How much does a website cost? A step-by-step breakdown for every budget.
Picture this: You are about to plan the most fun-loving and epic holiday, or finally, start the design process to build your dream home. But, wait…without a budget? That’s like skydiving without a parachute! You’re going to crash, and it’s going to hurt.
Without a clear budget in mind for building your website, you’re on course for the land of overspending and regrets. Big projects demand, and deserve, careful financial planning. It’s the cornerstone for success. Because when you know where you're headed, you can make informed decisions on where to splurge on luxurious finishes, “digital bling”, or fancy tech features, and you’ll know where you can save money without compromising on quality, or cutting corners.
Whether you’re starting from scratch or looking to update your existing website, knowing what you can afford to spend is the key to making financial decisions that align with your goals and achieving your dream website, without the nightmare of ending up with an empty wallet and disappointing results.
In this blog post, we'll explore what costs are involved in making your website and the importance of budgeting so that you’re happy with your website come launch-day.
Determining your website goals and requirements
‘Start with the end in mind’ is a saying that we live by. Just as you can’t plan your luxurious holiday without first deciding on a destination, you shouldn’t start your website build without first setting the goals and vision for your website.
Clearly defining the purpose of your website will help you work out what your website needs are. Decisions such as what pages are required (we call this your site map), what technological features you’ll need and what platform your website should be built on, all form part of this initial planning stage. By clearly defining your goals and requirements, you'll have a solid foundation for calculating the cost of building your website. Don’t be discouraged if you can’t afford to do it all at once. Just like a holiday, sometimes the availability of time and funds preclude us. But that doesn’t mean you can’t add it in at a later date. When you have a plan, you can prioritise.
Planning your website budget
With your goals, vision and website requirements set, it’s time to talk numbers. Building a website involves several components, each with its associated costs. By considering these elements and allocating your budget accordingly, you can ensure a smooth and cost-effective website-building process.
Will you DIY or hire a professional?
With your website goals ready to go, it's time to make your first financial choice:
whether you’ll Do-it-Yourself (DIY), or hire a professional to design your website. If you’re unsure, imagine creating your site is like cooking a gourmet meal. Every ingredient—from the web design to the hosting, down to the spice of those special features—adds to either the time it will take you, or the cost to have it done for you.
Choosing whether to don the chef's hat yourself or to call in a Michelin-starred chef for help is your next big decision. Each choice offers its own flavour and challenges. Let's sift through the details with our guide on the DIY approach versus bringing in a professional.
You can download a free copy of our Pros & Cons of DIY-ing vs hiring a pro here.
Getting your website created with the help of a pro web designer is like having the secret recipe for a five-star dish. But how much should you pay?
It’s a question we see asked all the time, especially when we’re hanging out in Facebook groups. People posting questions such as ‘How much does it cost to get a website designed?’ or ‘How much does a professional web designer charge?’. The truth is, you might as well be asking ‘how long is a monkey’s tail?’, because the answer is different for every designer, depending on their skill & experience, and what they’ll deliver as part of working with them.
However, if you choose to hire a designer, here are a few things we always suggest checking out before committing to work with someone:
Connect via a phone call, zoom meeting or face-to-face, so that you can gauge each other’s communication styles and see if you’re a good fit.
Check out some of their prior work, so you can get a feel for what their design style and skill level is.
Understand that you’re paying for level of skill – so whilst going with a web designer that charges $500 may seem like a better bargain than you’ll find at COSTCO, if you’re looking for a website with all the bells and whistles, finalised in two weeks time, you might not be happy with the results. (Don’t get us wrong, we’re all for supporting emerging web-designers. We just want to encourage you to be realistic about your expectations of what you’ll receive, and that your investment matches your expectations).
Ask them for details of how their process works, and make sure there are clear deliverables and timelines. Don’t be afraid to ask for a copy of their contract (or a sample one) before committing to work with them. This should outline everything that’s included and what you’re required to supply them.
If it doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t. A good web designer will want to hear your vision and ideas for your website. If a web-designer advises against them, or suggests alternatives, be sure they’re for good reason and you understand why. That way you can feel confident that you are getting good advice, and they do have your best interest in mind.
Domain names
Your website's domain name (e.g., www.yourbusiness.com) is your website’s address on the internet. This can also be referred to as your ‘URL’.
It's important to choose a domain name that reflects your brand and is easy to remember.
Generally, you can expect to pay anywhere from $10-$50 per year for your domain registration. The cost of a domain name can vary depending on the domain extension (.com, .net, .org, etc.) and the domain registrar (who you purchase your domain through). You can often find some great deals for the first year, and some website building platforms offer your first year for free.
Website Building Platforms & Hosting
Your website platform is what you’ll use to create your website. If we come back to our vacation analogy, it’s like deciding which airline you’ll fly with. Just as each airline comes with its own perks and pitfalls, there are benefits and limitations of each website platform. Ultimately, you have to find the right one for you and your budget. You can discover the best platform for you in our free quiz here.
When it comes to your overall website financial plan aka budget, this is potentially one of the highest on-going costs you’ll need to factor in on a recurring monthly/annual basis if choosing to use an all-in-one website builder, such as Squarespace, Shopify, Showit, Wix or the like. Whilst it doesn’t cost you money to utilise Wordpress as your website building platform, you will however require website hosting – which is where all the files of your website are stored. Some people also choose to purchase tools (called plugins) that will help them create their website in a more visual way (and avoid having to code the website features they require), which also usually require a monthly or annual fee and require updates that can affect the function of your website.
Website Design Costs: Themes & templates, or something completely custom
Choosing whether you’ll use a template or opt for something completely custom can be likened to the process of deciding to buy a project home after looking through a range of display homes or creating something completely unique with a custom home builder. Whilst project homes usually have a range of designs with “standard” inclusions that provide you with more for your money, if you’re looking for something that no-one else in the neighbourhood will have, then you’ll want to opt for a custom plan and result.
The same goes for creating your website – starting with a template, that provides “standard” inclusions that you can DIY edit yourself, will mean that you can potentially create a great looking website on a much smaller budget. However, if you want a website with all the digital bling, tech features and styling you’ve dreamt of, something that doesn’t look like anything else on the web, then you’ll want to work with a professional web designer who can create something completely customised for you.
The design and development of your website are crucial for creating a visually appealing and functional online presence. Let’s explore all of the options available to you, and what that means for your budget.
Starting With a Blank Page
If you’ve chosen to use a website builder to create your business’ online home, then you might find that many of them have a range of free templates you can start with. Although these templates can be a great starting place for your business’ website, don’t expect them to be one-size fits all. Many are created as a basic starting point, but that means that a lot of them will end up looking very similar to one another.
Customising a Professionally Designed Template
If you're on a tight budget, pre-designed templates can be a cost-effective option. The cost of pre-designed templates can vary depending on the platform and the level of customisation required. On average, for a professionally designed customisable website template, prices range from $200 to $500. If you’re looking for a website template, be sure to look at what kind of page templates are included, and that it is built for your chosen website platform – as they’re not usually interchangeable between platforms.
Hot tip: Industry-specific website templates can also be a great way to sift through and simmer down your search, as they’re usually a little more strategically designed to suit the needs of your specific business-type, while also appealing to your taste buds.
Hiring a Pro to Design a Custom Website
For a unique and tailored website, custom designs created by professionals are the way to go. Hiring a web designer allows for complete customisation, ensuring that your website aligns with your brand and goals.
The cost of custom designs varies depending on the complexity of your project and the experience of the professionals you hire. Prices can range from a few thousand dollars to multi-5-figures and beyond. It's important to research and compare prices, portfolios, and client testimonials before making a decision. Some web designers also offer the customisation of pre-built website templates, allowing you a hybrid ‘best-of-both-worlds’ approach. With these, you’re likely to save some $$$’s compared to starting with a completely blank slate, but a professional can add those extra touches, advanced features and professional upgrades you wouldn’t get with a DIY approach.
Consider your budget and the level of customisation you require when deciding between pre-designed templates and custom designs. Remember that investing in a professional design can have a significant impact on your website's overall success.
Website Content Creation
Great content is what makes your website tick. It’s the voice of your brand, the welcome mat for your visitors and the sweet honey that makes people stick around your website. Whether you’re penning it yourself or hiring a copywriting Queen (or King), make sure the stories and scripts resonate with your audience and turn casual clickers into fans. And don’t forget the visuals! A picture speaks a thousand words – sprinkle your site with stunning photography and vibrant graphics. High-quality content is essential for engaging your audience and driving conversions. So be sure to allocate a portion of your budget to creating compelling written and visual content.
Copywriting
Copywriting is a fancy word for all the words on your website (and marketing materials too!). From a website perspective, copywriting includes the text on your website's pages, blog posts, product descriptions, and any other written material. The cost of content creation can vary depending on the length, complexity, and expertise required.
If you have the time and skills, you can write your own website copy, saving on costs. However, if you're not confident in your writing abilities or prefer to focus on other aspects of your website, hiring a professional copywriter is a worthwhile investment. Working with a copywriter will allow you to refine your brand and marketing message, ensuring that every word makes an impact on your dream client and takes them from peeking at this and that, to purchasing.
Professional copywriters will typically provide you with a project-based quote, with parameters around the numbers of words, or pages you’ll receive copy for. Project rates can vary depending on the scope of work and the copywriters experience – as well as what you’re bringing to the table. If you’re a newly established business, with no real clarification on who your target audience is, or what your key messages are, then your copywriting will likely chew up more of your budget than for those that have been in business a while and have the clarity on client messaging as a result. It's important to discuss your budget and expectations with the copywriter to ensure a fair agreement. We always suggest creating a website strategy prior to engaging a copywriter – that way you can take your sitemap with you to your copywriter, and know exactly what you’ll need from them.
Don't forget that every word on your website is a stepping stone towards winning the trust of your visitors. They are the guiding lights through the corridors and the welcoming smiles that assure your guests they've not just knocked, but entered the right door of the online world where their needs are understood and can be met.
SEO Optimisation
Think of SEO optimisation as the secret recipe that gets your website noticed in the superhighway of search engine results. It's a crafty mix of art and science, essential for boosting your online visibility. But remember, not every web designer or copywriter is a master chef in the SEO kitchen. It's key to know who's got the skills to spice up your site's search engine ranking. Therefore, it’s important to work out with both your web designer and copywriter who, if any, will be responsible for providing all the crucial elements of SEO in your website content. If neither party offers these services, you may need to source an external SEO company to help you out. In general, you’ll only need the basic SEO optimisation to begin with, which can cost around $500-$1000. Once your website has launched, you may engage an SEO specialist to ensure your site is improving in search rankings and have parts of your site tweaked and optimised on a monthly basis to ensure your SEO is not just “Keeping up with the Jones’” … you’re beating them!
Photography
Custom brand imagery, videos, and graphics, enhance the overall user experience and help communicate your brand's message. The cost of visual content creation depends on various factors, including the skill level of your chosen photographer or videographer.
Although there are many affordable, and some even free, stock photo websites available where you can find images, there really is nothing like having your own stock images to support your brand's aesthetic, vibe and message.’
Prices for professional photography can vary depending on the project, but many photographers have different levels of investment and deliverables, so you can usually find an option that will give you the images you need within your budget. Investment can be anywhere between a few hundred dollars, to a few thousand. If this is your first website, we’d suggest getting a minimum of 10 different images, so you have content to post both on social media, and a variety to use across your website. Planning your first brand photoshoot? Get our Free Website Photoshoot Planning Guide here.
Remember, investing in high-quality content is crucial for making a strong impression on your audience and driving engagement. It is like nurturing a garden. Just as the right blend of soil, water, and sunlight ensures your plants flourish and captivate onlookers, top-notch content helps your brand grow, bloom, and engage your audience with its vibrant display.
Additional features and functionalities
Consider any additional features or functionalities you require, such as e-commerce capabilities, booking systems, or integration with third-party platforms. Be sure to allocate a portion of your budget to implementing these features.
e-Commerce
If you're planning to sell physical or digital products or services online, e-commerce capabilities are essential. When choosing your e-commerce platform, it’s important to determine not only the monthly costs associated with it, but any additional requirements like payment processing fees, or transaction fees.
The cost of e-commerce capabilities can vary depending on the platform and the number of products you plan to sell. Many of the most-popular hosted platforms require a monthly subscription.
Third-party integrations (payment gateways, mailing list subscriptions etc)
If you require integration with third-party platforms or services, additional costs may be involved. For example, integrating a payment gateway or email marketing software may require a subscription or transaction fees.
These costs will differ depending on your individual website's technology needs, therefore it’s important to create a clear plan of the technology you might need, so you can research the costs associated with the specific integrations you require and factor them into your budget.
Custom features and functionalities (plugins)
If your website requires custom features and functionalities not readily available in existing platforms, custom development may be necessary. Custom development can be more time-consuming and costly, but it provides complete control over the user experience.
The cost of custom development depends on the complexity of the features and the expertise required. In some cases, web developers can use plugins – prebuilt sections of code – to add functionality to your site easily. These can sometimes require a one-off fee, or an ongoing monthly subscription in order to utilise the plugin and receive any updates required for it to work on your website into the future. It's important to discuss your requirements with a professional developer and get a detailed quote before committing to any custom development work.
Security measures
No website is complete without a shield against the dragons of the internet. Investing in security measures like SSL certificates, firewalls, and malware scanning should be your non-negotiable. It’s like having a digital knight in shining armour protecting your online realm and user data.
Some website builders, such as Squarespace, offer these features as a standard inclusion in your subscription to their platform. However if you’re using an external hosting platform, such as Wordpress, you’ll need to secure these yourself.
The cost of security measures can vary depending on the level of protection required. SSL certificates, for example, can range from free to a few hundred dollars per year. Research the options available and choose the level of security that aligns with your website's needs.
Setting your budget
Now that we’ve discussed all there is to think about before you start off on your website building adventure – it’s time for the most important part – determining your budget and dividing up your dollars.
A good place to start is to think about the overall amount you're willing to invest in your website - setting a budget range that allows for flexibility and helps you prioritise different aspects. Consider factors such as your business size, revenue, and long-term goals when determining your budget.
Next, allocate your budget to the essential components of website building. While the specific allocation will vary depending on your goals and requirements, having an overall financial figure in mind will allow you to determine where you can spend more, and where you can save.
When embarking on the journey of building your new website, just like when creating your holiday plans, a well-thought-out budget is pivotal - it’s the foundation that ensures your project triumphs.
Through the step-by-step breakdown provided in this blog post, we've journeyed through and explored the various costs involved in creating a website, from domain registration and website platforms to design, content creation, and additional functionalities. Whilst there are options for every budget, it comes down to determining what you feel comfortable with spending, what skills you have to contribute to the process and the time you wish to commit to making it happen. Whether you’re rolling up your sleeves for a DIY adventure or bringing in a pro, grasping your objectives and crafting a feasible budget is essential for a happy website launch day. Visualise your digital presence, and remember, every choice shapes your website's unique character and functionality. So, plan smartly, distribute your resources strategically, and get ready to see your online aspirations turn into reality.
