What things cost.
WHAT AFFECTS COST
Complexity How much content you supply How much design is bespoke Whether functionality is standard or custom How much support is included
WHAT MAKES PROJECTS EXPENSIVE
Custom functionality Frequent changes during the project Unclear requirements Content the developer must produce
THAT SECOND ONE
Changing your mind mid-project is the most common cause of budget overrun.
WHAT TO ASK ABOUT
What is included What is extra What happens if the scope changes What ongoing costs exist
ONGOING COSTS
Hosting Domain renewal Plugin and theme licences Maintenance
Ask for these explicitly. They are frequently omitted from quotes.
WHAT TO BE WARY OF
A quote far below others A quote with no detail Anyone who quotes before understanding what you need
WHAT TO ALLOW FOR
Content production Changes after launch The first year of running costs