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Are you thinking about building a website? Nowadays, building a website can be very affordable with many website builders offering plans for as little as a few dollars per month. However, will you manage to achieve the desired result with them?

We know that the website building costs are an important factor for business owners when deciding how exactly you want to build a website, so in our blog, we’ll take a closer look at essential components to include, their cost, and hidden fees you may face.

Types of Websites and Their Cost Variations

The type of website you’re building determines the amount of money you’re going to invest. 

For example, building a basic personal blog with WordPress can be very low-cost, especially if you use a free theme and plugins. 

On the other hand, creating an eCommerce site with Shopify will incur higher monthly fees for features like payment processing and inventory management. If you’re developing a custom web application with a CMS like Joomla be ready for additional investment in advanced security and performance optimization. 

Therefore, while a simple portfolio site might be budget-friendly, building a complex website with extensive features will generally be more expensive, depending largely on the platform and tools you choose.


Personal Blogs

Personal blogs are websites for sharing individual thoughts, experiences, or expertise. They typically feature blog posts, comment sections, and social media integration. Costs range from $50 to $200 per year on DIY platforms, while custom development can cost between $1,000 and $5,000.

E-commerce Sites

E-commerce sites are online stores for selling products or services. They require product listings, shopping carts, payment processing, and customer reviews. DIY platforms cost between $500 and $5,000 per year, whereas custom development can range from $5,000 to over $50,000.

Portfolio Sites

Portfolio sites showcase personal or professional work with image galleries, project descriptions, and contact forms. DIY platforms are affordable at $100 to $500 per year, while custom development ranges from $2,000 to $10,000.

Corporate Sites

Corporate sites present a business's brand, services, and contact information, including service descriptions, team pages, and blogs. DIY platforms cost between $300 and $1,000 per year, with custom development costing $5,000 to $20,000 or more.

Essential Components of Website Costs

Now, let’s break down the cost to make a website in further detail.


Domain Costs

Estimated Price Range: $10 to $30M

Simply put, a domain is your website’s home address on the internet. A custom domain is definitely worth spending as it builds a trustful image for your users.

There are super cheap domains you can buy for roughly a dollar per year and very expensive like voice.com sold for a jaw-dropping $30 million back in 2019 (and there are still more pricey examples).

Summing up, short, memorable, and relevant domains usually come with a hefty price tag while longer tend to be more affordable.


Hosting Costs

Estimated Price Range: $3 to $250

The cost of creating website also includes hosting on the server. 

Web hosting costs can vary significantly. For example, website builders often include hosting in their platform's cost. If you decide to build a site from scratch, you'll need to pay for hosting separately, with prices ranging from around $3 to $250 per month, depending on whether you require shared hosting or a dedicated server.

There are five main types of web hosting plans with their pros and cons which influence the overall cost to build a website.

types of web hosting

Design and Development

There are different ways to build a website and of course, the way you choose determines the building website cost. 

DIY vs. Professional Design

Building a website using a DIY approach is an economical choice for beginners. It involves fundamental website building costs like purchasing a domain name, hosting services, SSL certificates, premium themes and utilizing drag-and-drop website builders provided by platforms like Wix, Weebly, or Webflow.

However, keep in mind that you will be responsible for all aspects of the site. This includes making sure your design is responsive and works well on mobile devices, implementing robust security measures, ensuring the site is optimized for search engines, integrating with social media, and regularly updating and maintaining the website to keep it functional and secure.

making a website cost

If you decide to go with a DIY approach, you have two of the most common options:

  • Building a Website with WordPress

Estimated Price Range: $0 to $1,000 per year

When it comes to creating a website, WordPress stands out as a leading choice due to its user-friendly interface and extensive customization options.

WordPress itself is free to use, which significantly lowers the initial investment required. The average cost to develop a website primarily revolves around hosting services, themes, premium plugins, and additional features you choose to enhance your site. Hosting costs can vary widely depending on the provider and the level of service you opt for.

Plugins are essential for extending WordPress functionality, ranging from free options to premium ones typically priced between $49 to $99 annually for popular choices. These plugins enable you to tailor your site to meet specific needs, whether it’s eCommerce capabilities, SEO enhancements, or custom functionality.

In terms of design, WordPress offers a vast array of themes available on platforms like Template Monster and Creative Market. Prices for themes range from $19 to $99 annually, allowing you to find a design that matches your brand aesthetic and functional requirements without breaking the bank.


  • Building a Website with a Builder Platform

Estimated Price Range: $10 to $50 per month

Using a website builder offers a streamlined approach to website creation, allowing you to leverage pre-designed templates and tools to manage the design, layout, and functionality of your site with ease. These platforms provide an all-in-one solution for building and managing websites online.

Popular website builders such as Wix, Weebly, and Webflow are well-known for their user-friendly interfaces and extensive template libraries. 

Most website builders operate on a subscription basis, typically starting as low as $10 per month. This fee grants access to basic features and templates, with additional costs associated with premium templates, plugins, and add-ons that enhance website functionality and aesthetics.

Here is the list of the most popular DIY platforms so you can significantly reduce the cost of building website.

best platforms to build a website

In case you need a website with advanced functionality, you can opt for the third option - working with professionals.


  • Building a Website with a Professional Web Designer or Agency


Estimated Price Range: $500 to $50,000 once

The cost of hiring a web developer is influenced by various factors. For instance, a straightforward site with a few pages and basic functionality will cost less than a complex site featuring advanced capabilities, such as eCommerce, custom designs, or integration with third-party systems. Custom designs, in particular, require significant time and effort, which can drive up costs.

Additionally, the developer’s expertise and geographical location play a significant role in determining their rates. Developers with extensive experience or those based in areas with higher living costs usually charge higher fees. This investment, however, often translates to a more polished and professional end product.

Content Creation

To unlock the full potential of your website, you need a strategic approach to marketing. Well-crafted blogs, landing pages, and other SEO-optimized content can significantly improve your website's visibility and ranking in search engine results.

You have options when it comes to executing your marketing strategy: investing in specialized tools that focus on specific marketing functions or hiring experts across different marketing disciplines. Hiring professionals often comes at a higher cost compared to licensing all-in-one marketing platforms.

Copywriting Costs

The cost of creating website copywriting can vary widely depending on several factors, including the scope of the project, the experience level of the copywriter, the complexity of the content needed, and the geographic location of the freelancer or agency. Here’s a general overview of what you might expect:


  • Per Hour Rate 

Freelance copywriters often charge hourly rates. These can range from around $50 to $150 per hour for experienced professionals who specialize in web copywriting.

  • Per Project Rate

 Many copywriters prefer to quote on a per-project basis. For website copy, this could range from $500 to $5,000 or more, depending on the number of pages, the depth of content required, and the level of research involved.

  • Per Word Rate

 Some copywriters charge by the word, especially for larger projects or ongoing content needs. Rates can vary from $0.10 to $1.00 per word or even higher for very specialized or technical content.

  • Package Deals

 Some copywriters offer package deals for specific types of content, such as landing pages, blog posts, or SEO-optimized content bundles. These packages can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand, depending on the complexity and length of the content.

  • Agency Rates:

If you hire a copywriting agency, rates may be higher due to overhead costs and the collective expertise they bring. Rates at agencies can start from $100 per hour and go up significantly depending on the agency’s reputation and clientele.

Multimedia Elements

Without multimedia the website is just a page loaded with piles of text, users won’t spend three seconds in. Unless you partner with a digital design agency or a freelance designer, you need to figure out where you can get multimedia elements yourself.

  • Stock Photo Websites

Platforms like Shutterstock, Adobe Stock, and Getty Images offer a wide range of high-quality images and videos for commercial use.

  • Free Image Resources

On sites like Unsplash, Pexels, and Pixabay you can find free high-resolution photos and videos under creative commons licenses.

  • Graphic Design Tools

Create yourself in Canva or Crello. They offer a vast library of images, icons, and templates.

  • Video Platforms

Vimeo and YouTube offer video content, while services like Animoto and Biteable help create custom videos.

  • Fonts

Google Fonts and Adobe Fonts provide extensive collections of free and premium fonts to customize your site’s typography.

  • Icon Libraries

Icons8, Flaticon, and FontAwesome offer a wide range of free and premium fonts to customize your site’s typography.

Workflow Optimization Software

Making a website cost also includes a variety of tools designed to streamline different aspects of web management. These tools include project management platforms which organize tasks, timelines, and team collaboration to ensure projects stay on track. Automation tools enable seamless integration between different web applications, automating repetitive tasks and workflows. CRM systems and customer support platforms optimize interactions with visitors and customers, improving user experience and retention.

Here are some of the most popular options with an estimated cost:

  • Trello 

A project management tool that uses boards, lists, and cards to organize tasks and workflows collaboratively. Trello offers a free basic plan with optional paid plans starting at $12.50 per user/month for advanced features. 

  • Hubspot

Hubspot offers CRM and marketing automation tools that optimize workflows for lead nurturing, customer service, and sales processes. The platform provides CRM tools for free, with marketing automation plans starting at $45 per month, scaling with additional features.

  • WordPress

Known for its flexibility and extensive plugin ecosystem, WordPress powers a significant portion of websites worldwide. It's open-source and free to use, with additional costs for premium themes and plugins from $20 to $100 or more.

  • Drupal

Drupal is another open-source CMS known for its scalability and security features, favored by larger organizations and developers. It offers a robust framework for complex websites and custom applications.

  • Joomla

It’s suitable for building various types of websites, from simple blogs to complex E-commerce platforms. It's open-source and free to use, with optional premium templates and extensions that usually come from $20 to $100 or more.


Maintenance and Security

Regular Updates

Estimated Price Range: $50 to $1,000

Any website needs a tune-up. The website maintenance tasks include updating plugins, adding new content, monitoring website speed and performance using tools like Google PageSpeed Insights or GTmetrix. You should also regularly check contact forms, checkout processes (for eCommerce sites), and other interactive elements to ensure they work correctly, etc.

Security and Backups

Estimated Price Range: $50 to $5,000 

Building website cost also includes performing security audits, scanning for malware, and implementing security measures like SSL certificates, firewalls, and strong passwords to protect against hacks and data breaches. You should regularly back up your website files and databases to ensure you can restore them in case of data loss or corruption.

You can use free security plugins or online scanners, typically ranging from free to $50 per year for premium features, or outsource to managed service providers.

SSL Certificate

Estimated Price Range: $0 to $1,500

One of the important factors that influence the average price for building a website is a SSL certificate. 

An SSL certificate is essential for protecting both your company and your site's visitors by encrypting the transfer of sensitive data. This certificate is visible in your URL, signaling to users that their information is secure.

Also, browsers like Chrome also warn users when a site lacks a valid SSL certificate, further deterring potential customers.

While many vendors sell SSL certificates, some organizations offer them for free. However, experts typically recommend investing in a paid SSL certificate, as it often provides additional protections like higher warranties and advanced encryption.

DigiCert, Comodo/Sectigo, Symantec, GoDaddy, GlobalSign, and others offer various SSL certificate options from basic to advanced encryption.


Additional Functionalities

Integrating E-commerce

Estimated Price Range: $2,000 to $25,000

Adding E-commerce functionality covers essential tasks such as implementing payment processing systems, setting up payment gateways, testing shopping carts, and launching product pages. 

Effective E-commerce functionality is crucial for enabling online sales and ensuring seamless order processing. The cost varies depending on factors like product line size, order volume, and business size, with larger retailers typically requiring more robust systems due to their extensive product offerings and higher transaction rates.

SEO and Analytics Tools

Estimated Price Range: $20 to $10,000

Search engine optimization is an essential part of the cost to make a website, but unfortunately, frequently ignored.

Since 80% of shoppers initiate their product research online, having a strong SEO presence is essential. If your company doesn’t appear in search results, consumers are unlikely to even know you exist, drastically diminishing your chances of converting those potential shoppers into actual customers.

Basic tools like Moz, Ahrefs, and SEMrush offer entry-level plans starting at approximately $20 to $100 per month, while more advanced features and enterprise-level solutions can cost between $200 to $500 or more per month. 

Hiring SEO professionals can vary significantly in cost based on the scope of services, expertise, and location. On average, SEO specialists charge between $75 to $200 per hour. Monthly retainers for ongoing SEO services typically range from $500 to $5,000 or more, depending on the complexity and competitiveness of the project. For comprehensive SEO campaigns, especially for larger businesses, costs can range from $2,500 to $10,000 per month or higher.


Industry-Specific Considerations

Industry-specific considerations are crucial to ensure the site meets the unique needs and expectations of your target audience. Here are some key factors to consider for various industries:


  • E-Commerce

High-quality product pages with detailed descriptions, customer reviews, and efficient search functionality are crucial, as are multiple payment gateways like credit cards and PayPal. Implement robust security measures, such as SSL certificates and PCI compliance, to protect sensitive data.

  • Healthcare

Healthcare websites need to comply with HIPAA and other privacy regulations, offering secure online appointment booking and patient portals. Accessibility for people with disabilities is vital, as is establishing trust through certifications, doctor profiles, and patient testimonials.

  • Education

Easy-to-update content management for courses, schedules, and events, along with support for e-learning tools like video lectures and interactive modules. Secure student portals for accessing grades and assignments, responsive design for all devices, and community engagement through forums and social media integration are essential components.

  • Financial Services

High-level security measures to protect sensitive information and comply with financial regulations. Offer secure user accounts, and financial tools like calculators and investment trackers, and provide educational content and market updates to inform and engage users.

  • Non-Profit Organizations

Easy-to-use donation forms integrated with payment gateways, clear communication of the organization's mission and impact, and information on volunteer opportunities.

  • Technology and SaaS

Technology and SaaS websites require detailed product information, feature lists, and case studies, along with easy access to demos and free trials. Include comprehensive support resources, fast and reliable performance, and regular updates on product enhancements and industry trends.

Website Building Methods and Costs

Here is a short sum-up of the average price to build a website depending on the method you choose.

average price to build a website

Cost-Effective Strategies and Tips

#1 Outsource

If you decide to build a website with professionals, don’t limit yourself to geographical borders. Offshore outsourcing tends to be much more cost-effective than hiring a team nearby. Outsourcing frees you from the recruitment process, paying for vacations and sick leaves, renting an office space, or worrying about hardware.

What’s more, you get access to the top talent around the globe while significantly cutting the cost of building website.


#2 Choose the Right Platform

Opt for open-source CMS platforms like WordPress, Joomla, or Drupal, which are free to use and offer a wide range of plugins and themes to customize your site without the need for extensive custom development.

#3 Use Free or Affordable Themes

If you can’t afford custom design, use free or low-cost themes available on platforms like WordPress.org, or opt for premium themes with one-time purchase fees typically ranging from $20 to $100.

#4 DIY Content Creation

Write your own content and use free resources like Canva for graphics and images. Avoid expensive stock photos by using free stock image websites such as Unsplash or Pixabay.

#5 Regular Maintenance

Invest in regular maintenance to prevent costly repairs later. Use affordable backup and security plugins to protect your site and keep it running smoothly.


Conclusion

The average cost of building a website depends on your budget and industry. You can undoubtedly build a portfolio website on your own with minimum investment. However, if you need a complex, secure, and compliant healthcare product, then the best option is custom web development.

In case you’re building a large and complex website, don’t hesitate to contact us, we’ll be happy to help.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cost of Building a Website
What factors determine the cost of building a website in 2024?
The cost to build a website depends on whether you need a basic informational site or e-commerce, for example, the complexity of design, and he chosen content management system. Additional costs arise from hosting and domain choices, ranging from affordable shared hosting to more expensive dedicated or cloud hosting options. Other factors include the need for custom development, the level of user experience design, and ongoing maintenance and security requirements.
What are the main differences in cost between developing a website from scratch versus using pre-built templates or platforms?
Making a website cost from scratch involves higher initial costs, which can range from $5,000 even to $100,000, longer development times, and ongoing maintenance expenses due to the need for custom design and coding. Using pre-built templates or platforms like Wix or WordPress offers much lower making a website cost ($50 to $1,500 for setup, $10 to $50 per month for maintenance), is quicker to implement, and easier to maintain, but offers less flexibility and uniqueness compared to custom-built sites.
How do the complexity and scale of a website project influence its overall cost?
The complexity and scale of a website project significantly influence website building cost. More complex sites with advanced functionalities, custom features, and large-scale databases require extensive development time, specialized skills, and thorough testing, leading to higher costs. While simpler, smaller-scale websites with basic features and fewer pages are quicker and cheaper to build and maintain.
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