But as your business grows, you might consider investing in a professionally designed site. The bad news: It can be pricey. “Websites can run the gamut in terms of budget—think $5,000 to $100,000-plus,” says Kara Mann, an interior designer in Chicago.
You don’t necessarily need to spend that much in order to create a successful website. “Work with what you have. If you have $5,000 to spend or less, prioritize your objectives,” says Mann. “You don’t need a lot of flashy features. Just a nice clean space that will allow your work to speak for itself, and an easy way for clients to be able to contact you.”
Prepare for a marathon, not a sprint
Building a website shouldn’t be a one-and-done sort of deal: You’ll need to make updates. For starters, you’ll probably want to update your website with new projects over time. But you’ll also need to keep the back end of your site up to date with the internet at large, as well as the ever-changing whims of your audience.
Frampton notes that her company’s website is continually updated, but not just with new projects or products. “Regular analytics review ensures we understand our audience’s behavior and helps us optimize the site structure and content,” she says. “For example, we’re known for interiors, but our F Collection Arc Desk receives as much traffic as our best projects. Accordingly, the desk is front and center on our site.”
Frampton also suggests paying attention to your website’s presentation across devices. “Each year a larger percentage of our traffic is mobile, and while our original site looked beautiful, it requires continued updates to translate successfully,” she says.
It may take time, effort, and money, but building and maintaining a stellar website is critical for any designer hoping to grow their business, so it’s absolutely worth it.
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