"On THE LINE" WITH CHRISTIE 

Choosing the best platform to host your website depends on your specific business needs, budget, and goals. I specialize in helping small businesses build exceptional websites tailored to their unique requirements. I am not limited to a single platform like Shopify, Wix, or WordPress. Instead, I assess your business's needs and budget to recommend the most suitable platform for your website. This personalized approach ensures that you get a website that not only fits your budget but also meets your functional and aesthetic needs. For example, Wix is ideal for ease of use and simple setups, Shopify excels with its comprehensive e-commerce functionality, and WordPress offers unmatched customization and scalability for those willing to invest in learning the platform or hiring a developer.

The time it takes to set up a website can vary depending on the complexity of the site and your specific requirements. Generally, a straightforward website with basic features can be set up in 2 to 4 weeks. This timeframe includes our initial consultation, business analysis, brand conceptualization, and the setup of your website’s skeleton. However, this timeline is highly dependent on how readily you have the required information, such as your product list and copy. Delays in providing this information can extend the setup time. For more complex websites with custom features, multiple products, and advanced integrations, the timeframe may be longer. I ensure that each project receives the attention it needs to meet your business goals efficiently and effectively.

I believe that integrating your website into everyday business practices is crucial to ensure it enhances efficiency rather than becoming an additional burden. A well-designed website should streamline operations, facilitate communication, and support core business functions. By automating routine tasks, providing real-time information, and enabling seamless customer interactions, your website can become an integral part of your business workflow. This approach not only reduces your workload but also optimizes business processes, allowing you to focus on growth and customer satisfaction. Proper integration ensures that your website supports and enhances your business, making it a valuable asset rather than an extra task. I work diligently to ensure the best outcome, tailoring each website to fit your unique business needs and objectives.

The cost of a website depends on your business's requirements and the amount of time and detail needed to set it up. But it's more affordable than you might think! How the Fee Structure Works: My main objective is to empower you to manage your website independently. I aim to set things up, train you on how to handle it yourself, and be available for support when needed. To achieve this, I have a fixed setup cost and then charge an hourly rate or a negotiated fixed rate for any future requirements. Set-Up Costs: This is the first step in going online after our initial consultation and includes: Outline Business Analysis: Based on our consultation, this will be the recommendation of the best platform for your business. Brand Conceptualization: Ensuring the look and feel of your online business aligns with your brand. Initial Website Skeleton: Setting up the initial framework of your website (up to 25 products). Payment Method Integration: Linking payment methods. Domain and Email Setup: Setting up domain names and emails if needed. Training: 3 hours of training on the basic running of your website. Total: R8500.00 *Note: This does not include any subscriptions payable to the e-commerce platform or domain host. Extras and Hourly Rate: I am on standby for my clients at all times, ready to assist with anything, be it adverts, branding or campaign advice, or technical difficulties. For this, I charge an hourly rate of R580, or we can negotiate a monthly retainer based on your specific needs. For example, if you want a training session on Instagram branding, I would charge you an hourly rate for the individual training sessions. However, if you want me to handle the design and artwork, I will quote you a set rate for the work, including consultation time. Please pop me an email if you need any clarity on this.

Here's a cost comparison of the three popular website platforms: Wix, Shopify, and WordPress. The prices listed are for the platform fees and do not include additional costs such as custom domains, themes, or third-party plugins and apps. Wix offers several pricing plans: Combo Plan: $16 per month (ideal for personal use, includes 3 GB storage, and a custom domain) Unlimited Plan: $22 per month (suitable for entrepreneurs and freelancers, includes 10 GB storage) Pro Plan: $27 per month (includes 20 GB storage, professional logo, and social media logo files) VIP Plan: $45 per month (includes 35 GB storage, priority support, and a professional logo) Shopify has three main pricing plans: Basic Shopify: $39 per month (includes e-commerce features, 2 staff accounts, and 24/7 support) Shopify: $105 per month (includes professional reports and up to 5 staff accounts) Advanced Shopify: $399 per month (includes advanced report builder and up to 15 staff accounts) WordPress.org (self-hosted) is free, but you need to pay for hosting, which varies widely: Basic Hosting: $3 to $10 per month (basic shared hosting from providers like Bluehost or SiteGround) Managed WordPress Hosting: $15 to $50+ per month (providers like WP Engine or Kinsta) Additional Costs for WordPress: Domain Name: $10 to $15 per year Themes: $0 to $100+ (one-time cost or annual subscription) Plugins: $0 to $100+ (one-time cost or annual subscription) Summary Wix: $16 to $45 per month Shopify: $39 to $399 per month WordPress: $3 to $50+ per month (hosting) + additional costs for domains, themes, and plugins Each platform has different strengths and pricing structures, so the best choice depends on your specific needs, budget, and preferences.