Every client wants to set a budget for updating their website, but ensure you consider these top 3 hidden cost drivers!
1) Time
If you do not have a vendor/partner that understands working with law firms and how critical time is to your business, there will undoubtedly be an opportunity cost issue that will increase your website update investment, not necessarily in actual dollars spent, but revenue lost (attorney time) in the process.
2) Support
How do I get my site updated? What happens when new versions of the technology come out? Is there a monthly cost? What types of support do I pay for? What if an attorney leaves, or is named a Super Lawyer, or gets AV rated? How much do these types of updates cost?
Very important to have solid answers to all these questions.
Also, beware the site that is designed to require frequent updates. Smart design will keep your site looking new and fresh without constant investment in support.
3) Detailed list of deliverables
Probably the most important thing when reviewing a bid/proposal is to understand what exactly is included in your estimate. We had a client recently tell us, “I don’t know what I don’t know about what I don’t know”… Which after you read it a few times, makes a ton of sense.
Ensure you have a detailed scope of work identifying:
- How many pages are to be built?
- What are primary navigation links?
- Who is responsible for writing the content?
- Who owns the website? The images? and How will it be hosted?
- What is the expected project timeline?
- How updates will be performed and by whom?
- What happens if the scope of the project changes?
- Are their different rates for different tasks?
Having solid answers to all these questions included in your bid will protect both you and your vendor/partner.
For other tips on website update Do’s & Don’ts, read the series here.
And as always do not hesitate to contact us for a complimentary website review. We will be well prepared to share our design ideas and provide a range of potential project cost.