The cost of building a website for a small business should never be a factor that stops anyone from pursuing their dream, unfortunately costs can add up quickly and the available options can be overwhelming. We’ve developed a broad range of packages to tackle this issue quickly and easily, but regardless of who you choose to work with we’ve put together FIVE universal costs that all business owners will have to consider when building their new website.
- Buying a Domain Name: A domain name is the unique web address that visitors use to access a website (e.g., www.yourbusiness.com). Choosing a memorable and relevant domain name is essential as it represents the brand’s online identity. Small businesses should aim for a domain name that reflects their brand, is easy to spell and pronounce, and aligns with their industry or target market. Domain names can be purchased from domain registrars at an affordable cost, typically on an annual basis with prices ranging from $12 – $20 per year.
- Hosting Fees: Web hosting is the service that allows a website to be accessible on the internet. Hosting fees cover server space, bandwidth, technical support, and other infrastructure needed to keep the website running smoothly. There are several options out there ranging from $10 – $50 per month or higher depending on your specific site requirements. These fees are similar to what you would pay by going with a site builder such as Squarespace.
- Web Design: Web design encompasses the visual layout, user interface, and overall aesthetic appeal of a website. A well-designed website creates a positive first impression and engages visitors. Small businesses can opt for professional web designers or use website builders and content management systems that offer customizable templates. This is where prices can vary widely depending on whether you choose a template and build it yourself or hire a designer. Expect to pay a minimum of $100 – $300 or more.
- Buying Images: Visual content plays a significant role in capturing users’ attention and conveying brand messages effectively. High-quality images, graphics, and illustrations can enhance the overall appearance and professionalism of a small business website. Small businesses can acquire images from stock photography websites or consider hiring professional photographers or graphic designers to create custom visuals that align with their brand identity. Starting out, most business will benefit from using stock photos and should expect to pay between $5 – $15 per image.
- Content Creation: Compelling and informative content is the backbone of a successful small business website. It includes written text, product descriptions, blog posts, and any other relevant information that engages and informs visitors. Small businesses should invest time and resources in crafting high-quality content that showcases their expertise, solves customer problems, and generates interest. Content is an ongoing website requirement, especially as part of an overall SEO strategy. At the very least you’ll need to create the initial text and information needed to launch the website. This service is usually offered/packaged in with original web design fees. Expect to pay a minimum of $100 for your initial web copy unless you are willing and able to write it yourself. Ongoing costs vary widely and are a separate topic altogether.
Extra Consideration: eCommerce. If you’re going to be selling a small handful of products you can easily utilize Buy Buttons from a number of providers (Square, Paypal) as a low-cost, effective eCommerce solution. Aside from that, we actually recommend Shopify hands-down. You’ll pay $30 – $100 per month depending on your individual plugin needs, catalog size, etc. but it’s definitely the way to go.
For small businesses venturing into the digital world, having a well-designed website is crucial to establishing a strong online presence. A website serves as a virtual storefront, enabling businesses to showcase their products, services, and brand identity. Remember, although there are a ton of low-cost options out there, a cheap website isn’t always a good cheap website – unless you get it from us!