How Much Does a Website Cost?
Every web design and inbound marketing company has heard the golden question: How much does a website cost? Sometimes, it’s the first question a client asks, even before inquiring the type of services offered. Online Potential understands that all businesses -- whether you need a new website because you’re just starting out, want to update your site to stay true to your brand identity, or need to expand your site due to business growth -- need to keep an eye on the bottom line when hiring a firm to provide services. That’s why we let our clients choose the right services that will provide them with the most benefit.
Factors in Determining Website Cost
The size and extensiveness of a website most greatly affect the final price. Websites become more expensive with the addition of pages, advanced designs, large quantities of content, search engine optimization services, database requirements, content management systems, and eCommerce optimization. We offer several levels of service when it comes the number of pages or amount of content needed, but some features, such as choosing to use a responsive website design, are an opt in/opt out decision.
There is no right formula to create a perfect website that will guarantee profitable success. All of these decisions should be based on the goals of your company’s online presence. What works for one company likely won’t have the same results for another company, which is why we create custom websites to suit our clients’ needs.
Top Website Elements That Will Cost You
Everyone wants a good value for products and services, that’s a given, but when it comes to a website, cutting costs and choosing the cheapest options may end up hurting your online reputation as well as conversion rates and sales.
There are four elements to creating a successful website that will have the most effect on your online costs -- domain, hosting, design and maintenance.
Domain
A domain is portion of a URL that identifies your website. If you look at our website, www.OnlinePotential.com, our domain is OnlinePotential.com. Some companies cannot use their name or their stock-trading abbreviations because the domain has already been purchased by someone else. Other businesses may prefer to use a catch phrase or slogan as their domain because it’s more easily identified with their brand. Prices for a domain can vary depending on the demand for the domain, and what follows the “dot” in the web address can affect the cost as well.
When a desired domain name is already in use, it can be beneficial to try and purchase that domain from the user. Vast quantities of domains are often purchased in order to generate revenue so that businesses must pay to use the domain. These are often unused domains without full websites attached to them. If a domain is immediately identifiable with your brand, it may be worth paying a few thousand dollars for it. And because domains are technically rented, if you fail to renew your contract or pay your bill, another company can come in and snatch up your domain.
Hosting
Web hosts lend out their servers to allow companies access for storing websites, information, databases, files, images and more. Web hosts also perform a lot of the webmaster duties and provide tools so that site owners are able to track site traffic and user behaviors. Hosts are free to charge what they want, and some web hosts provide more services than others. You’ll need to do your homework when searching around for a reliable host, but it isn’t unusual to pay between $45 and $250 a year for services.
Design
Website design pricing varies depending on the amount of work that goes into creating the site. Existing high-end websites generally don’t require as much time to update or maintain, so if you already have a functioning, professional website, you may be able to avoid additional costs in this area. For companies who do not currently have a website, or who do not regularly maintain their site, web design can be time-intensive.
This is one area where pricing can fluctuate wildly between design companies. You’ll be paying for the time it takes to design or redesign your site, as well as any consultations. And of course you’re paying for the expertise of the designers, so for really great website designs, you’ll end up paying more. Knowing what to expect when the bill comes can be accomplished by being upfront with your design company. Tell them exactly what you want done, and stay active in the design process so that wrong turns can be corrected more quickly. If you aren’t sure exactly what you want, then take the time to do some research and consult with the company. That way you don’t waste time down the road.
Maintenance
Website maintenance is one of the most important yet often overlooked element in a successful website. Once a site is up and running, many business owners think that’s the end of it. But regular website maintenance can help keep a steady flow of traffic coming into your site as well as keep your site listed high in search engine rankings. Site maintenance can include updated content, promotional designs, new business blog posts, publishing additional website pages, and adding or changing images, graphics and videos.
Maintenance isn’t easy, and it takes dedication to stay on top of a regular schedule. There are ways to alleviate some of the pressure from business owners, though. Content management systems are designed so that website maintenance is a little easier. And companies like Online Potential often offer maintenance services in conjunction with other SEO and website development services so that it’s easier to implement changes and updates.
The Cost is Up to You
So, when it comes down to how much a website really costs, the answer is: it depends. Before you start calculating, take stock of your current site or research other websites so that you can see which features you prefer for your own site. By having a good idea of what you want, you can avoid unnecessary costs and spend that money on better Internet marketing strategies so that once you have a website, it will pay for itself.
