Hey there! I'm Chris. I created this tool because, let's face it, scoping website projects can be quite difficult. As a website buyer it's hard to know what to spend and what to expect. As a seller it's hard to know if the client understands what you are offering. Understanding the work it takes, the options available, and a constantly evolving technical enviroment can be overwhelming. And getting projects done on time? Well, that's a whole other story! 😅
Websites do not last a long time. Technology moves too quick for that. This being said, I've worked on websites that are still kicking 10 years later. A well-built website that is carefully constructed to support a brand and business will last a lot longer than the average, but you'll need to invest. What I see many companies do is pay 5k for a cheap site one year, spend 20k the next year in hopes of getting a better one, and then 40k the following year and so-on. Investing more up front with a reputable agency will save you A LOT in the long run. And this is just from a cost perspective. A great website rooted in meticulous branding and ui/ux can create exponential growth for your business.
Websites are pretty unique. The closest thing to a website might be an app, but apps generally get to work in somewhat controlled environments and they often have teams of developers working on them full-time. Websites must function on the open web where they are used and abused by all manner of devices and programs. I think it's helpful to think of a website like a recipe (a recipe written in code). And like recipes, a website can't provide a delisious meal without a cook. In order for a website to appear, it must quickly be prepared (in real-time) by internet chefs known as computers, operating systems, and browsers. And not every chef is going to make the recipe the same way. We tend to apply our experience with physical objects to the digital realm and blame the recipe makers (agencies) when the dish tastes funny, but quite often the recipe is fine, and it's the cooks who are to blame.
Every chef has their own interpretation, and they're constantly learning new cooking techniques and implementing new cooking rules (updates). This is why even tech giants like Google and Facebook, with their armies of developers, battle bugs and compatibility every day. Development is not about perfection—it's about graceful handling of imperfection.
Sometimes great strides happen in hours and othertimes small changes take weeks. Imagine writting a 100 page paper that stops making sense everytime you make a grammar mistake. Like the whole essay becomes unreadable because you used a comma-splice. That's coding. And if you've ever spent hours hunting for a unclosed bracket or extra semi-colon, I'm sure you feel me. What seems like a straightforward task can transform into a days-long adventure. Even the most skilled developers face these challenges—it's just part of the journey (And it's hard to explain to clients).
Here's some real talk: fixed-bid website projects almost invariably exceed their budgets. And this is because there is an immence amount of discovery that happens in website projects. A client's ideas and expectations naturally change and develop as they see things take shape. At the same time, an agencies ability to make adjustments to scope become more and more limited as they get further into the project. This invariably leads to a standoff where the agency is running out of hours and the client doesn't understand why the agency can't accomidate their seemingly simple requests. This part os no fun for anyone. So I'll just say, if you're selling websites, be meticulous about setting expectations. If you're buying one, help your agency succeed by clearly communicating your goals and requirements upfront and try to be understanding when they push back against changes. While surprises are inevitable, good planning minimizes trouble down the line. Expect the unexpected and be creative in how you scope projects. Some agencies will only charge hourly for development. Some charge a fixed amount for strategy and design and then bid development once the designs are complete. Others only charge "time & materials" and avoid fixed-bids all-together.
Despite all these challenges, there's nothing quite like launching a beautifully executed website and watching it drive real business results. A great website can be one of your most valuable business assets. The key is collaboration, continuous learning, and embracing the iterative nature of web development. Remember: a website is never truly finished. It should evolve with your business!