Understanding why the calculator works the way it does will help you get the most out of it. Explore FAQ below. And let me know if there is anything I didn't cover.
A layout is a page template that can be re-used. For instance, you would generally use a single product layout for every product on your site. Of cource, If you had a few really different products that require special treatment, you may need more than one product layout. unique page design template. Some layouts are very flexible and can be used for multiple kinds of pages. Others are very specific in how they work and are not re-usable for other purposes. For instance, your homepage or 404 page layout will likely be unique and only used once. But some of the sections of those pages could be re-usable. We call those "modules." Modules are like the lego blocks that make up layouts. In the design process the agency will showcase layout designs for the client to provide feedback on.
Modules are simply a section of a web page. They are (potentially) re-usable componants that need to be designed and built to make a website. An example of a module would be a navigation bar, hero area, footer, etc. Module points on the other hand are a measure the effort needed to create a module. In the calculator a single module point is assigned a number of hours. You can edit this in the Advanced Menu. In the formula, low code and static sites are assigned less hours per module than a full custom website that involves lots of coding.
An integration connects your website to external services or tools. In somecases an integration is reffered to as a plugin, especially if we are talking about WordPress websites. Examples include contact forms connecting to email services, payment processing systems, CRM platforms, or newsletter signup tools. Features marked with [Integration] require dealing with third-party services. For the most part, I am assuming that these connections do not involve an API because that can cause a significant increase in hours that should be addressed explicitly in the scope of work.
Content entry refers to manually adding new content to your website, while content migration involves moving existing content from an old website to a new one. Migration often requires additional data processing, formatting, and quality checking.
A static website serves fixed HTML pages that are the same for every user. While they can include interactive elements, content changes require developer intervention. They're fast, secure, and ideal for informational sites but less suitable for frequently updated content.
A headless website separates the content management system (CMS) from the front-end display. This allows for greater flexibility, better security, and faster performance. Content is managed in a separate system and delivered via API to the website.
A low code website is built using platforms like Webflow, Squarespace, or WordPress with page builders. These tools provide visual interfaces for building websites with minimal coding. They're faster to build but may have limitations in customization.
Feature costs vary because:
A journey mapping workshop is a collaborative session where we map out how different users interact with your website. It helps identify user needs, pain points, and opportunities for improvement. This process ensures your website serves your actual users' needs rather than assumed needs.
Strategy and design are separated because they serve different purposes. Strategy focuses on planning, user experience, and content organization, while design focuses on visual elements, brand consistency, and user interface. Good strategy makes design more effective and purposeful.
Stakeholder meetings are crucial checkpoints throughout the project. The calculator accounts for:
Quality Assurance (Q/A) hours cover:
Design rounds are affected by:
Project hours are calculated based on several factors:
Rush fees are percentage-based increases applied when projects need to be completed faster than standard timelines. They account for:
Hourly rates are based on:
Additional services complement the core website build:
I highly recomend building your website with the minimal features needed to launch. There is no such thing as a perfect website. Get it into the wild first, then work on those "Phase 2" features. Your project will go smoother and you will learn about what you actually need from your users before you start adding additional features. You can mark Features for Phase 2 when they are:
Each website type has different maintenance implications:
Launch hours account for:
Project management percentage scales with project size because larger projects require:
The final price range is determined by: