Thinking of redesigning my website

[creativeartist]

Let’s cut to the chase, website redesigns are expensive. I am planning on redesigning my site but really don't have a budget, so I am having second thoughts. Are there pointers that I should consider before i take the plunge? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

[Mayor McRifle]

Are there pointers that I should consider before i take the plunge?

Look before you leap.

[Marauder2003]

And the current site looks like.....?

[skunkbad]

If you're not doing it yourself, and must trust a freelancer or design firm to make the site for you, then you're about 90% likely to get screwed unless you're paying the big bucks. Make sure you have a very clear contract that gives you an option to back out at the design stage (in case they come up with hideous suggestions you don't like). If you're website will have specific functionality, you need to thoroughly describe that functionality, every step of it, and make sure that is all in the contract too. Make sure to read the other party's fine print, especially if they are trying to sell you SEO services.

Even if your website is a simple brochure type website (4 or 5 pages), if you're not paying at least $1000.00, then you're dealing with an amateur. You'll get what you pay for. If your site is going to be big with lots of custom programming, you should be prepared to pay at least $4000.00 a month during the development phase. Make sure that your contract suggests milestones, and expectations that work will be completed at those milestones.

Good "web designers" are multi-taskers who are doing design and development, and have experience in the server operating system and many technologies. These are professionals, at the same level as a doctor or a lawyer. Expect to pay what you would pay a doctor or a lawyer.

[creativeartist]

So what happened was I moved to a new host since my previous one was down a lot. Luckily my new host has BoldGrid which made web design much easier since I just customized their inspirations which are basically just themes.
Now, I need ppc campaign management and they are what I've been recommended. Anybody here who has hired them before? Are they reliable?

[Can'thavenuthingood]

Well here it is 7 months from OP, you want advice or input but we have no info about your site.
Where is it?
What are you selling?

I'd get the basic site up and running first, tweak it all out as far as I could go with it.
Then look for outside help.
These outfits want money up front, how is your cash flow?
Is site operational?
Is it paying for itself?

Vick