How Much Does a Website Cost?

How much does a website cost? When faced with the task of creating a website for your business, the decisions that need to be made about style, functionality, platform, content and not to mention budget can be overwhelming.

You've probably spent some time researching options on the web only to find yourself more confused.

Prices for a new website range from free (sort of..) to tens of thousands of dollars for most not-too-large businesses. There are many factors that affect the cost of a new website. Large corporations and businesses with large sites rich with custom functionality can expect to pay a LOT more...like $100,000 and up.

Factors Influencing Website Costs

Complexity of the Web Design

The intricacy of your website's design can significantly influence its overall cost. A simple, clean design web design with minimal elements will generally be more affordable than a highly customized, intricate design with advanced animations, graphics, and interactive features. Custom designs often require more time and expertise, which increases the cost. If your brand demands a unique and visually stunning website, be prepared for higher design expenses.

Number of Pages

The number of pages on your website directly impacts the budget. More pages mean more content to create, design, and optimize. A simple 5-page website will be less expensive than a complex 50-page site. Each additional page requires design, development, and content creation efforts, all of which add to the overall cost. It's important to plan your website structure carefully to balance the number of pages with your budget.

Functionality and Features

Adding custom features and advanced functionality can significantly increase the cost of your website. Basic websites may include standard features like contact forms and basic blogging capabilities. However, if you need e-commerce functionality, custom forms, user login systems, interactive maps, or integration with third-party services, these features will require more development time and expertise, leading to higher costs.

Content Creation

Professional content creation is another factor that can affect your website budget. High-quality copywriting, a content strategy, professional photography, and engaging videography are essential for creating a compelling website. Hiring professionals to create this content ensures it is of high quality and aligns with your brand, but it also adds to the overall cost. Investing in good content can significantly improve user experience and drive better results for your business.

Search Engine Optimization (SEO)

Investing in SEO is crucial for enhancing your website's visibility and ranking on search engines. Good SEO practices involve keyword research, on-page optimization, content creation, and link building. While some basic SEO may be included in your web design package, more comprehensive SEO services can be a significant additional cost. However, the investment in SEO can provide a substantial return by driving organic traffic to your site and improving your online presence.

To DIY, or not to DIY Website

If you've made it this far in researching website costs, you may have already tried and given up on a DIY website.

The thing about DIY websites, is that they aren't really free or low-cost when you get down to it.

The learning curve required to build your own WordPress site can easily translate into upwards of 80 hours of your time just getting the basics in place. Do the math using your hourly rate and you'll see the real expense start to add up.

There are definitely those of you out there that will undoubtedly relish the process of building a website and be able to succeed....and you might find yourself building websites professionally in a few years!

But if this doesn't sound like you, your best bet is to hire a professional. (I won't bore you with the story of that time I tried to do my business taxes myself.)

So, let's move on and talk about that question that everyone is trying to figure out when thinking about creating a website....

How much is this website going to cost me?

Well, the answer is.....It depends. (You knew I was going to say that, didn't you?)

All websites are not created equal, so we are going to go over some of the budgets you might commonly encounter for a 10-page business website and what you can expect when spending within that budget.

We build all of our websites as self-hosted WordPress websites, so we'll explain the costs associated with building a WordPress website using this method, but we'll also go over other common website builder options for small to medium sized businesses.

1. First Things First....Fixed Website Costs (Monthly or Annually)

There are some fixed costs for every website.

Domain Registration Costs

You will need to register a domain name for your website to use, which is about $20/year.

Some website platforms like Wix, Weebly or Squarespace will allow you to have a website without a custom domain. Instead, your site will be on a 'built-in' domain like [yoursiteid].squarespace.com. However, in my opinion, a business really needs a custom domain name in order to appear professional.

Hosting Costs

Depending on the solution you end up selecting for your website, there will be costs associated with the hosting of the website files. For most self-hosted WordPress websites, a professional hosting company will be recommended by your web designer or developer. If you decide to go with a website builder platform (Squarespace, Wix, etc.), they handle the hosting of the website as part of your monthly fee.

The hosting companies we currently recommend for self-hosted sites are:

• Cloudways (Virtual Private Servers: Cost ranges from $14/month to $170/month for most small to medium size business needs)
• SiteGround (Shared Hosting: Cost ranges from $14.99/month to $49.99/month)

Website Maintenance Costs

Whether you do it yourself or have someone else manage your website, website maintenance is essential for ensuring the security, performance, functionality, and credibility of your website, ultimately contributing to its long-term success.

• WordPress Website Maintenance Plans: Costs range from $59/month to $199/month for basic and mid-range plans. These maintenance plans are offered by your web development company (or a 3rd party company specializing in WordPress maintenance) and typically include some type of updates to your content and not just the technical stuff.
• For Website Platforms (like SquareSpace, Wix, Weebly, WordPress.COM, etc), the technical upkeep is included in your monthly fee that you already pay to the platform. For updates to your content, you would need to do those yourself, or hire your web designer to help you make those changes as needed.

2.  Website Budget Ranges

Not all websites are created equal, so let's explore some common budget ranges for a 10 page website and what you can expect to receive within each one.

Free Website

The old adage, "You get what you pay for" should really come to mind when you find someone offering free websites.

Free websites are rarely professional-looking, but in cases where they are nice-looking, they are rarely actually 'free'.

Typically, this type of 'free' will include some kind of advertising displayed on your site (which is very unprofessional looking), or there will be a premium charged for basic things like using your own domain name or having a contact form or storage above a certain amount.

Usually in this scenario, you have very little flexibility and control over the design and content. However, if your budget is non-existent which is not uncommon when first getting started, a free website option might work for you in the short-term. Be prepared to run into limitations which will force you into an upgrade (that's the business model). Before paying for an upgrade, consider where you want to be able to take the website in the future and consider investing there.

Example of website builder platforms that offer a free version include:

• WordPress.com
• Wix
• Weebly
• Godaddy

Website Design & Build: Under $1500

When you find someone offering a 10 page website for under $1500, it's a pretty good indication that they are just starting out in the field and looking to gain experience, or they are employing extremely low-wage workers in other countries.

If you are creating a website for an established business, think carefully about the image you want to project before leaping on this kind of 'good deal'.

You will more than likely pay for it many times over once you realize all the things you aren't getting for this price.

Basic/Mid Professional Website: $2500-$4500 or so

Ideal for small businesses or startups, these websites typically include 10 pages of well-formatted content, basic yet professional design elements, and minimal functionality beyond the basics of website forms and blogging capabilities or possibly an event calendar plugin. While they are affordable, they may lack advanced features and customizations (which isn't a problem if you don't need them). For this price range for a 10-page website, I would expect to be working with a fairly experience web designer / developer, but don't expect any search engine optimization, copywriting or custom programming for this price range.

Mid/High Custom Website: $6000-$10000

This higher budget allows for more personalized custom design and enhanced functionality such as custom listings, custom post types, advanced event calendars or other functionality. A 10-page website in this range would likely include basic on-page SEO and potentially some help with copywriting. These websites offer a good balance of quality and cost, making them suitable for growing businesses.

High-End Custom Website: $10,000 plus

These sites are highly customized, with unique designs, extensive functionality, and advanced features such as complex integrations, custom programming, extensive SEO work, and copywriting. Ideal for established businesses looking to make a significant impact online, these websites are designed to meet specific business needs and goals. Most eCommerce websites would fall into this budget range at a minimum.

Choosing the Right Budget for Your Business

Assessing Your Needs

Understanding your business needs and goals is crucial when determining the appropriate budget for your website. Start by identifying what you want your website to achieve. Are you looking to create a simple online presence, an e-commerce platform, or a robust site with custom functionalities? Consider the scope of your project, including the design complexity, number of pages, and the types of features you need. By clearly defining your objectives, you can better match your budget to the specific requirements of your business, ensuring that you allocate funds where they will have the most impact.

Evaluating ROI

Evaluating the return on investment (ROI) for different budget levels is essential in making an informed decision about how much to spend on your website. Higher budgets often allow for more sophisticated designs, advanced features, and professional content, which can enhance user experience and improve conversion rates. However, it's important to consider the potential benefits against the costs.

For instance, investing in a high-end custom website might offer significant returns through increased traffic, higher customer engagement, and better sales performance. To evaluate ROI, consider factors such as anticipated traffic growth, conversion rates, and the potential for increased revenue. By analyzing these metrics, you can determine which budget level will provide the best value for your investment and help your business achieve its goals.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid When Budgeting for Your Website

Underestimating Costs

One of the most common mistakes in budgeting for a website is underestimating the total costs involved. Many businesses focus solely on the initial design and development expenses, overlooking additional costs such as premium plugins, custom functionalities, and professional content creation. These overlooked expenses can quickly add up, leading to budget overruns.

To avoid unexpected expenses, create a detailed budget that includes all potential costs from the beginning. Research and plan for every element your website will need, and consider including a contingency fund for unforeseen expenses. This comprehensive approach will help ensure you have a realistic budget and avoid unpleasant financial surprises.

Overlooking Long-Term Maintenance

Another common pitfall is failing to consider the different types of ongoing website maintenance costs associated with a website. Maintaining a website involves regular updates, security checks, backups, and potential troubleshooting to keep it running smoothly and securely. Ignoring these long-term maintenance needs can lead to performance issues, security vulnerabilities, and a deteriorating user experience over time.

To avoid this, factor in the cost of regular maintenance when planning your budget. Whether you handle maintenance in-house or hire a professional service, ensuring your website stays up-to-date and functional is crucial for its long-term success. By planning for these costs from the outset, you can maintain a well-functioning, secure, and up-to-date website that continues to serve your business effectively.

Make an Informed Decision About Website Cost

Navigating the complexities of budgeting for a website requires careful consideration and planning. By now, you understand that website costs vary widely based on factors like design complexity, functionality, and ongoing maintenance needs. Assessing your business goals and needs is crucial in determining the appropriate budget level that aligns with your objectives.

Remember to evaluate the return on investment (ROI) for different budget levels. A well-planned website not only enhances your online presence but also supports your business goals effectively. Whether you opt for a basic site or invest in a high-end custom solution, prioritize elements that will deliver the most value to your audience and business.