How Much Does It Cost to Build a Website for a Small Business?

In today's digital age, having a strong online presence is essential for small businesses to thrive. A well-designed website not only showcases your products or services but also attracts potential customers and boosts sales. However, one common question that many small business owners have is, "How much does it cost to build a website?"

The truth is, the cost of building a website can vary significantly depending on various factors such as the complexity of the design, the number of pages, the features and functionalities required, and the level of customization needed. While some businesses may opt for a simple, template-based website to keep costs low, others may require a more customized solution to meet their specific needs.

At Avellar Agency, we understand that every small business is unique, and there is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to website development. That's why we offer personalized consultations to discuss your requirements and provide a tailored quote based on your needs and budget.

15-Minute Discovery Session

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During our 15-minute discovery session, we'll not only discuss the cost of building your website but also provide valuable insights to help you sell more of what you offer. By understanding your business goals, target audience, and desired features, we can recommend the best communication strategies to maximize your online presence and drive results for your business.

Before meeting with us, it's helpful to have a clear understanding of your website needs. Here's a checklist to consider:

1. Determine the number of pages you need for your website, such as Home, About Us, Services, Contact, etc.

2. Identify the functionalities you require, such as online booking systems, e-commerce capabilities, contact forms, booking systems, etc.

3. Define your target audience and the message you want to convey to them.

4. Gather any branding materials you have, including logos, color schemes, and brand guidelines.

5. Think about the style and design preferences you have for your website, including any specific examples you like.

6. Consider your budget for the website project, including any ongoing maintenance costs.

7. Outline your goals and objectives for the website, such as increasing online sales, generating leads, or improving brand awareness.

8. Prepare any questions or concerns you have about the website development process.

9. Review your current website (if applicable) and note any areas for improvement or features you'd like to change.

10. Reflect on your long-term vision for your business and how your website fits into that strategy.

Don't let uncertainty hold you back from establishing a strong online presence for your small business. Schedule a discovery session with Avellar Agency today and take the first step towards building a website that drives results for your business.

Boosting Business and Community Growth: The Benefits of Coworking Spaces

Coworking spaces have gained popularity in recent years as an alternative to traditional office spaces for small businesses, entrepreneurs, and remote workers. The concept involves a shared workspace where individuals from different professions and industries can work independently or collaboratively. Coworking spaces provide more than just a desk and a chair. They offer a community of like-minded individuals who are committed to supporting and encouraging one another. In this blog post, we'll take a closer look at the benefits of coworking spaces, as exemplified by this Q&A with Emily Vanest and Tina Aalsma from Switchboard, our "home" in Indy.

A: How does being part of a coworking space benefit small businesses and entrepreneurs, especially those just starting out?

S: The two biggest things that coworking spaces give their members are:

1) Low-cost access to resources needed to work or to launch your business. We have great high-speed wifi, printing and scanning, professional spaces for meetings, and a community of other workers who could be good connections for you as you grow. As your business expands, you can move to a desk or a private office. You don't need the capital to buy your own building or even fit out a home office. You can have 24/7 access to a shared space for around $100/month.

2) A community. Even before the pandemic, many people had already realized that working from home in isolation wasn't good for them. Mental health suffered, work/life balance suffered, and productivity suffered. Getting out of your house, interacting with other humans, and even working alongside other people who are also working tends to really boost all of those things.

A: In addition to providing workspace, what kinds of community-building activities and events does Switchboard offer its members?

S: Some of the community events that we have done: Happy hour, member lunch, Switchboard anniversary parties, treat breaks, walking tours, clothing exchange, lunch and learn, Plugged In (breakfast and a speaker). We bring our own lunches and eat together on Thursdays.

Rita Avellar working on a warm sunny day

A: How does Switchboard help support and connect with the broader community beyond its membership, such as through partnerships or charitable initiatives?

S (Emily): I personally feel very committed to women-owned businesses and minority-owned businesses. We donate our space for events that allow these groups to launch or flourish their businesses. We discount memberships for nonprofits and local students. I'm personally involved in my neighborhood association and am on the board of the community development corporation that oversees this neighborhood. Our space is located in the heart of a growing commercial district filled with independently owned small businesses. We are part of the local merchants' association, encourage our members to shop local, and purchase from local vendors for our events and daily needs whenever possible. When we designed our building, we had a lot of our furniture built by neighborhood furniture designers and purchased our art from neighborhood professional artists.

(Tina): One of the reasons that Switchboard does not have an on-site coffee shop or restaurant is because we want to encourage our members to visit the wealth of local businesses within walking distance. We have filled our space with local artists' work. We purchase handmade cards from local artists and provide them (with stamped envelopes) for our members at times like Mother's Day and Father's Day, or just because.

A: In your experience, what are some examples of businesses or organizations that have benefited from being part of the Switchboard Coworking community, and how?

S: Two of my favorite stories: Richard and Nate Walsh joined Switchboard in 2017 as software developers with some ideas. Their business grew and expanded, but pivoted dramatically during the pandemic when they began creating a system for HIV patients in rural communities to get access to medical care and support. Their hardware and software have been purchased and invested in by the Indiana State Department of Health and are being sold to other states. Their business expanded to an office, then 2, and they are adding 2 more offices in our new building. But better than that, they met David and Elise here. David was starting his own real estate investing app and had just hired his assistant Elise. They shared a desk, where they became friends with Richard and Nate. Eventually, they all bought houses in the neighborhood and became friends outside of work. Their neighborhood community helped carry them through the pandemic. Davis now has over 40 employees and 3 offices at Switchboard. That little app earned him #1 on Forbes Magazines' top 8 real estate companies to watch in 2019.

Other Switchboard members include architects, lawyers, data analysts, financial advisors, Executive Directors of nonprofits, real estate agents, filmmakers, therapists, students, and more.

Furniture built by neighborhood furniture designers and purchased our art from neighborhood professional artists.

A: How has Switchboard Coworking adapted to meet the needs of its members during the COVID-19 pandemic, and what lessons have you learned about the importance of flexible and adaptive workspace solutions?

S (Tina): After the pandemic, many of us have a harder time showing up for things that are not very convenient. But we need connection more than ever. We try to build in opportunities to connect while still respecting our members' needs to do their work. Since we all need to eat, free lunch is a beautiful way to connect.

About half of our members were classified as essential workers. They continued to work out of space throughout the pandemic. We followed all directives and recommendations but didn't have to adapt too much. We always have members who are immunocompromised in our space and care very much about cleaning and sanitizing appropriately. We wore masks and distanced and protected each other. We have a really great community and have always prioritized caring for each other and thinking about the needs of others. People working through the pandemic needed community more than ever. . . needed to talk, to see other people's eyes, needed to get out of their houses. And we were able to do that safely. We never had anyone contract or spread COVID at Switchboard, which is really amazing.

Also important, our members believed in us and were willing to continue supporting us throughout the pandemic. Many people who could not come into the space still chose to pay their memberships and their office leases. Because of that, we were able to stay open and fiscally solvent (even thriving) during a time when many businesses (including many coworking spaces) had to close.

Rita Avellar during cancer treatment

Personal note: As someone who underwent cancer treatment last year, I found that going to a coworking space, even if it was just once a week or once a month, was a great way to distract my mind and get work done in a safe and clean environment that was beneficial for my physical and mental health. Switchboard proved to be an incredible partner during those grueling 8 months, and I will always be grateful for the support they provided me.

Locally-Women-Owen Businesses: Why and How to Support Them

In recent years, the concept of supporting small, locally-owned businesses has gained significant traction. However, there is another aspect of this movement that is equally important - supporting women-owned businesses. According to a report by American Express, women-owned businesses have increased by 58% since 2007, but they still face several challenges in terms of accessing capital, resources, and networks. Buying from these businesses not only helps support their economic growth but also empowers women and helps create a more equitable society.

Here are some reasons why buying from local, small women-owned businesses is important:

Economic growth: Women-owned businesses play a significant role in the economic growth of a region. According to a report by the National Women’s Business Council, women-owned businesses added over 2 million jobs to the U.S. economy in 2018 alone. When you buy from a local, women-owned business, you are supporting their growth and indirectly contributing to the economic development of your community.

Community development: Small, locally-owned businesses are often the backbone of a community. They provide unique products and services, which give character to the neighborhood. Buying from these businesses helps to support their continued existence and contributes to the vibrancy of the community.

Women empowerment: Women have historically faced significant obstacles in accessing capital and resources to start and grow their businesses. Supporting women-owned businesses is a way to empower women entrepreneurs and help them overcome these challenges. By buying from these businesses, you are helping to level the playing field and create a more equitable society.

Sustainability: Small, locally-owned businesses are more likely to prioritize sustainable practices such as using eco-friendly materials and sourcing locally. When you buy from these businesses, you are indirectly supporting these practices and helping to promote sustainability.

Personal touch: Women-owned businesses often have a personal touch that is hard to find in large corporations. These businesses are often run by the owners themselves, who take pride in their products and services. When you buy from them, you are supporting their passion and their vision.

Here below is a list of our favorite local-women-own businesses in Indy. Not from here? How about sharing some names in the comments below?

• Silver in the City

• City Dogs Grocery

• Penn & Beech Candle Co.

• The Botanical Bar

• Revival Food Co.

• Just Pop In!

• Storefront Theather

• Café Patachou

• The Cake Bake Shop

• Avellar, LLC - yes! ;)

In conclusion, buying from small, locally-owned women-owned businesses is not only important for the economic growth of a community, but it also promotes women's empowerment and contributes to a more equitable society. As consumers, we have the power to make a difference in the world, and by choosing to support these businesses, we can create a positive impact on our communities and the world at large.