Today, we will give a general answer to a common situation: requesting a quotation based only on intentions to build a website.This is part of the day-to-day reality for many companies working in web design and digital transformation. There are cases in which the question is so vague or unrealistic that we leave it unanswered. For example: I want to build a website, could you give me a price? Or: I want a site with a simple design - but with the functionality of eBay and some features from OLX.
Of course, most of these questions come from people who want to embark on a new venture and simply do not know where to begin. Over the course of two months, they may have looked at hundreds of websites. Let us assume they are classified ads platforms. They liked the colour palette of one, the web design of another, and the navigation of a third.
That is both helpful and completely confusing. As we have already said, a website is a unified whole made up of visual identity in all its details, navigation, and a hidden layer of functionality that only specialists tend to recognise.
When we receive a request for a quotation for a project from such a client, we treat the effort they have made with respect. We understand that this jungle is more intimidating than the Amazon, with the difference that no amount of fire and machetes will help you cut a path through it.
In some cases, the user has some prior experience. They may even have built websites using standard content management systems such as WordPress, Joomla or Magento. For projects that do not require professional intervention, we help by providing guidance and advice.
Write briefly and clearly:
I am planning a website that will perform the following functions: ......... The website is intended to operate in the following countries: ........... The target users are: ......
My concept is: .....
What I like:
[www.example1.com](http://www.example1.com) - colour palette
[www.example2.com](http://www.example2.com) - information layout on the product page, job listings page, or another section.
My vision is closest to [www.www.com](http://www.www.com).
If you have specifications, be sure to attach them to your enquiry.
After the initial discussions about a given project, we carry out serious research both into similar websites and into the characteristics of its future users in the respective country.
Our advice is to describe things in simple language. Do not provide examples of websites you have seen in a way that may lead to misunderstanding. Or mention only what exactly you like about them, without going into excessive detail. It is entirely possible that the appearance of a button you like would be completely unsuitable for your project.
When requesting a quotation, do not use terms from web design. They may seem popular, but at the same time they have precise and strict meanings. Using such terminology does not make you look “more knowledgeable”. Bear in mind that professionals speak plainly – without jargon. That is part of showing respect to the client. If all you hear is terminology, run.
Tell us about your plans for after the website goes live. How do you intend to address maintenance? Keep in mind that the development of information technologies and tools moves extremely quickly. Of key importance is also the positioning of your business on the Internet. SEO optimisation is only one part of that responsibility.
Together with our clients, we develop a strategy for the growth of the digital version of their business – in other words, its digital transformation.
When it comes to the development of a specific type of website, there are several possible approaches. Everything depends on the specifications. It may be built using widely known CMS platforms (Joomla with plugins, or WordPress with plugins), or it may be developed with a CMS that includes more specific functions. Our experience shows that, in this type of case, successful projects usually come from the second approach.
The most effective method can only be determined once a project specification or formal brief has been received. We recently advised one of our clients “to focus on describing exactly what they want to receive. Not to study classified ads websites. In that type of platform, 75% of the functionality is invisible.”
Best of luck
from the team at
KAK Web Development Specialist
Smart Web Ltd