The current economy means that many businesses are struggling with cash flow. However, at the same time, there are some expenses that cannot be forsaken, and one such expense is web design. Websites are essential to the success of most businesses and when you consider that fact that the online retail market is worth more than 100 billion pounds in the UK alone, you can understand this fact for yourselves. Even on a small budget, though, businesses can make use of the wonderful source of revenue that the internet represents. The answer is to find affordable web design solutions.

If you have a limited budget, little expertise, but still want a good quality website, then do not worry, there are many solutions available. Regardless of budget, you too can have a well-designed, highly professional website. There are several different solutions, and we will consider each in turn:

1. Web design packages: these are fairly good for businesses with a small budget. They come in a range of prices, some of which cost nothing at all. However, they do demand that you have a little understanding on the way in which technology works it will take weeks, if not months, to learn how to use these packages if you have no experience; and we are certain that this is time you can ill afford to waste. If you do have some understanding of how design packages work, then they can be great, but you will be limited in terms of how the website looks by the parameters created by the web design package. If you want to create a bespoke website, then this is not the route to choose. These are good for basic sites, anything else and you will need to consider another solution.

2. Use a freelance designer. These people vary enormously in what the have to offer, with amateurs charging very little for their services these people simply need to build a portfolio. It is hit-and-miss when choosing an amateur web designer, sure, you will end up with affordable web design, but the results are uncertain. You will get some who are superb at what they do and some who have no idea whatsoever. If you choose this route, we recommend that you only pay up front for part of the service, and pay the rest once the site is complete. Be fair, though, you must not withhold payment from people just because you think it is not perfect you pay for what you get and a professional, high quality, site will usually cost you thousands of pounds (in the UK, at least).

3. Web design companies: by using a web design company you ensure that you will be getting a decent website. Most web design companies offer a range of solutions in a wide range of price brackets. If you have enough of a budget, then we certainly recommend this latter solution to ensure peace of mind in the quality and the professionalism of the site.