There are thousands of companies and solutions on the market when it comes to building a brand's website or online store.

As we have already explained in other articles, and as we are advising people too, these solutions have to be chosen with care so that your brand is not harmed by someone who said he was a professional but after all only saw a video on Youtube of “How make websites for dummies?”

Within the existing solutions, there are usually two distinct business models.

1st – One-Shot / One-time payment

In these cases, agencies/freelancers will charge a specific amount for the development of their website or online store.

This amount is usually divided between the award (40% to 60%) that is paid before the project starts, and then the rest on delivery. There are cases where the amount can be divided into more installments, but more than 4 we do not advise.

2nd - Monthly fee

The most attractive solutions that tend to “grab” more entrepreneurs in the take-off phase. In this case, there are platforms that have pre-defined templates for websites/online stores that, by paying a monthly fee, will quickly get the project online.

Advantages and disadvantages

The great advantage of a One-shot project is the fact that you only have one payment made and the website is yours, it's your brand. You will have to renew your hosting, domain and security certificate annually, but it is residual.

Yes, it is a high cost when compared to the monthly fee, especially for those who are starting or want to renew, which is a disadvantage.

But, at the same time, it's thinking about any other investment of your brand or something you've acquired. Would I have to buy machines? Would I have to buy Vinyl for the window? These are examples of investments that are similar to investing in a website, mainly because this is an important means of communication and credibility.

The advantage of the monthly fee is, without a doubt, the amount you pay. Between 50€ and 100€ per month do I have a website online? So of course I want 😊

Not having to pay 1000€ or 1500€ or 2000€ for a website, maybe I prefer this monthly amount.

It is in fact a good solution, but with the disadvantage that you have to be “stuck” to these platforms. That is, if in the one-shot purchase the website is paid and remains yours forever, here what you are doing is practically a website “renting”. Which can be legitimate and very good in many cases, but on the day you no longer want to pay, or forget to pay, the website goes down and your brand ceases to exist.

Furthermore, these platforms often have technology that is not open source and is limited to what internal programmers can develop. With the extra of often having to be paid for this programming service or additional additives and features.

It's not easy, we know. But that's why we're here too 😊

At Digitall Brokers, consultants are available to help you choose the best option and supplier, with no associated costs.

Take the opportunity to test and simulate your project in the Digitall Brokers simulator and if you need any support or help in your process, you can contact us directly by email info@digitallbrokers.com or using the contact form.