So, you want to build or update your website? That’s a great decision.
While having your presence felt on the web is an absolute must in the digital era, the catch lies in – the costs involved. We often get tons of queries that are along the lines of – how much does a website cost or how much does it cost to build a website?
Depending on where you look, you will get different answers which can make the process more challenging and confusing. Without further ado, let's dive in.
Hiring a website developer is one of the most common ways to build a website. However, you can always opt to use a website builder or create one directly in WordPress, the world's most popular Content Management Systems, where you can create a basic site with basic features for a low cost.
It's not always necessary to hire a web developer, but then again, going for a free alternative may not align with your business objectives either. A lot of things come into play when trying to figure out how much it costs to build a website such as:
- Domain Name
Your domain name is what people type into their browser such as https://www.google.com. Not only does it represent your brand, it is your address in the online world."
What you will be paying for:
To register a domain name for your website, you have to shell out anywhere between $9 - $14.99 per year. This earns you the rights to use the domain for one year and then must be renewed once expired. Otherwise, anyone else can purchase and use your website domain instead.
- Website Builder
A website builder is a must, regardless of whether you are a rookie or a seasoned developer. It lets you create a website just the way you want while giving you some essential website features such as Plugins, SEO tags, and so on.
WordPress is often the platform of choice for new website owners due to the endless features and possibilities it offers. If you want to get complete control over your website, using an effective website builder and CMS is the only way forward.
Alternatively, you can use other website builders like Webware’s All-in-One Solution, which takes care of all your website needs and helps you get up and running quickly.
- Web Hosting
Web hosting refers to where all of your website content is stored to make it accessible to people online. Usually, this is handled by an external firm that allows you to 'rent space' on their servers to make sure that your site is available to users 24/7.
What are the different types of web hosting services?
Here are a lot of different web hosting services you can opt for depending on your overall business needs.
Shared Hosting
$2.49 – $15 per month
VPS Hosting
$20 – $80 per month
Dedicated Hosting
$80 – $300 per month
Cloud Hosting
$4.50 – $240 per month
WordPress Hosting
$4.99 – $830 per month
Blog Hosting
$2 to $20 per month
How much web hosting will cost for you depends on several factors such as the size of your website, the number of custom features it contains, the average number of monthly visitors you expect, and more.
- SSL Certificates
SSL or Secure Sockets Layer is a security protocol that provides privacy, authentication, and integrity to your internet communications.
SSL certificates are an important part of websites as they secure data transfers, logins, personal information, and credit card transactions. With an SSL certificate on your website, a visitor's experience is more secure and will encourage them to stay on your website longer, making them more likely to convert.
If you've ever noticed the little green lock in the URL bar for certain domains, that is an SSL certificate. This is a tell-tale sign of building user trust and is an absolute must when handling financial transactions or requesting personal information.
Last, but certainly not least, Google considers SSL certificates as an important ranking factor. On top of that, search engines are cracking down on websites that are 'not secure' so it is definitely something to consider.
What does all this tell you?
Without an SSL certificate, your potential customers may have a difficult time finding or even accessing your website. This will affect the traffic you receive and therefore, profitability.
How much does an SSL certificate cost?
SSL Certificates can come free of cost and can go up to $450 per year. The average price range can be somewhere around $50.
All Things Considered, Here's How Much a Website Costs:
Depending on your needs, basic web development can cost you anywhere from $100 to $500 to $3000 and if you're looking to add more premium features, this price can easily increase by a few thousand dollars. However, if you just need something simple then you will be able to keep this cost down.
The next set of costs to consider are for your domain name, web hosting, and SSL certificate which costs about $150 per year on average. If you decide to go with a website builder, these will generally have the cost of web hosting and SSL certificates included so you will just need to purchase your domain name separately.
As your website and business expand, so will your online presence which can lead to some additional enhancements to improve functionality. It is important to assess your long-term goals and future needs so you can budget accordingly.
Webware Recommends:
- Set a realistic budget for your website before you decide to spend on various premium themes or plugins.
- Keep the costs low when you are just starting out and settle for a website builder for quick and easy content management.
- Create a checklist to determine whether you need a web developer for something custom or a website builder for something more simple.
- Think about potential features you might need in the future to make sure your website can handle them.
- Handling everything yourself may not be the best option for you so it might be worthwhile to consider an easy-to-use website builder that will give you the flexibility and peace of mind you need.
Need assistance in building your website? Get expert guidance at 1-844-WEBWARE.
