How to Get a Website Designed and Developed at Real Cheap Rates

With the advent of Open Source movement, it is no longer a problem for anyone to get a free blog or website.  Not only that, Open Source scripts have also lowered the costs of designing a website, even large companies can have a low cost website based on an Open Source script. 

Anyone with a little technical knowledge can install an Open Source script like <b>Joomla or Drupal</b> and add as many modules and themes as possible <b>- all for free.</b> 

And those who have no knowledge of how web scripts are installed, can still get it done at a very low cost.

Based on my experience, I will share some information on cheapest possible ways to get your website designed.

<b> Get your website designed from freelancers: </b>

Freelancing is a booming online industry where thousands of employers connect everyday with even more number of freelancers to get their projects done at economical rates.  There are numerous large-sized websites that provide a platform for employers and freelancers with minor or no service charges.
Some of the largest freelance sites are Elance.com, Scriptlance.com, iFreelance.com and oDesk.com
Many freelancers on these sites are from third world countries like Pakistan and India who work at very low rates.

There are two major reasons why employers and freelancers prefer to work with freelancing sites.  <b>First</b>, these websites provide financial security to both employers and freelancers, as these websites process payments and release payments only after employer's requirements are met.  <b>Second</b>, the bidding procedure to apply for projects ensures the employer finds a freelancer who is willing to work at lowest possible rates.

So, for anyone looking for a cheap website, he can turn to any one of popular freelancing sites and get it done there. 
While posting a project, you can specify if you want it in a specific Open Source platform.  There are many freelancers who specialize in certain Open Source scripts like <b>Joomla and Drupal</b> and market their skills in those scripts.  Or if you want a small static website, you can opt for <b>HTML based design</b> as HTML web designing is cheaper than dynamic web designing.

<b> Low cost Design Companies: </b>

There are a good number of freelancers and design companies who work outside of the freelancing websites to avoid the stiff competition they face there.  They usually find work through their own websites.  But it can be a problem for you if you try to find a low cost design company. 

If you search on Google for them, most of the designers and companies that turn up in Google's search are far from cheap.  You need a little patience with this and you need to go deeper into search result pages to find some individual or company offering  services at cheap rates.