for the main design and a basic package
• fees for additional pages
• coming up with the keywords and descriptions
• creating designs for the webpages
• editing and/or resizing graphics files
• photography by the designer
• scanning files
• working with audio and/or video files
• copywriting - writing the text for the website
• creating forms - for opt-in lists, surveys, etc
• setting up a blog to go with the website
• communicating with the customer
• etc, etc.

Depending on what you want on your website, there may be other things as well. As you can see, there is a fair bit of work involved in creating a website.

So I would suggest that you take the list of webdesigners you came up with earlier - the ones you felt would be best to work with - and contact them for a ballpark estimate. I'll give you a checklist of things to work with in the next section so that you can clearly tell them what you are looking for.

Then, with whatever webdesigner you want to choose, find a way to get them your package of information and then ask for a specific quote based on that. Since you will be going to them with a package of information already well prepared (right?!), then I would certainly ask if there is a better price available for coming well prepared.

Now - if you are asking the webdesigner to give you a specific price, get a clear list of what all they will provide with that. If you want the best (as in least expensive) price, then you may have to sacrifice in some other areas.

For example, because I work with beginning business people and artists who don't usually have a big budget to work with, I try to give the best price up front for which I think I can do a decent job. But that means I need to limit the revisions - you may not be able to revise and revise till you get it exactly the way you want it at that price. Mind you, if you are willing to pay the extra, I would gladly revise to your heart's content!

Just to give you a ballpark figure for my prices, for a very basic 4-page website, where you provide all the information and graphics, my basic package for now starts at $400 with domain registration and hosting extra.

My guess is that most webdesigners probably build in plently of extra time in their price, which is why some prices can be pretty high.

At any rate, ask around, do your homework, and then go with the one that gives you the best job at the best price for you.

Ask the webdesigner what payment options they have - do they expect to be paid in full up front, do they take a portion up front and the rest on completion of the work, or what?

Get as much of this in writing as you can so that both parties are aware of what the expectations are. But also be prepared for some changes along the way. Things sometimes come up that aren't expected, so I would suggest adding a bit of a cushion to whatever price is given just to be on the safe side.