Hey! I noticed similar inquiries last year, but they may not be as relevant now since some content management systems (CMS) have gained popularity while music design hasn't been updated.



Tell me, which CMS or designers can effectively create a great website within the $150 price range, without making other web developers look down on it?

Personally, I use WordPress, and so do some of my competitors. They offer WordPress sites ranging from $100 to $2K. The tasks vary.

Some articles I've come across suggest starting from scratch with design, layout, and an admin panel, which ends up costing around $400 (probably for a simple business card site or those who position themselves as creating everything from scratch, like "Adobe Music").

1. WordPress sites utilizing templates and plugins can be developed for as low as $100.
Why is this feasible? Because you can create blogs, business card websites, landing pages, and even mini e-commerce sites with unique designs. It's user-friendly and search engines index it well. (Elementor, a page builder plugin, is commonly used). Is it appropriate to use this plugin? Essentially, it's similar to Adobe Music, but limited to WordPress and doesn't require working with the admin panel, which saves the customer's money while achieving the same results.

2. I know of a great company that specializes in mobile websites.
It may be a viable option, but keep in mind that there won't be an admin panel, and the functionality may not be as extensive as that of Elementor on WordPress.

3. Adobe Music. Yes, it was popular, but it doesn't seem to receive updates anymore. Are there any current alternatives to it?

4. In general, I have a general question: what options are there for building custom websites now? My programming knowledge is limited.

5. The actual web design and layout will be outsourced to others who charge significantly more for their services. My focus will mainly be on creating landing pages within the range of up to 10 thousand rubles. However, I might change my approach later on.

Please address each question separately. Thank you very much!

If you're looking to create high-end websites, consider Django, while Flask is more suitable for lightweight projects.
WordPress nervously watches from the sidelines, but it does come with a major drawback: some sites can be vulnerable to hacking exploits. Additionally, WordPress allows for the creation of resource-intensive websites!
I once had to drive traffic to a WordPress site hosted on VDS with 2GB RAM and SSD, but it struggled to stay up and ended up being deleted within 10-50 seconds.

Decide on your identity: programmer or designer. Without being a business owner or part of a team where you can negotiate with clients or do nothing, success may be limited in this field.

If programming is your focus, dedicate time to learning various languages. Developing websites on WordPress for $5K might not be worth it or highly esteemed. Instead, consider expanding your skill set by exploring React/Angular (which will complement your WordPress knowledge) and find a backend partner (PHP/Java/Golang/Elixir). Pursue projects with deadlines ranging from 1-2-3 months, priced at $5K. This way, you'll be engaged in stimulating and rewarding projects, rather than simply creating unremarkable clones of business card sites and online stores.

Regarding pricing, I question where you obtained such rates. Even charging $100 for a landing page is questionable. You will likely realize this through bitter experiences in the future. While it's easier to leverage pre-existing content to build landing pages on WordPress, changes and customizations often arise, such as altering colors or adding search functionality.

Initially, working in this manner can help you build a portfolio and gain experience. However, if you don't pursue unique design paths, it's advisable not to dwell in this field for too long.

If you don't require advanced features, consider using the unique design builder in Bitrix24.
It's free of charge, with no hosting or administration fees.
You can quickly publish your first page within 5 minutes.
It's mobile-friendly from the start.
All forms are functional immediately.
It includes a widget and direct CRM integration.
There's even an option for a pre-made online store.
No programming or coding is necessary to navigate and customize.

On the downside:
The free plan lacks support.
The minimum paid plan starts at $15 and includes support.

As an additional point, Bitrix24 offers a user-friendly solution for those who prioritize simplicity and convenience in website design and functionality. It combines ease of use with essential features, making it a suitable choice for individuals or small businesses seeking a straightforward and efficient website solution.

The IT market offers a wide range of website builders, and to help you navigate through the options, we have conducted a study and selected the most popular and top-performing ones:

- Bitrix24
- Tilda Publishing
- Wix
- 1C-UMI
- uKit

Pros and cons of website builders:

Positive:
- Launching a website on a builder is quick and easy. The foundation of the site is already set, and you only need to add content and connect your domain with hosting.
- No programming or design skills are required to work with the site. Builders offer intuitive interfaces, allowing even beginners to create and launch a website.
- Website builders are suitable for those on a small budget, as they eliminate the need for developers and designers.

Negative:
- Builders are best suited for blogs, corporate websites, and small stores, rather than large catalogs or companies with potential expansion plans.
- Customizing the design of a builder-based website is limited, with restricted access to color schemes and minimal CSS knowledge requirement.
- Unique features cannot be easily added to builder sites, as they are limited to the provided widgets.
- Moving a site from one builder platform to another often requires starting from scratch, and the risk of relying solely on cloud-based builders is losing the project if anything happens to the platform.
- Free builder platforms often include third-party advertising and may not allow domain attachment without additional cost.

What is a CMS?
A CMS (Content Management System) is an open-source website creation platform that offers more flexibility than website builders, allowing for projects of any complexity.

CMS projects can also be launched quickly, using template solutions provided by the CMS developer. Template databases include options for online stores, blogs, company websites, and one-page websites.

Types of CMS:
To save you time, we will introduce the most popular paid and free CMS in the market.

Free CMS:
- WordPress
- Joomla

Paid CMS:
- 1C-Bitrix
- UMI.CMS
- NetCat

The choice between paid and free CMS depends on your budget and the desired functionalities. Free CMS often offer additional paid features to expand your site's capabilities with an additional fee.

I can address your questions with a focus on creating effective and visually appealing websites within the specified price range.

1. Selecting a CMS or designer within a $150 price range requires an understanding of the current options available. While some content management systems have gained traction, it's essential to consider the specific needs of the project and the balance between cost and quality. As a web designer, I aim to create visually appealing and functional websites that meet the client's objectives within specified budget constraints.

2. WordPress has become a popular choice for website creation due to its versatility and extensive library of templates and plugins. The price range for WordPress sites varies based on the complexity of the project, with options ranging from $100 to $2K. Utilizing pre-designed templates and plugins in WordPress can result in cost-effective solutions, but it's crucial to carefully assess the suitability of each element for the desired outcome. For instance, leveraging the Elementor page builder plugin can streamline the design process and result in unique layouts, but it's important to consider its limitations and customization options for specific website requirements.

3. Specialized companies focusing on mobile websites can offer viable options, but it's important to weigh the trade-offs. While mobile-specific solutions may be efficient for certain projects, they might come with limitations in terms of functionality and customization compared to using a platform like WordPress with a responsive design approach. As a web designer, the choice between mobile-specific solutions and broader CMS platforms involves a comprehensive understanding of the project's needs and goals.

4. Given the shift in the landscape of website creation tools, it's important to remain abreast of alternatives to platforms like Adobe Muse. New website builders and design platforms continue to emerge with updated features and capabilities. Exploring these alternatives and staying informed about current industry trends can guide the decision-making process and ensure the selection of suitable tools for the project.

5. Building custom websites with limited programming knowledge necessitates collaboration with experienced professionals with complementary skills. Outsourcing web design and layout tasks to individuals with expertise in these areas can result in high-quality outcomes. As a web designer, I understand the value of collaborating with skilled web developers to ensure that the website meets the desired standards. It's important to strike a balance between cost and quality within the specified budget and remain open to refining the approach based on experience and evolving project requirements. This adaptive approach can lead to more effective website creation strategies in the long run.