Whether you need a portfolio site for your freelance work or a website to promote your small business, websites play an integral role in connecting you with your customers. When it comes to answering ‘how much does a website cost?’, there are various factors that can contribute to the cost of a website, from the number of pages and design requirements to the SEO optimisation and hosting fees. We will discuss each factor and how this can impact the overall cost of a website.
Understanding the Various Types of Websites
Firstly, let’s discuss what types of websites there are. Typically at the lower end of the scale, you have smaller websites that include portfolios, blogs or resumes. These are usually one-page websites that provide a simple overview of your career and/or work etc.
Next you have business websites, these can vary in price depending on the size of the business and therefore the number of pages but typically these are on the middle of the scale and include corporate sites, small businesses and simple ecommerce sites.
Lastly, you have custom websites that are quite complex websites with unique designs, features and integrations. These are at the top end of the scale as they require a lot more design and development time which impacts the cost of a website significantly.
Key Factors Influencing How Much a Website Costs
As we have mentioned, there are various factors that influence the cost of a website. To answer ‘how much does a website cost?’, we will discuss each one and explain how you can reduce the cost of your website by taking these factors into account.
1. Domain Name
One of the key costs associated with launching a website is purchasing and renewing your domain name. For example, our domain name is ‘ghostds.com.’ If you’re considering building a website for the first time, securing your domain name should be one of your top priorities. It’s essential to choose a domain that’s memorable, brand-appropriate, and easy to find. If you’re unsure where to start, we’re here to help! We can assist you in finding the perfect domain name, offering several options and variations, so you can select the one that best fits your brand and budget.
2. Website Hosting
Every website needs to be hosted on a server in order for it to go live. We offer all inclusive hosting as standard which is £75+ VAT per month and VPS level hosting which is £100+ VAT per month. Hosting ensures your website operates at peak performance with 99.9% uptime, fast loading speeds, and enhanced security.
3. Design & Development
Another significant factor that impacts the cost of a website is its design and development. A simple, straightforward design generally takes less time to create, which translates to a lower cost. On the other hand, a more intricate design that involves multiple revisions, custom elements, and advanced features will require more time and effort, ultimately increasing the overall cost.
The level of detail and complexity you choose for your website plays a key role in determining its price. Additionally, the user experience (UX) design, how easy and intuitive the site is to navigate, can also impact costs. High-quality UX design often requires more research, testing, and adjustments to ensure the website meets the needs of its users, further influencing the overall project cost.
4. Content Management System
Selecting the right content management system (CMS) is another key factor that influences the overall cost of a website. For example, WordPress is a free platform, with costs typically limited to hosting fees, while other platforms, such as Shopify, require a monthly subscription. The CMS you choose will depend on your website’s needs, such as its functionality, scalability, and ease of use. Our team of web design experts can guide you through the process, helping you select the best CMS that aligns with your goals and budget, ensuring the platform supports your website’s long-term success.
5. Functionality and Features
Website functionality and features are another important factor that can significantly impact the overall cost. Whether you’re adding membership portals, e-commerce functionality, or custom CRM integrations, each feature may come with additional costs, such as purchasing plugins, third-party services, or specialised development.
Additionally, ensuring your website is mobile-optimised and accessible to all users can further influence both functionality and design. Mobile optimisation is essential for a seamless user experience across devices, while accessibility features ensure that your site meets legal requirements and serves users with varying needs. These considerations often require extra development work, which can increase the overall cost of your website.
6. Maintenance and Updates
Keeping your website maintained and up to date requires ongoing support, which typically incurs additional costs. For example, providing SSL certificates for security and offering regular maintenance services often come with separate fees. At Ghost Design, we offer a website maintenance package, where, for a fixed yearly fee of £400, we provide weekly updates to your site, troubleshooting issues, and ensuring everything functions smoothly. This ensures your website stays secure, performs optimally, and remains up to date with the latest features and security protocols.
6. SEO & Marketing
If you’re considering investing in a website, you’ll likely want to market it effectively to attract visitors and potential customers. This is where Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) and digital marketing strategies, such as social media marketing and email campaigns, come into play. These efforts are essential for driving traffic to your site, but they also require additional work and resources, which can increase the overall cost of your website.
So, how much does a website cost?
As we have discussed each factor that contributes to the cost of a website, you should be able to get a better idea of how much a website costs. Here at Ghost Design, we can provide you with a free and no-obligation quote to determine the cost of your website. If you’re still wondering ‘how much does a website cost?’, give our team a call at: 01926 887171 for advice or more information on your website needs.
