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Cliff Tam
2,948 PointsDo you take a long time to build a WP website?
Hi everyone,
I like to know how long it takes for you to build a WP website. Last August, I've been hired by the church to build a website for them. They actually hired another developing company to build it and the lady in charge of the project left the church. So I took over.
The site is about 40 pages with various layout and what not. It uses the Adore Church theme and has Custom Post types for sermons, leaders and events.
When I took the project over, the church leadership didn't like the look and feel and I spent a considerable time learning and making changes.
After much modification, checking content and what not, we finally launch the site last week (without much issues yay!).
Looking back, i wonder if I am too slow on developing a site. Of course, there are a lot of variables. For example, the leadership wants to change the content. Then the marketing director wants more change.
At the same time, I wonder if I need to be more efficient with my time to build the site. Maybe bc I am new at this and it is taking time for me to learn the trade.
For the freelancers, if you are to build such a site (40 pages with various post types) how long do you take as an individual and how much do you charge for?
FYI, the developers to build the site cost about 16,000 USD.
Thanks!
1 Answer
Jason Anders
Treehouse Moderator 145,860 PointsHey Cliff,
In my own opinion, I don't think you can really measure "how long" something should take. There are just way too many variables to take into account, that every situation and project will be very different (no matter how similar they seem).
I am just getting into the coding / development world, but I come from an editing / writing background. It didn't matter my experience, most of my projects were so different that the time estimate was just that ... an estimate. With editing, I could have two (or more) projects that were the same length (pages/word count), but each one was VERY different when it came to 'hours billed.' Factors like content, topic, writer's ability, depth of edit, etc. would come into play and would often not show itself fully until the project was more underway.
Additionally, the quality of work and dedication and 'uniqueness' you (as a developer) puts in will also greatly affect the total time (not necessarily the total cost) the project will be. Everyone works differently and has a different work ethic. Just because you take a bit longer doesn't mean yours is not as good or yours is better, or you should charge more or less...
I think there are just too many factors. If you get the project done to the satisfaction of the client (in time, quality and cost) then you've done your job, and you've done it well.
Cliff Tam
2,948 PointsCliff Tam
2,948 PointsThanks Jason for your prompt and informative answer. I guess what i am learning is how to give an estimate on a project. This project took a lot longer than i thought and this time ain't an issue bc the church hired me as a full time staff. One thing I am aware of myself is that I tend to want to create a site where it is easy to maintain and use and often this is not included in the spec (like auto check a category for a specific Post Types).
Thanks, Cliff