When it comes to investing in a new website for your school, the process can feel overwhelming. Many providers offer website solutions that seem cheap at first. However, they often cost much more later. This is due to add-ons, restrictions, and strict service agreements. Let’s discover the real price of school websites in this Blog.
At iTCHYROBOT, we’re different. Our philosophy revolves around providing schools with design freedom, unlimited content transfer, and zero hidden costs. In this blog, we will look at how hidden costs can sneak into school website projects. We will discuss their impact and why iTCHYROBOT’s approach is different.
The Problem with Hidden Costs in the price of School Website Projects
Hidden costs can show up in small ways. By the time you notice them, your school may have already chosen a provider. Here are some common examples of how these costs arise:
1. Design Restrictions Leading to Additional Charges
Many providers offer pre-designed templates or limited customisation options as part of their basic package. If you want something different from the approved designs, you may need to pay more. This includes a custom homepage or additional features.
An example we have seen is, a primary school wanted to include their newly created school video as their header on the home page of their website to engage with parents more effectively.
The provider’s basic package did not include these features. Adding them would cost an extra £200. This pushed the total price well above the original quote.
2. Content Transfer Limits can increase the overall price of your school website
When migrating from an old website to a new one, transferring content is a critical task. Many providers limit the number of pages they will transfer in their standard service. They charge extra for any additional pages.
A secondary school has 50 pages of policies, news archives, and curriculum details. They signed up for a service that included content transfer. After the initial 50 pages, the company charged them per extra page, which resulted in an unexpected bill.
3. Ongoing Maintenance and Updates
Some providers include initial maintenance. However, ongoing support for issues or training often come with additional costs. While initial support might be included, ongoing technical support often comes with hourly charges. Schools needing help with troubleshooting or minor changes can find themselves incurring significant, unforeseen expenses.
Why iTCHYROBOT is Different
At iTCHYROBOT, we believe that schools deserve transparent pricing and comprehensive services. Here’s how we solve the common issues outlined above:
1. Design Freedom
Your school’s website should reflect its unique ethos and character. That’s why iTCHYROBOT offers design freedom. If you want a video header on your homepage, we can add this for you. If you want social media integration, we can add this too. All of this is included at no extra cost.
2. Unlimited Content Transfer
We understand that schools have lots of information to share, from policies and curriculum guides to news updates. Unlike competitors, we don’t limit the number of pages we’ll transfer. Whether your school has 10 pages or 100, iTCHYROBOT ensures a seamless migration of all your content PLUS, we will style it all in the pages for you.
3. No Hidden Costs
With iTCHYROBOT, what you see is what you get. Our pricing is straightforward and transparent. From design to development, content migration, and ongoing training. No surprises, no hidden fees.
4. Exceptional Ongoing Support
Our relationship doesn’t end once your website is live. iTCHYROBOT provides ongoing support with any problems you may have. Whether you need help uploading a new policy, troubleshooting a technical issue, or exploring new features, our team is just a call or email away. Our Training Academy also ensures that your school can manage your school website confidently and attend our weekly training sessions, all included in our annual licence fee.
How Hidden Costs Impact Schools when pricing school websites
Hidden costs don’t just strain budgets—they also impact trust, time, and the overall success of your website project:
- Budgeting Challenges: Unplanned costs make it difficult for schools to manage their budgets effectively, particularly when resources are already tight.
- Delays and Frustration: Negotiating additional services or approvals for extra costs can slow down progress.
- Erosion of Trust: When providers fail to deliver on their promises, it damages relationships and confidence in the service.
The iTCHYROBOT Promise
Our mission is simple: to empower schools with exceptional websites that meet all their needs, without limits or hidden costs. Here’s what we promise:
- Design Freedom: Your imagination is the only limit.
- Unlimited Content Transfer: We take care of everything, regardless of volume.
- Transparent Pricing: No surprises.
- Unmatched Support: Always there for you, whenever you need us.
Choosing the Right Provider
When selecting a website provider for your school, ask the right questions to ensure transparency and value:
- What’s included in the price?
- Are there caps on content transfer or initial design creation?
- What are the costs for ongoing support and maintenance?
- Will I face additional charges for custom features?
By choosing a provider like iTCHYROBOT, you can rest assured that the answer to these questions will align with your expectations.
Hidden costs are a common pitfall in school website projects, but they don’t have to be inevitable. By partnering with a provider like iTCHYROBOT, schools can enjoy design freedom, unlimited content transfer, and transparent pricing—ensuring a stress-free, cost-effective experience.
If you’re ready to break free from the limitations and hidden costs of traditional school website providers, get in touch with us today.
What’s next?
If a new school website is on your school improvement plans for this year, talk to a member of our Team who would love to find out more about your school.