Today, when almost everything can be done online, any business will get the advantage over competitors by simply having a website. A website needn’t cost an arm and a leg, though, and this is something more and more entrepreneurs are becoming privy to.
Just how much are you willing to pay for a high-quality website to showcase your products and services online? How much is enough? The value of your money should always be on top of your considerations in anything In this article, we will try to break down the potential costs for a high-quality website, and will try to include all other significant charges, and come up with an estimate.
Components of a Website
An average website consists of components that should be carefully considered to come up with at least a ballpark figure of the entire costs in setting one up. It is important to know first that building a website is more complex than it seems- it requires a lot of planning. Here are some of the most important components of a website.
- Graphic Design
- Page Layout
- Images/Videos
- Content
- Hosting
- Domain Name
- Security
- Multimedia
- Online Database
- Content Management System
Website Pricing is Subjective
Perhaps one of the reasons we can only come up with an estimate is that determining website costs is actually subjective – meaning it depends entirely on how and what you want your website to be like. Smaller companies, for example, who only want the basic functionalities of a website, i.e., showcasing their products and/or services, will not be expecting to pay more. More complex functionalities will be equal to higher rates and more expensive maintenance.
Cost Breakdown
Let’s try to breakdown some of the charges for a website with basic – advanced functionalities.
1. On average, a web developer will charge you anywhere between $2,000 – $10,000. Again, this is very subjective as this will rely greatly on what you and your web developer will agree upon. The web developer may agree to increase or decrease the charge depending on the complexity of the features you want to be incorporated in the website.
2. Once you’ve chosen your preferred domain name (provided it IS available and ready to use,) you will also have to take into consideration the subscription packages available. Registering a domain involves simple and easy steps, but you must also consult with your web developer (if you’re going to hire one, that is.)
3. The range for the domain name is between $10 and $15.3. For hosting, a startup website may expect to pay somewhere between $15 to $300 for a monthly subscription. Some companies may offer as little as $1 for a promotional rate, but you have to be wary of these offers. Some hosting plans, such as with hostiserver.com’s packages, you will get more than you’re paying for.
4. Sometimes hosting packages will already include the domain, and email accounts. This means you’ll be able to save heaps from paying for a domain name. HostiServer is among the top names that will give you more value for your money.
Other sites may be offering such low pricing in comparison, but the reality is that there are going to be charges once you think of making your website more accessible and faster- and trust me, you WILL want this. With HostiServer, you no longer need to worry about a single thing! An investment that’s worth it.
5. The design will be the core of your website’s overall progress. Majority of the potential visitors will likely be visual, and you have to invest in a creative designer to ensure prying eyes are happy and will not leave, guaranteeing traffic and, eventually, success. A visual design artist is likely to charge anywhere from $1,000 to $3,000 depending on his experience as well the complexity of the tasks and features you want integrated in your website.
Design also includes the interface, images and graphics all attributed to the content of your website to make it a seamless interactive experience for visitors of the site. Remember that your top priority is making it worthwhile for any viewer to visit your site and view what you’re offering. This is by far one of the most important component of the website you’re about to build.
6. Management is keeping your website updated and ready to face the constant changes in technology. Keeping up with changes will be a great advantage for you and your website, and will ensure that your viewers will not be disappointed. Of course, it is yet another investment you need to take a look at and consider. Management Systems may charge anywhere between $1,000 to $25,000 depending on your needs.
7. If you want to expand your audience, of course, advertising will always be made available. The easiest way to reach out to more eyes from audience around the world is through social media. Google AdWords and Facebook, for example, may offer daily or monthly (and even yearly) subscriptions for advertising which may not cost too much- between $5 – $500.
8. Support may cost you a lot if you’re not too careful in choosing your hosting provider. That’s $200-$1,000! HostiServer provides the best support you can find in regards to web hosting. As a result, HostiServer has been consistently yielding positive feedback from happy and satisfied clients who have been with them for years.
The amount quotations mentioned are merely estimates of what a website may cost this year, but isn’t complete. You will of course still have to consult with an expert if you want to get the best value for your money. After all, who wants to spend without knowing? At least now you already have a slight insight of the amounts that need to be prepared should you make the decision to be in the online world.
Conclusion
In this article, you’ve learned about some of the expenses to anticipate should you decide to start building your website (and ultimately, your dreams!) any time soon. What you’ve seen so far are just ballpark figures and should not be expected as the exact amounts.
Having your own website may cost a little at first, but once profit starts rolling in, you will see just what benefits having your own website can bring you and your company. Almost every company, big or small, has a website now, which only proves that there will be benefits. You just have to see it for yourself.