The two main components to launching a website are design and hosting. While you can hire a designer to create your website and then find another company to host that website, it can prove easier and more affordable to simply get these two services packaged together.
There are several benefits to packaging web design and hosting. First and foremost, you are streamlining the process. If you hire a firm or individual to handle both web design and hosting for your site, it’s one stop shopping. This is particularly useful when you are employing the same firm or individual to maintain your site as well.
Because the design was created by the same business, it’s that much easier to input updates and keep it running in tip top shape. You don’t have to waste time learning how to update the site yourself or waiting for someone else to learn how.
Another advantage to getting web design and hosting all in one is cost. Often you will see that these packages offer savings over purchasing each service a la carte. Web designers sometimes discount their design services to promote their hosting plans and vice versa. Either way, the consumer will likely see at least some added savings.
If cost is really an issue, you can also get web design and hosting services from an affordable Web hosting company provided you design the site yourself. In this case, the design services come in the form of a site builder and/or template. You are given detailed instructions as to how to used the site builder and template and sent off to create your own site.
This is extremely cost effective and can save thousands over hiring a Web designer. Most hosting companies provide professional-looking templates optimized for their operating systems. While you may have to sacrifice originality, you won’t have to sacrifice quality.
If you’ve decided that packaging web design and hosting together is the way to go for you, you should still comparison shop for the best deal. Most web designers will present all of their services on their websites. If you find a Web designer you like, but she doesn’t list hosting as a service, you can always inquire if that’s available. Often you will find Web designers are willing to work with your budget and needs.