How to build a website with less than $500
And why you have no excuse not to have your own.
I know $500 may sound like a lot of money to some folk but those with an entrepreneurial mind know that $500 is NOTHING to invest in something that has the potential to make you money.
Forget what anyone has said. Having a website has the potential to make you BIG BUCKS especially when you have something to offer.
I look at my website as my personal address on the web… You know where people are supposed to send me money. Duh! Lol So you get it right?! You need a website and it does not need to cost you an arm and a leg.
In respect of honesty, building the website itself only cost me $108 and tons of time. I stumbled upon a huge discount that my webhost provides. I will tell you about it very shortly.
The entire project ended up costing me a little under $500 with every cent WORTH SPENDING.
Let’s get down to it.
You guys know the drill. Everything that I do starts with paper. This is a measure of both organization and self-control for me. Developing my thoughts on paper helps me to know when I am prepared and deserving to spend money. We can all get pretty caught on tools; thinking that the more tools we have access to the more motivated we’ll be. That’s never been less true for me.
Before ever purchasing my domain or signing up for web hosting I’d…
- written every single line of my web copy on paper
-had a clear understanding of my brand (colors, fonts, imagery, message, and purpose)
-knew my need, understood my urgency
-studied websites in my industry and market
I took what worked for me as inspiration and left what did not. I also, meshed components from several different websites to fit my need.
-created my web pages and tabs on paper
-named and created the price packages to be listed on my site
-wrote the about me/bio
-wrote the background to my business
-contacted the individuals that would help to bring my site to life (photographer, nail artist, hair stylist)
I had a photoshoot for my website but that is not necessarily the way everyone should go. In my opinion, it makes for a highly-customized finish and every image on my site was crafted and featured by me, even the flat lays.
To remain consistent with my brand I made the decision to work with black-owned businesses from my area in the photoshoot.
Photographer: Xavier Duckett of VII Photography
Hairstylist: Jessica Martin-Daye of Kinky Hair and Lash Studio
Nail Artist: Tawanda Stephens of Brighter Image Day Spa
I saved money by:
1. Using the school discount with Squarespace. Which you can access here: https://www.squarespace.com/students this link gives you 50% off of your first year.
Squarespace also offers 10% off with the code GIMME10.
2. Designing 4ourty.com myself.
This saved me HUNDREDS if not a thousand dollars. I always say, my best asset is my time. Squarespace is one of the most user-friendly platforms I’ve ever used. I’d even say I love it much more than WORDPRESS. If you know a little something about design or coding and enjoy web design…don’t be skerdddd. Bring your vision to life! However, if you don’t have the time and have even less expertise. DON’T YOU DARE EMBARRASS YOURSELF OR ME! Haha
I’d be happy to design a site for you.
3. I did my own makeup! Which I will never do again. It was really bad. I mean REALLY bad. Thank the LAWD for filters. Haha
4. I paired old pieces in my closet with the new.
5. Location, location, location. Every shot on my site was taken at my own home.
You too can save money, by getting a friend to do your hair and makeup or using clothing already in your closet. You also could ask a rising photographer if they’d be willing to do a quick shoot in exchange for a review or exposure.
GET CREATIVE!
Expenses:
1. Squarespace Hosting $108
2. Wardrobe $83
3. Photography $120
4. Lashes and Brows $50
5. Nails $45
6. Hair $30
GRAND TOTAL: $436
Now get your hands out of my pockets and start planning your own website!
In the coming weeks, I will be sharing detailed information on how you can create and brand your own site.
Let me know, what makes you most afraid about designing your own site?! Your topic could be featured on the blog!
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