How Much Does It Cost To

Build A Website In 2024?

Over 98% of small businesses have a website. And with the growing popularity of digital advertising, websites play a significant role in connecting with users around the world. On average, the cost of a website is anywhere from $300 to $5,000.

The cost of building a website can fluctuate depending on various factors, including the website’s complexity, desired features and functionalities, and the skill level of the web developer.

In this article, we’ll cover important topics in budgeting for your website, including key factors that affect the cost of building a website, the cost of different website hosting platforms, and considerations for content creation and management.

Understand website types

The type of website you need to build will play a key role in shaping its content, complexity, and capabilities, ultimately affecting the overall cost of development. The following are common website types and their purposes.

Personal blogs

• The content on a personal blog can include experiences or achievements of the user and sometimes creative work. The goal is to showcase your personal information or resume or to connect with a target audience.
• Personal blogs tend to be straightforward and have a simple website design. While they may include features like comment sections or social media sharing buttons, the focus is on delivering content in a user-friendly manner.

E-commerce sites

• E-commerce websites have the primary goal of selling an online service or product. This type of website may focus on usability, digital advertising to drive sales, and a secure transaction process. The content may include product listings, pricing information, and images to showcase the merchandise.
• Other features, such as product ratings, personal recommendations, and customer reviews, are often integrated into e-commerce sites. These capabilities increase the complexity and functionality of the website.

Portfolio sites

• Portfolio sites are used to showcase expertise in a specific industry. For example, a photographer might display their best images on the site, or a content writer may feature blogs, emails, or other pieces they’ve written.
• Portfolios are versatile tools for career advancement, securing an internship, attracting potential clients, or establishing a personal brand. They typically have clean layouts with high-quality images and cohesive color schemes, along with simple categories for easy navigation.

 

Corporate sites

• A corporate website contains the brand’s mission, career opportunities, and industry information for website visitors. The goal of a professional website is to establish an online presence, foster credibility, and provide a central hub for engaging with stakeholders and customers.
• Corporate sites must be easy to navigate and often have features like an “About Us” page and a contact form for inquiries. They may also have more complex capabilities, such as chat support or social media integration.

News sites

• News sites provide current information on a range of topics, including politics, general news, beauty, social media, celebrities, and more. Their primary goal is to inform and engage readers, driving traffic through timely and relevant content.
• The functionality of news sites varies, but essential features include a well-organized layout, search functionality, and categorization by topics. Additionally, many news sites integrate multimedia elements, social media app sharing options, and comment sections to enhance reader interaction and community engagement.

Domain costs

• A domain name is the unique text that can be searched to find a website—similar to a physical address. Creating a domain enables you to have an accessible website and online identity.
• The average cost of securing a domain ranges between $10 and $20 per year. However, this cost can fluctuate based on many factors, including the domain extension (like .com, .net, or .org), the registrar you choose, and any additional services bundled with domain registration.

 

A few popular domain providers and their pricing information include:

1. Namecheap. Namecheap provides domains as low as $0.98 per year for SHOP extensions and up to $998.98 per year for .inc domains. The platform regularly provides bundle packages, including a free domain with the purchase of a WordPress hosting plan.
2. GoDaddy. GoDaddy offers domains at $0.01 for the first year with a three-year contract ($24.99 for additional years) for a .net extension. They also offer other top-level domains (TLD), including .shop at $1.49 for the first year and .inc extensions for a heftier price of $999.99 for the first year.
3. Bluehost. Bluehost offers various domains for purchase, starting at $1.99 for the initial year with a .website extension and reaching $29.99 for the first year for a .co domain.
4. Squarespace. In September 2023, Squarespace acquired Google Domains. Their domain price ranges from $20 to $70 annually, and they’re known for their user-friendly website setup tools and sleek design templates.

Hosting costs

1. Web hosting services offer tools and frameworks to develop and sustain a website. You can choose from several types of hosting, including:
2. Shared. This type of hosting combines multiple websites on a single server. Shared hosting is the cheapest option, with costs ranging from approximately $2.50 to $5 per month.
3. Virtual private server (VPS). VPS hosting guarantees you a specific portion of a larger server. The costs of VPS hosting vary from $20 per month for basic storage for startups and go up to $100 per month for resource-intensive sites.
4. Dedicated. Dedicated hosting offers exclusive server access for one site. Prices can go $100 or more per month for premium hosting features.
5. Cloud. Cloud hosting uses a network of servers for scalability and reliability, costing anywhere from $40 to $500 per month.

Let’s explore a few popular hosting providers and their costs.

1. Bluehost. Bluehost offers shared, dedicated, and VPS hosting, including a basic shared plan for $2.95 per month for a year and a premium VPS option for $94.99 per month for 36 months.
2. InMotion. InMotion offers affordable pricing options as low as $2.99 per month for a core shared plan and up to $35 per month for a dedicated hosting service.
3. DeamHost. DreamHost offers all types of hosting services. Their VPS plans start at just $10 a month, while the cloud plans starts at $4.50 per month.

Factor in development and web design costs

Different types of web design will affect the total cost of development, with factors like functionality, aesthetic complexity, and customization all playing a role. The decision to either DIY your own website or hire a professional can also influence costs.

DIY vs. professional design

• The DIY approach is the most cost-effective option for beginners to build a website, consisting of basic expenses like domain name, hosting costs, an SSL certificate, a premium theme, and drag-and-drop website building platforms like Squarespace, Weebly, or Wix.
• However, keep in mind that once you take on the project, you’ll handle all aspects of the website, including mobile-friendly templates, security, WordPress theme compatibility, and installing add-ons.
• In terms of costs for a basic website, you’ll need a domain name (at least $10 per year), a shared hosting plan (for example, $55 per year, which is around $4.62 per month), a premium theme ($60 to $200), premium plugins (for example, $30 per year), and a website builder ($17 per month for a basic plan).
• If you want to ensure your website is up to the desired standard, hiring a freelancer is the way to go. Professional web designers can execute your ideas clearly and ensure a smooth site launch.
• Thanks to Upwork’s ability to connect businesses with skilled workers, you can hire a talented web designer in no time. The cost will be determined by several factors, namely the hourly rate of the independent professional, the functions of the website, the custom programming, and the number of pages.
• Experienced freelancers charge anywhere between $15 and $30 per hour for a WordPress site. As a rough estimate, a small business website could cost you anywhere from $1,500 to $5,000.

 

 

‍Web development needs

• Basic sites might be DIY-friendly, but complex functionalities require professional developers. These features may include e-commerce integration, custom content management system (CMS) frameworks, and advanced security measures.
• Developers can help you navigate the back-end requirements, ensuring seamless user experiences. Hiring a web developer through platforms like Upwork offers flexibility in pricing. You can expect hourly rates from $15 to $30.‍

Content creation and management considerations

Content creation and management platforms will affect factors like ease of use, scalability, and available features to create, edit, and organize content effectively. The right platform streamlines workflows, enhancing efficiency and overall user experience, while the wrong choice can lead to added expenses and potential limitations.

Copywriting costs

• Talented copywriters can tailor website content to your brand’s tone, mission, and goals, boosting engagement and conversions. High-quality, SEO-driven blogs, landing pages, and other content can help your website rank higher in search engine results, increasing visibility.
• In fact, fewer than 1% of users click on websites on the second page of Google, so securing a spot on the first page can help your business stand out. Consider investing in a skilled copywriter using platforms like Upwork. The cost of copywriting services varies, with hourly rates ranging from $19 to $45.

Multimedia elements

• When considering multimedia elements for your website, you might opt for subscriptions to stock image platforms for visual content. If you’re leaning toward custom visuals, collaborating with photographers or videographers will likely yield improved results.
• Hiring a social media manager can help you maintain an active social presence and organize your content. In terms of cost, social media managers charge hourly rates ranging from $14 to $35.

‍Workflow optimization software

• Effective content management involves a variety of tasks, and additional software can streamline your processes. For example, Grammarly Premium costs around $12 a month with an annual subscription and can help edit and refine content to ensure clarity and correctness.
• ‍Zapier offers workflow automation, streamlining tasks like content distribution or data synchronization across platforms. While Zapier has a free plan, paid plans can help with multistep automation needs. The Professional plan is $20 a month with annual billing.
• These supplementary tools help optimize content creation and enhance efficiency through automation, making them valuable investments for a comprehensive content management strategy.

Don’t forget website maintenance

Website maintenance isn’t an upfront expense but an ongoing commitment to ensure your site sustains its functionality. Maintenance costs vary based on site complexity, including domain and hosting renewals, content updates, software for performance monitoring, and email services.

Regular updates

• Regular updates are vital for a website’s performance, security, and functionality. Software updates, such as WordPress core updates, are often free, but failing to apply them promptly can lead to security vulnerabilities. Premium plugins and themes typically come with annual subscription fees, ranging from approximately $50 to $200 each.
• Neglecting these updates may result in compatibility issues, decreased site speed, or even susceptibility to cyberthreats. Investing in timely updates ensures optimal functionality and improves user experience.

Security and backups

• Website security helps you safeguard sensitive data and maintain user trust. SSL certificates encrypt data transmission, protecting against cyberthreats. While some hosting services provide free SSL certificates, premium SSL certificates might run you over $1,000 per year but offer advanced features like extended validation.
• Security plugins may also enhance protection, with free plugin versions and premium plans around $100 annually. Regular backup service Jetpack costs an initial $5 per month and provides automated backups, which is crucial for data recovery in case of breaches or technical issues.

Consider additional functionalities

• WordPress plugins and themes expand a site’s capabilities but can increase costs. While many plugins are free, premium versions with advanced features range from $60 to $200+. Customizable themes, often starting at $20, can reach $200 or more for intricate designs.
• Additional functions or features may cost extra, including search engine optimization tools and customer support systems. Prices for these add-ons will differ depending on complexity and specific requirements.

E-commerce integrations

• E-commerce functionality creates a seamless user experience and varies in cost based on needs. Basic online store setups using platforms like Shopify start at around $29 per month with annual billing, offering prebuilt shopping carts and payment gateways.
• Custom website integrations provide more control but often come with higher costs. Services like K-ecommerce.com start at $960 per month, including shopping carts, secure payments, catalogs, and a customer management system (CMS).
• The cost of these investments ultimately depends on the complexity and scale required.

 

SEO and analytics tools

• SEO tools optimize websites, enhancing visibility and user engagement. Free website tools like Google Analytics provide essential data on website traffic, user behavior, and demographics.
• For more comprehensive insights, premium tools like Semrush offer all-in-one SEO solutions with internal and external analytics. Prices range from $117 to $416 per month with annual billing. The plans come with in-depth keyword research, competitor analysis, performance tracking, and more.
• Investing in these tools ensures informed decision-making, effective strategy adjustments, and overall improved website performance.

 

Weigh in marketing and promotion

Promotional tools drive website traffic and engagement. Integrating features like pop-ups, social media widgets, or interactive content requires advanced functionality. These tools demand integration with the site, commonly through custom coding and design adjustments, leading to increased website development costs.

Social media integration

• Marketing your online services or physical products on social media platforms can drive user engagement and sales. However, managing these efforts without support can be time-consuming. Instead, you might use promotional tools like Buffer or Hootsuite to streamline your digital marketing processes.
• With these social media management platforms, you can schedule and manage social content across different channels. Buffer is an affordable option offering a free version and services with more features from $5 to $100 per month with annual billing, while Hootsuite begins at $99 per month with annual billing.
• Social media plugins provide a cost-effective way to boost your online presence. These plugins integrate with your website, enabling users to share your content on social platforms. One tool is Spotlight, which can embed an Instagram feed on your site. Plans go up to $697 per year, offering an affordable solution to streamline your marketing strategy.

Email marketing tools

• Email marketing is a strategic approach to reach and engage a target audience through electronic mail. Emails can build relationships with customers, drive sales, and increase brand loyalty through quality content and affiliate marketing.
• Costs of email marketing tools can vary, with most business owners spending an average of $1,000 per month. Factors influencing expenses include subscriber count, frequency of campaigns, and advanced features like automation.

Recap and potential total costs

The cost of building a new website in 2024 can vary significantly based on the following factors.

• Domain and hosting. $10 to $300+ annually
• Web design
• DIY. $200+
• Professional. Hourly rates from $15 to $30
• Web development
• DIY. $200+
• Professional. Hourly rates from $15 to $30
• Content creation and management
• Copywriting. Hourly rates from $19 to $45
• Multimedia elements. Variable
• Workflow optimization software. Variable (e.g., Grammarly Pro – $12 per month, Zapier – $20 per month)
• Website maintenance. $50 to $2,000+ monthly
• Additional functionalities. Variable (depends on choices like plugins, e-commerce, SEO tools, etc.)

Total costs can range widely based on features and services, but a rough estimate could be between $300 and $5,000 for the initial setup and the first year, excluding ongoing maintenance.

Save on website costs with freelancing services

• Opting for freelance professionals can cut website development costs. Platforms like Upwork connect you with a pool of skilled freelancers, offering diverse expertise at competitive rates. Hiring freelancers gives you flexibility in project scaling, paying for specific services as needed.
• Upwork’s platform simplifies the hiring process, enabling you to review freelancer profiles and work history to ensure you select qualified individuals to help you with all your web development needs.

Why choose Mitra IT?

•⁠ ⁠Expert Team: We have a team of experienced and creative technology experts.

•⁠ ⁠Comprehensive Solutions: We not only provide technology but also offer full support to ensure your business success.

•⁠ ⁠Focused on Results: We are committed to helping you achieve your business goals.

Don’t miss the opportunity to maximize your business potential!

Contact us now for a free consultation.