Websites are often overhyped, overpriced, and misunderstood.
In episode three of Raising The Bar, Mel Strutt and Mon tackle the web build process from a marketing—not tech—perspective. Whether you’re building from scratch or rebuilding something outdated, this episode clears up what business owners actually need to know before they start.
They cover the real cost of websites, what features actually matter, and why most web builds go sideways. Spoiler: it’s not the code, it’s the strategy. If your last web project felt like digital PTSD, this one’s for you.
Takeaways:
- You don’t own your social media or Google Business Profile. You do own your website. That matters.
- A website isn’t a tech project. It’s a marketing one. Focus on messaging, imagery, and user needs.
- Build for credibility first. Your site is often a quick check that you exist and are legit.
- Website pricing varies. Basic builds can cost around $2,000. Full custom jobs can hit $50,000, but most SME sites land between $5,000 and $8,000.
- Good messaging frameworks make or break a site. Start with what you want to say and who you’re saying it to.
- Don’t pay 90% upfront. Set clear payment milestones tied to actual deliverables.
- Skip custom code unless you’re running something complex. Stick to common tools so your site is easier (and cheaper) to maintain.
- Hosting matters. Cheaper options often mean slower speeds, weaker backups, and poor support.
- Maintenance isn’t optional. Regular updates prevent your site from breaking or becoming unfixable.
- Ask better questions. What’s included? Who writes the copy? When do you need me? What support do I get?
