What’s The Cost to Make A Website Professional: How Much Does It Really Cost?

If your website looks like it should be featured at your local history museum, it’s time for a new website.

Of course, your next thought is, how much does it cost to make a website?

We get asked this question all the time by clients who are looking to redesign their websites and need professional feedback — after all, building websites that delight is what we love to do!

The quickest way to summarize how much a website costs or redesign is, “Well, it depends.”

Across the internet, it’s not uncommon to hear custom-branded websites ranging from $1000 to $100,000 and even further beyond — There is no universally accepted “one price fits all” formula for pricing. We realize this might be frustrating to hear, but this is because the cost ultimately depends on what your business needs are.

Regardless of price, good web design will increase business sales through conversions and will pay for itself over time. Furthermore, It takes consumers 0.05 seconds to form an opinion about your website. So show up in a business suit and not your sweats.

Avoid the website redesign loop

While a new website can vary in cost, we can say with certainty that if someone quotes a new website for less than $2,000 — it’s probably best to keep looking… unless you like to gamble.

If you’re doing a one-page website (landing page only), then that could be a fair price. Otherwise, if it sounds too good to be true… it probably is. And unfortunately, that runs the risk of the site being executed poorly — which means you’re back at square one again — and also down a couple of grand.

Hiring a professional web developer can significantly impact the cost, but it ensures a custom, high-quality website tailored to your needs, unlike pre-built themes or tools.

But the question remains, how do I know how much to spend? Let’s take a look at what affects the question, “how much does it cost to make a website?”

What affects the cost to build a business website?

What Affects the Cost of Building a Business Website?

Buying a website is a lot like buying a house — it depends on your needs, preferences, and budget. The cost can vary widely, just as it would for a home, depending on your choices and requirements. Here’s what to consider:

1. Scope: The size of the site directly impacts cost. A simple 5-page website will generally cost less than a complex 20-page site, especially if each page is custom-designed from scratch.
2. Design & Quality Assets: Custom designs tailored to your brand, high-quality photography, video, and other assets add to the cost. Think of it as choosing between a basic, functional site and a premium, unique experience.
3. Graphic Design: Professional, experienced designers can create current, conversion-focused designs. Investing in quality graphic design helps ensure your site is effective and visually appealing.
4. Brand Awareness: An experienced agency will design with your brand in mind, adhering to brand guidelines for consistency and professionalism.
5. Functionality: Unique features like custom-coded elements or e-commerce capabilities require a higher investment, especially if premium plugins or custom code are necessary.
6. Plugins: While plugins save money compared to custom development, they often come with annual subscription fees for updates and support.
7. Hosting: Hosting affects your site’s speed and reliability. Opting for premium, cloud-based hosting like Rocket Cloud enhances performance and security but costs more but it’s worth it.
8. Security: Ongoing management and maintenance can be outsourced for optimal security and smooth operations.
9. SEO Optimization: Sites designed with SEO in mind require strategic planning, which can increase upfront costs due to additional expertise.
10. Domain Name: A custom domain is essential for credibility and branding and is worth the investment compared to free domain options.

Beyond these specifics, factors like the quality of work, attention to detail, and the agency’s reputation also influence cost. While a higher budget can often mean better quality and reliability, knowing your goals and budget range before reaching out to agencies can help you get the most value for your investment

What does your business website need to do?

Regardless of who you hire to build a website, this is one of the most fundamental questions they should ask.

It’s best to spend a good amount of time thinking about this. Don’t worry about the design right now (after all, the form follows the function) or any of the visual aspects.

What actions do you need your visitors to take? Do you need to integrate third-party software such as appointment scheduling? Does your site need a built-in quote calculator? Are you selling digital products or physical ones that need to be shipped?

It’s also important to consider the features that are essential to your website first. Remember, you can always add features and new sections to the website in phases to meet your budget and give your coffers time to replenish.

That’s why we like to build websites using WordPress, there’s always a solution to updating whatever it is.

What do you want your website to look like?

Now that you have the logistics of your website figured out, you can start thinking about the bells and whistles. You may even have a specific website in mind you’d like to reference for style. But the most important is first to consider your company’s brand. If you have established brand guidelines, it’s always best to let those be the guiding principles for your website’s development.

If your company has no brand standards or a brand strategy, it’s critical to understand that branding is a different process that can cost upwards of $10,000. The Branding Process is typically not part of or included in the scope of work for traditional website design unless you’ve asked for it.

Basic Building Blocks and Cost of a Website

Creating a website is like building a house; you need a solid foundation and the right materials to ensure it stands the test of time. Here are the basic building blocks you’ll need:

• Domain Name: Think of this as your website’s address. It’s what users type into their browsers to find you. Registering a domain name typically costs between $10 to $60 per year, depending on the registrar and the top-level domain (TLD) you choose. It’s a small price to pay for your online identity.
• Web Hosting: This is where your website lives. Web hosting services store your website’s files and make them accessible to visitors. Costs can vary widely, but basic plans usually range from $100 to $500 per year. Investing in good web hosting ensures your site runs smoothly and loads quickly, which is crucial for keeping visitors engaged.
• Website Builder or CMS: Platforms like Wix, Squarespace, and Weebly offer user-friendly, drag-and-drop features that make building a website a breeze. These website builders can cost between $100 to $500 per year, depending on the plan you choose. They are perfect for those who want to create a professional-looking site without needing extensive technical skills.
• SSL Certificate: Security is paramount, especially if you’re handling sensitive information or online payments. An SSL certificate authenticates your website’s identity and enables an encrypted connection. Costs can range from $0 to $249 per year, depending on the provider. It’s an essential investment for building trust with your visitors.

So, how much does it cost to make a website?

At the highest level, websites can cost $300,000 and above. These solutions are typically reserved for large businesses with very complex websites and typically require half a year or more to develop.

Our agency-crafted websites begin at $10,000 and feature informative, simple designs that are customized to display your brand in an appealing manner. In general, you may expect to pay around $15,000 for a medium-sized website that is more feature-rich and customizable. Starting at $25,000 and going up from there based on your unique needs, we can meet your enterprise-level feature and complexity demands.

Remember that the more pages you have, the longer time it will take to complete your site and increase the budget. So ask yourself, do I really need twenty pages, or can I get my message across with ten pages?

The price can be lower if you only require a simple landing page for your next digital marketing campaign.

So first and foremost, you need to consider what your budget to determine the cost to make a website. Ultimately, you’’re the one who understands your budgeting needs best of all. However, it may help to look at your website like a capital expenditure — because it is. Your website is your company’s only asset that can work for you day and night without ever stopping for breaks.

Building an online store involves specific costs such as SSL certification and eCommerce functionality, which are essential for a secure and efficient shopping experience.

So investing in one that’’s done right will significantly pay off generously for you.

Additionally, you may also consider redesigning the site in multiple phases. For instance, your brand might be considering an e-commerce solution or subscription-based website down the road, but you need to establish some brand awareness now. So put your money into making a world-class website and adding the other components later.

In this manner, you may prioritize and dedicate your budget to your most pressing demands first, resulting in a more cost-effective approach.

Should I use website builders to build my own website?

Using a website builder like WordPress, Squarespace, or Wix can be a practical choice if you’re redesigning your site yourself. DIY platforms are budget-friendly, letting you create a website without the upfront cost of hiring a designer, making them appealing for individuals or businesses with limited budgets. However, using a design professional is recommended if you’re aiming for a highly polished, unique site that truly sets your brand apart.

Cost isn’t the only factor to consider — there’s a trade-off in terms of time. Every hour spent on site design is time away from your other key business tasks. Additionally, skill level matters: achieving results comparable to a professional requires knowledge in design, SEO, hosting, and troubleshooting, which can be time-intensive to learn.

Time constraints also play a role. You want your site ready quickly, especially if it might influence landing an important client – you don’t want to miss landing the whale. DIY website building is viable, but be mindful of the opportunity costs involved.

For more guidance, check out our article outlining six essential steps in the web design process. This resource is useful for anyone building their own site or considering an agency partnership.

Hire a Web Design Agency

Agencies have the resources to create websites of higher quality, a customized solution for your branding strategy, a solution tailored to your business’s requirements, and the ability to maintain your website so that’s it’s performing at it’s highest level.

Hiring web designers can vary in price based on their expertise and the complexity of the project, often resulting in higher costs compared to using website builders.

A creative agency will create and archive all the website design systems and keep an inventory of everything used to create your site. An agency is one call or email away from making any changes you need.

A web design agency has likely encountered many challenges that present themselves when creating a tailored solution for a brand. We create elegant solutions to any challenges we encounter while designing and developing a new website. An agency will also ensure that visitors have the same brand experience from your website regardless of their device.

Although working with a local web design agency is not necessary, it could be helpful if you need fresh media produced, including video and photos. Those services will be able to be provided by a creative agency so you are spared having to interview competent people for your media needs.

Additionally, you’ll have an experienced team who can handle the maybe not-so-sexy parts of your website — such as speed optimization, security, premium hosting, and general maintenance.

Pros: You will receive a team. An agency is comprised of professionals with specialized skills, including brand specialists, copywriters, and designers, as well as a creative director who supervises each project.

Cons: Generally, an agency will cost more. However, this is an exception and not the rule.

Freelancer Small Business Website Cost

Working with a freelancer can be a good option for websites that are smaller in scope or more limited budgets. For example, if you’re budgeting around $2000 for a website, a freelance web designer might cost $100 an hour (on the lower end) and would spend 20 hours. Twenty hours might get you a suitable one-page site, otherwise known as a landing page.

Creating your own business website has become more accessible and affordable with modern website builders like GoDaddy’s Website Builder, making it a viable option for small business owners.

However, for bigger websites, you can entirely expect someone to use of templates or other shortcuts to meet those hours — at the end of the day, you get what you pay for.

On average, we spend over 100 hours on most complete sites we build.

Pros: Professional quality design, can be a great value for very small sites.

Cons: Low-priced freelancers are more likely to employ the use of templates or other shortcuts to meet the hourly quota, freelancers typically lack the resources agencies have to create larger websites

Are website designs a fixed cost?

The short answer — no. This leads us back to our opening statement, “Well, it depends”. The cost will be largely affected by the scope of work for your website and the agency you choose to work with.

However, remember that website development costs do not include logo refreshes, rebranding, copywriting, or bespoke photography. Those services are either a-la-carte additions or entirely separate projects. So whether you choose to go with a freelancer or an agency, they will depend on you to deliver that content unless they are hired to do so. 

As such, it benefits everyone in the process to provide all content upfront and be as responsive as possible — it’s a collaborative effort, after all!

Another thing to consider is having only one point of contact on your team for the process. Websites that are designed by committees often get derailed and lose sight of the initial goal since everyone has something to input — as the saying goes, too many cooks in the kitchen spoil the broth. Not to mention, websites that evolve past the agreed-upon scope will incur even more costs that could have been avoided.

Are there any other website costs?

In addition to the initial development costs, there are several ongoing expenses involved in maintaining a website:

• Website Maintenance: Like a car needing gas, oil changes, and regular service, websites require maintenance to ensure they stay updated, secure, and fully functional. Reputable agencies often offer maintenance services that take care of software updates, security monitoring, and performance optimization, preventing costly issues.

• Hosting: Premium hosting plans are essential for fast load times and high performance. Agencies often provide premium hosting at lower costs due to their volume of clients, saving you money compared to managing it independently. Quality hosting improves your website’s speed a critical factor in keeping visitors engaged and reducing bounce rates.

• Premium Plugins: For WordPress sites, premium plugins are often necessary for enhanced functionality and security. Free plugins may have vulnerabilities or outdated support, while premium plugins offer reliability and frequent updates. Agencies usually include these in their services, further reducing the long-term cost of managing them independently.

• Third-Party Integrations: Additional tools such as email marketing platforms, live chat software, or digital advertising services are separate costs that need to be factored into your budget. These integrations help improve user experience and site functionality but come with their own expenses.

Content Creation Costs

High-quality content is the lifeblood of any successful website. Here’s a breakdown of what you might spend on different types of content:

• Text Content: Crafting compelling and informative text content can cost between $100 to $500 per page. The price depends on the writer’s experience and the complexity of the content. Investing in professional writing ensures your message is clear and engaging, which can significantly impact your site’s effectiveness.
• Visual Content: High-quality images, videos, and graphics can make your website stand out. Creating this visual content can cost between $200 to $1,000 per piece, depending on the creator’s experience and the complexity of the work. Visual content is crucial for capturing attention and conveying your brand’s personality.
• Audio Content: If you’re looking to add podcasts or voiceovers to your site, expect to pay between $100 to $500 per hour of content. The cost varies based on the creator’s experience and the complexity of the project. Audio content can add a unique dimension to your website, making it more engaging for visitors.

SEO and Marketing Costs

The old saying “if you build it, they will come”  that’s not necessarily true for websites. Driving traffic to your website requires a strategic approach to SEO and marketing. Here’s what you might spend:

• SEO Services: Basic SEO services can cost between $500 to $2,000 per month. These services help improve your website’s visibility on search engines, driving organic traffic to your site. Investing in SEO is crucial for long-term success, as it helps your site rank higher in search engine results pages (SERPs).
• Social Media Marketing: Managing social media campaigns can cost between $500 to $2,000 per month. Effective social media marketing can increase your brand’s visibility and engagement, driving more traffic to your website. It’s an essential component of a comprehensive digital marketing strategy.
• Paid Advertising: Running paid advertising campaigns on search engines and social media platforms can cost between $500 to $5,000 per month. Paid ads can provide a quick boost in traffic and visibility, making them a valuable tool for reaching your target audience.

Final thoughts on how much it cost to make a business website

With more than 1.8 billion websites online, it is more important than ever to ensure that your website is well-designed and functional. By now, you should have a pretty good handle on how much does it cost to make a website.

Website design is essential, and if you’re in the process of designing a new website, you must be aware of industry insights to make the best design choices.

Remember, a well-designed website is a valuable asset that works tirelessly for your company, making it a capital expenditure well worth considering. At the end of the day, investing in a well-crafted website will undoubtedly pay off generously, as it serves as a vital tool in your online presence and business success.

We understand that creating a website is a huge undertaking, and it can seem overwhelming to get the process started. If you have any questions about the process, Mighty Fine is always here to help. No need to thank us, it’s our job — and our passion!