Whether you're a life coach with wisdom to share or a wellness service provider ready to spread your zen, the big question you're probably asking is, "How much should I invest in a brand or website?". Let’s face it, there are a lot of expenses behind-the-scenes when running a business, and chances are, you want to put your hard-earned cash where you’ll receive the biggest ROI. On top of that, there is a lot of growth that happens in the first few years of business, so you might not need a super-professional, 10-page website right away even if you are ready to spend some money. If these are the kinds of thoughts going through your head, you’re not alone. But don’t worry, I have some advice I want to share with you today!

If You’re In The First Three Years of Business

Can I be honest with you? I've seen my fair share of self-made websites that, despite best efforts, don't quite hit the mark. In fact, most of the younger businesses that come my way come with a website they have DIY’d (and usually hate). But here’s the deal: you might not need a big, fancy website right off the bat. A lot of the solo entrepreneurs I work with, especially those 1-5 years into their business, really dig the idea of a simple, one-page website. It’s straightforward, gets the job done, and doesn’t break the bank.

In fact, if you’re in the early stages of your business, like the first 1-3 years, going all out on a huge website might not be the best move. Things change a lot at this time in your business. My advice? Start with the basics: hire me to create a one-page website and add on a mini brand package that includes a logo and favicon. The whole package will run you between $2500-$3500, and we can have it ready in a week. You can even add a lead magnet design or mini social media kit if you’re feeling fancy! Plus, I’ll show you how to make changes on your own as your business grows.

If Your Business Is Pretty Established + You Need a Larger Website

If you’ve been in business for about 5 years (or more), it might be time to invest more money into your online home. But guess what? That doesn’t always mean you need to start from scratch with a designer. Even established businesses need a little facelift now and then, and it doesn’t have to mean overhauling everything at once.

What I would usually recommend (and hey - you can book a call with me here if you want my eyes on what I would personally recommend for your business), is to start with a “one-page website” package, and use that for your home page. The truth is, when done well, most people may never need to even leave your home page! Plus, it’s priced at $2500 and is perfect for giving your brand that quick, impactful refresh.

What’s really cool about this approach (compared to hiring a branding and website designer for a whole “overhaul”) is that it's super flexible. After we jazz up your homepage, you can decide how fast or slow you want to move on sprucing up the rest. My VIP Days are available for $1200 each, letting you add on or redesign other parts of your website as needed. This setup is a hit because it’s gives you freedom and is easy to fit into your schedule. Want to take a breather before diving into more changes after the home page? No problem. Eager to get everything updated in one fell swoop? We can do that, too. Think of it as 'pay as you go' for your website.

As for how much should you invest in a new brand or website for an established business, it really depends on your business, but I hope this helps give you an idea of what you can expect when working with a designer to start.

But what about the brand?

I know above I’ve mostly talked about website, but that’s because I usually treat branding as an “add-on” to your website. Yes, you need a brand to have a beautiful and cohesive website, but it doesn’t need to be as complicated as you might think. I will go over all of this on our consultation call if you think I might be the right fit for your business.

Are you ready to invest in a new brand and website for your business?

Figuring out how much to invest in your brand or website is a big deal, whether you're just starting out or have been in the game for a while. Keeping an eye on expenses while trying to get the best bang for your buck is something all business owners wrestle with, especially during those early, change-heavy years. I hope this post has brought you a bit of good news though, because I really believe getting a solid start or refresh for your online presence doesn't have to cost a fortune.

As a reminder, for newcomers and seasoned vets alike, kicking off with a one-page website can be a smart move. It's affordable, looks sharp, and gets straight to the point. Plus, if you're further along and thinking it's time for a bit of an update, this approach won't upend your whole life. It's pretty straightforward—you update as needed, when you can, without any pressure to overhaul everything at once. Plus, you can hire me to help you with it!

If you're wondering about the next steps or need a little guidance on where to go from here, I'm just a call away. We can figure out a plan that suits your pace, budget, and vision. Remember, it's all about finding the right fit for you and your audience, and making sure your online presence is doing its job: supporting your business's growth. Let's make it happen.