A 'Standard' Website

Me and the members of Low Yat forums half the time finding members asking these very same questions,

“How much do you charge for a website?”

“What’s the current price to design (and develop) a website?”

Some of us have approached this question too many times. But is it really our fault that there is no standard website price? After all, what is a standard website and what does the standard package contain?

There was a time when a standard website for a company was only a simple HTML tables driven website. Then later on, things like colorful or animated images came in. After that, along the line the companies were offered more tools for their website via databases. When Macromedia made Flash widespread, it was the hype that everyone wanted it in their website.

Not too long a wait, many didn’t care of the database and demanded a full fledged Flash website. They liked the moving and fading text. They loved their techno induced introduction movies. And they were dying to outdo one another to see who could get their Flash website up first or better.

When the web standards scenario came, tables were regarded as evil elements and the Flash was regarded as pointless doodads. Many started building websites with more concrete foundation of its function than form. Usability and accessibility were becoming part of the website building bible.

So what is a standard website now?

Well, you tell me. As for me, I take a standard website having this:

• xHTML and CSS
• template design
• 5-10 pages (I hardly say this)
• ..throw in a Flash banner for kicks?

This is the current standard website you’ll find any client approaching you. The smarter ones would figure out if they really need the Flash banner. The ones who’ve got a bigger budget don’t mind opting for a CMS and a database because they do save money in the long run.

And as I’m viewing more examples of great works from places like CSSBeauty, I’ve noticed that the Flash trend might be re-entering into websites soon.

Anyway, care to share what is your ‘standard’ website?

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