How to build a site?

What do I need and how much it cost to get a developer to build a site?

• First of all I'm not talking about a basic site. I'm talking about a big site where people can sign up, post products, rate people and exchange/pay for files. People will have profiles too. It's not a social network, it's a business that's as big as a social network compare to a basic html/css site. I'm wondering to build a website like this what sort of programming language should I be looking for in a potential programmer. I also want to know roughly how much it will cost (USD or AU) usually? Thanks very much !

• Answer:

  You don't need to worry about the programming language if you're going to hire someone. That's their job, not yours. Most advanced web pages use pretty much every programming language designed for browsers anyway. The only variables in programming language you're really going to have is PHP or ASP, but that's dependent on what kind of server the site runs on. (as well as a couple others, but this isn't important to you) From the way you're making it sound, you're probably looking at a good $10,000 to $100,000. Depending on alot of different variables. The only way to get a real estimate, is to call a local web developer or find one online and have them give you a quote. I suggest local, that way you can meet them in person and be 100% sure they are a legitimate business. The only thing that I can tell you for sure, is that what you want is pretty complicated and it is not going to be cheap. A simple page with just a few basic options, from a professional developer, is going to cost a couple grand. What you want, is much much larger. You're probably looking at a good $500-$1000/mo hosting. Remember though, you've given us very little information and this is an extremely rough estimate. (I'm talking in USD btw)