So, you’ve decided that your business needs a website. Awesome decision! You’re officially taking the first step towards putting your digital footprint on the map. Your next step is to get an idea of how much it costs to get a website developed. Being informed about this could actually save you from paying the "ignorant tax". Don’t worry though, we’ll break it all down for you! By the end of this article, you’ll know what type of website you should choose opt for and have a more clear understanding of how much it'll cost!
The Three Types of Websites
Before we get into specifics about numbers, let's go over the main types of websites you can get made:
Fully Custom Websites - Valuable & Expensive
Template-Based Websites - Affordable & Convenient
DIY (Do It Yourself) Websites - Super Affordable & Low Upfront Costs
Each of these options comes with its own unique advantages and, of course, different price points. Let’s break them down one by one!
1) Fully Custom Websites
A fully custom website is like commissioning a bespoke suit. Everything is tailored to fit your business perfectly! This level of customization makes these websites truly unique. The web design team will build your website from scratch, ensuring that it not only looks gorgeous but also functions flawlessly.
What Do Fully Custom Websites Include?
Unique Web Designs: No cookie-cutter templates here! Everything from the layout to the fonts and color scheme is handpicked based on your brand’s identity.
Advanced Features: Need an e-commerce system? Membership portal? payment gateways? A fully custom website can be equipped with all the bells and whistles.
SEO and Mobile Optimization: A good agency will make sure your site is optimized for search engines and responsive on all devices.
Ongoing Maintenance: With a custom site, you’ll likely need ongoing updates and maintenance, and many agencies offer this as part of a package (we do to).
Cost of a Fully Custom Website
Brace yourself for this one, because the price tag can vary widely depending on the complexity of your site. A standard custom site could cost $5,000 USD to $10,000 USD. More complex and larger websites, that for example require proprietary e-commerce functionalities or intricate design and animations, can easily climb to upwards of $20,000 USD. Good thing is that not many small or medium sized business require such websites. On average, most requiring a fully custom website will only pay an average of around $5000 USD.
Why So Expensive?
Expensive is relative! Businesses that choose to go with this option usually are looking at the bigger picture! Because they’re not just paying for a website, they’re making an investment in your business's future success. When businesses opt for a fully custom site, they often do so with the mindset that this investment will pay off in the long run. A custom website is designed to:
Drive Conversions: Every element of the site is optimized to enhance the user experience, guiding visitors smoothly through the customer journey, whether it’s making a purchase, signing up for a newsletter, or contacting you for services.
Strengthen Your Brand: Custom site gives your business a distinct online presence that aligns perfectly with your brand, helping you stand out in a crowded digital market.
Scale with Your Business: Custom websites are built with future growth in mind. Whether you plan to expand your e-commerce offerings, integrate advanced booking systems, or roll out new features, a custom-built site is flexible and can grow as your business evolves.
Outperform Competitors: In highly competitive industries, a well-designed, fast, and functional website is a key differentiator that can attract more customers and boost your bottom line.
Think of it this way; a custom website is a marketing tool and a storefront combined. It’s an investment that, when done right, can bring in more value than the initial development costs. Just like a physical store with an attractive layout can drive more foot traffic, an engaging, user-friendly website can significantly boost your online traffic and conversions. So while the upfront cost may seem high, the long-term value can far outweigh the price tag.
2) Template-Based Websites
Next up, we have template based websites, which use pre-built templates as a starting point but can be heavily customized to fit your needs. An agency will take a beautiful template and modify it to reflect your branding, making this a more cost-effective way to build a website that still looks professional.
What Do Template Websites Include?
Pre-Designed Templates: You’ll choose from a variety of professionally designed templates, which can be customized to some extent (colors, fonts, layout tweaks).
Tailored Customization: While the overall structure stays the same, an agency will make adjustments so that the site feels personalized. This includes adding your content, tweaking the number of pages, and possibly integrating third-party apps like email signups or contact forms.
User-Friendly: Because these templates are built to be plug-and-play, you’ll get a user-friendly experience for both visitors and admins.
Cost of Template Websites
This approach is a fantastic middle ground. Expect to pay on average between $1,000 USD and $3,000 USD depending on the level of customization you want and the complexity of your site. Templates with more pages, custom landing pages, or advanced functionalities (like e-commerce, bookings, etc.) will usually be priced higher than the more basic templates.
This is a great option for small businesses (especially new businesses) or individuals who want a beautifully branded site but don’t have the time or technical skills to build one themselves. It’s the ideal combination of affordability, convenience, and professionalism.
3) DIY (Do It Yourself) Websites
DIY websites, offered by platforms like Wix, Squarespace, and WordPress, are the go-to for those on a tight budget. These drag-and-drop editors make it easy for anyone to create a site, even without design or coding skills. For just a small amount per month, you can get a simple website up and running.
What Do DIY Websites Include?
Website Builders: Drag-and-drop editors that require no coding knowledge.
Pre-Made Templates: A variety of templates you can customize with your own branding.
Minimal Cost: Budget-friendly plans make it an attractive option for small businesses or personal websites.
Why DIY Websites May Not Be the Best for Your Business
While DIY platforms are affordable and accessible, they come with some limitations:
Design Challenges: Even with pre-made templates, aligning your website with your brand can be a headache. Without design expertise, editing a template to fit your identity can turn messy. Mismatched fonts, awkward layouts, and clunky user interfaces can make your site look amateurish.
Limited Customization: These platforms often lack flexibility. If you need advanced functionality or specific features, DIY platforms can fall short without paying extra or hiring a developer to help.
Conversion Struggles: DIY sites might get you online, but they aren’t typically optimized for converting visitors into customers. Without UX design or conversion rate optimization knowledge, your site may not perform as effectively as you’d like.
Ongoing Maintenance: DIY websites require your attention for updates, troubleshooting, and security—something busy business owners might not have the time to handle.
Cost of DIY Websites
The cost of a DIY site is low, around $100 to $500 per year, depending on add-ons like premium themes or plugins. Hosting is often included, but the low price doesn’t necessarily mean you’re getting the best value if your business needs a site that drives conversions and grows with you.
Who Should Choose a DIY Website?
DIY websites are best for personal projects or small businesses that just need a simple site online quickly. But for businesses looking to make a strong, professional impression and convert visitors into paying customers, DIY may not be the most effective choice. What you save in upfront costs may end up costing you in lost opportunities or future redesigns.
The Hidden Website Development Costs
Okay, so we’ve broken down the main types of websites and how much they cost to build, but there’s more to it than just paying for the design and development. Let’s talk about those sneaky additional costs that you’ll inevitably run into.
1. Domain Name
Your domain is the address where your website lives. Think of it as your site’s home address on the web. Want your website to be called AwesomeBusiness.com? You’ll need to register that domain.
Cost: Domain names usually range from $10 to $50 per year, depending on the extension (.com, .net, .biz) and whether the domain is already taken.
2. Hosting
A website needs a home (or server) to live on, which is what web hosting provides. When someone types in your URL, the hosting service makes sure your website loads properly and is accessible 24/7.
Cost: Hosting prices vary depending on the type of hosting you need (shared hosting, dedicated hosting, etc.). Expect to pay between $5 and $100 per month. Basic shared hosting plans typically cost around $10 to $20 per month, but e-commerce sites with higher traffic will need more robust options.
3. SSL Certificates
Want your website to be secure? You’ll need an SSL certificate, which encrypts data shared between your site and its visitors. Google even gives secure sites (those with the little padlock symbol) a ranking boost.
Cost: SSL certificates can cost between $0 (for basic free certificates) and $200+ per year for more advanced options.
Why Do These Extras Matter?
Without hosting, your site won’t be online, and without a domain, no one can find it. SSL certificates are now a must for any site collecting personal information, and many web hosts offer these for free. But, as we mentioned earlier, these costs are often not included in your web development package. Make sure to factor them in when budgeting for your website.
Cost Overview - Compare Chart
Type of Website | Cost Range (USD) | Best For |
|---|---|---|
Fully Custom Website | $5000 & up + $100 to $500 Hosting & Domain Fees / Year | Startups & small to large scale businesses with a unique identity and bigger ambitions, looking to provide their clients a completely tailored website experience. |
Template (Customized by Agency) | $1000 to $3000 + $100 to $500 Hosting & Domain Fees / Year | Sole owners or very small businesses seeking professional design and customization without the high cost of a fully custom website. |
DIY Website | $0 to $100 Template Fee + $100 to $500 Hosting & Domain Fees / Year | Freelancers or budget-conscious individuals who want to get their offerings online and are willing to handle the design and setup themselves. |
Is NOBODY Better?
At this point, you’re probably thinking, "Okay, how does your service compare to all these?" The answer is simple: we offer the best of both worlds. Here’s how we make website development cost-effective and painless:
Custom or Semi-Custom Options: Whether you need a fully custom website or want us to customize a template, we have packages that fit every budget. Speak to us and we'll come up with a solution to get your business online and start converting traffic into clients.
Transparent Pricing: No hidden fees here! Before we start working on your project, we discuss all your sites requirements and give you a clear cost breakdown. This will tell you exactly how much you'll be paying for our services and how much you will pay for things like Hosting and domains. Once this is agreed upon, we stick to it!
User-Friendly Experience: We design websites that are not only beautiful but also incredibly easy to manage. You won’t need to rely on a developer for every little change. After launch, we provide support and teach you how to operate the platform to make any necessary changes!
Long-Term Value: Websites shouldn’t just look good—they should be functional and optimized for long-term success. We ensure your website is built to scale with your business, whether you need a few pages now or dozens down the road.
If you’re looking for a solution that’s both affordable and high-quality, we’re your best bet. Our service takes the headache out of creating a website while ensuring you get the professional, polished product that actually converts traffic into clients for your business.
Are you ready to get started? Contact us today and let’s build your website the right way—no surprises, no hidden fees, just awesome results!
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