"Hi there. We are looking to get a new website designed and built, and we were wondering if you could give us a rough idea of what it would cost?"
Now, the exact words may vary from message to message, but this type of request from prospective clients is extremely common when we receive enquiries about delivering a design or development project for them.
In this short blog, we cover some of the reasons why it's important for agencies to understand what your budget is before embarking on a digital project.
Reason #1 - we can offer you a variety of options
We think one of the biggest reasons people are reluctant to provide a budget is because they automatically think that the service provider is just going to max it out and use 100% of the funds that you have available.
This way of thinking isn't just applicable to hiring a digital agency, it's a default position across a whole host of industries and situations when you are asked what your budget is.
A good agency isn't looking to take advantage or overcharge you - they only want to show you what is possible with your available budget. Knowing your full budget will allow us to create a detailed proposal that clearly shows what features we can implement and how the website will work to achieve your goals & objectives.
Reason #2 - you can properly compare what your money gets
Without disclosing your budget to agencies when you are requesting a quote, it is easy to receive figures from different companies and immediately think 'they're too expensive, let's go with the cheapest option'.
However, if you set your budget out from the beginning, a good agency will breakdown everything that can be achieved within that budget. At this point, it is much easier to understand what you are getting for your money. When you actually compare like for like quotes that have taken your budget into consideration, you will really see the value as opposed to just the cost.
For every project we scope, we assign a number of hours to every task and confirm how much each part of the project will cost.
Reason #3 - we don't want to waste your time
Here at Gecko, we always have your best interests at heart. Understanding your budget and also desired outcomes before we begin discussions around a project will ensure that you don't waste your time. Ultimately, if we don't feel like we can deliver what you require within your budget, we would rather be upfront about that and steer you towards a better solution.
We know how valuable time is so we don't want to waste yours!
Reason #4 - it helps you focus on your priorities
As mentioned in reason number 2, asking for your project budget allows us to provide the best solution possible with the resources that are available. However, another benefit of this is it often helps you prioritise what you want and really need if you have a limited budget.
It is rare that you will have a blank cheque and be able to get everything developed from the get-go. By understanding the budget from the beginning and seeing where the budget is being spent from a design and development perspective, you are able to prioritise your goals and needs more effectively, resulting in a more successful project.
So when we ask what your budget is, it really does help to know!
We only enquire about your budget so we make sure you have clarity on what your money is being spent on and ensuring your money is well spent.
As an agency, we don't care if you have a small budget, unlimited funds or somewhere in between. We love working on a range of different projects and our goal is always to deliver a website or digital project that meets your needs. If you’d like to talk about your branding or website needs, get in touch with us today.