A solid web presence is essential for every small company to succeed. A well-designed website is the major catalyst for such success. But, success doesn’t come for free. There is a cost involved.
The cost of creating a website depends on several factors.
These include:
- Web design requirements
- Number of pages and features required
- User Experiences
- Whether you hire a professional web developer or use a small business website designer
In this blog, we will explore in detail the above cost factors. We will also explain the breakdown of the costs involved in making a website for a small business owners.
Factors Affecting the Cost of a Small Business Website
Type of Website
What kind of site you make will determine how much it costs to build. A one or two page website with a basic design and information will cost less. For example, a brochure-style simple website with a decent user experience. On the other hand, it will cost more for an e-commerce site that has an online shop and can process payments.
Design and Functionality
The design and functionality of your website also greatly influences the cost. A brand themed custom website design will cost more than pre-designed website templates offered by WordPress, and GoDaddy. Costs are directly proportional to the features you incorporate. Adding contact forms, landing pages, blog posts, and email marketing integration will increase cost.
Professional Web Developer vs. DIY
Using a small business website builder is usually cheaper than hiring a professional web developer. But a professional can make design a website more tailored to your brand sensibilities. Businesses that are ready to put in some work can use local web designers as an easy-to-use and inexpensive option.
Domain and Hosting
Your website will need a domain registration and hosting. Domain registration costs vary from one service provider to the other. But generally fall in the range of $10 and $50 per year. Similarly hosting will cost between $3 to $50 per month, depending on your service provider.
Maintenance and Updates
Routine maintenance keeps your website up and running. Proper upkeep also ensures the website’s security. Regular software and content upgrades, and periodic data backups, guarantee that your website remains operational.
However, the maintenace cost is dynamic. It will vary depending on who manages the website. A DIY will be less expensive than hiring a professional to manage your website.
Cost Breakdown to Build a Website for a Business
Small business website builders are inexpensive compared to established agencies. They use drag-and-drop tools, pre-designed templates, and built-in marketing tools to keep the costs down. Here’s a breakdown of the typical costs:
- Monthly Subscription: $10 – $40 per month, based on the platform and plan.
- Domain Name: Most platforms offer it free for the first year. Second year onwards it could cost between $10 – $50 per year.
- Additional Features: The online store, email marketing, and other key features may cost extra.
Hiring a Professional Web Developer
Even though a professional web developer costs more, it has its benefits. You will get a more customized and professional website. Here’s a potential cost breakdown:
- Web Design & Development: $1,000 – $10,000+
- Domain Name Registration and Hosting: $50 – $200 annually.
- Maintenance and Updates: $500-$2,000
How to Make Business Site: Step-by-Step Process
Planning and Research
Like you prep before cooking, you must research before making your website. Determine your website’s purpose, target audience, and needed features. Look at competitors’ websites for inspiration. Identify what works well and what doesn’t.
Choosing a Domain Name and Hosting
Choose a simple and straightforward domain name that reflects your brand’s sentiments. Next, select a reliable hosting provider that fits your budget. Most website builders offer domain registration and hosting as part of their packages.
Designing Your Website
Web design is a key aspect of a good user experience. Consider your budget. Decide whether to use a small web developer or a professional agency.
Eighty percent of internet traffic is through mobile devices. Hence, optimize your website accordingly.
Adding Content
Content is equally important for a good user experience. Add high-quality text, images, and videos. Ensure content is optimized for search engines. This will improve rankings on search engine results pages (SERPs).
About Us, Services, and Contact Us (email address or phone number) are some of the relevant web pages. They help achieve good search engine ranking and visibility.
Integrating Marketing Tools
Incorporate marketing tools like analytics, social media, and email marketing. They assist you track the performace of your website.
A well-developed website makes audience interaction easy. Make sure you have contact forms. Also, have call-to-action buttons. They encourage visitors to contact you.
Testing and Launching
Pre-launch testing will ensure there are no bugs. This is important for proper loading, and functioning of your website. Check for broken links, typos, and any other issues. Once satisfied, launch your website and start promoting it to attract visitors.
Ongoing Costs and Maintenance
Building a website is not a one-time expense. You must allocate funds for annual maintenance. Periodic updates and upgrades to keep your website up, running, glitch-free.
This includes:
- Domain and Hosting Renewal: Renew your domain name and hosting plan annually.
- Software Updates: Update your website’s software and plugins. This keeps them secure and fast.
- Content Updates: Regularly update your website’s content to keep it fresh and relevant. This can include blog posts, product descriptions, and other updates.
- Marketing and Promotion: Allocate a budget for ongoing marketing efforts. These include email marketing, social media campaigns, and search engine optimization (SEO).
Conclusion
The cost of making a website for a small business depends on your approach and your business’s needs.
Budgeting and planning are crucial. This is true if you hire a web pro or use a small business website builder. Investing in a well-designed website can improve your online presence. It can attract potential consumers and grow your business.
At LinkLumin, we offer many website design and development services. They are made for small businesses. Our team of experts can help you. They can assist you in making a cheap, personalized website that meets your needs.
To learn more about how we can help with your website and your online goals, please contact us or share today.