With over a billion websites globally, there is no denying that websites are vital in the business world. So, any business, from startups to well-established companies, needs a functional website.
A well-designed, appealing web resource is vital to your marketing strategy. It exposes your business to potential customers online, translating to high conversion rates. Moreover, consumers can embrace the convenience of online shopping, and no company wants to remain in the digital darkness. Thus, developing an efficient and appealing website that meets the users' needs is imperative.
However, many small startups have substandard sites for various reasons like the cost to hire designer, time, and lack of expertise. Professional sites are a must-have to give you a competitive edge.
This article discusses the average budget you need to reserve for designing a professional website for startups. We give a neat breakdown of the aspects affecting the price to assist you in planning your website project.
Average Cost of Website Design
A small startup's average site design price starts from $2,000 to around $15,000 if a pro design agency handles the project. This price covers design, development, domain name, and hosting services.
Conversely, you can hire a freelancer at a more affordable price or opt for a DIY option. But you might compromise the final product quality. Hiring an expert is advisable to get a top-notch website with relevant features and appealing design.
The final cost varies for each business depending on the company size, site features, and complexity. Let us explore the cost analysis and the factors affecting small startup prices.
Factors Affecting the Website Design Cost
Many crucial aspects alter the price of web design. Knowing the final price is not enough; understanding the specifics is more important. Below is an outline of the expenditures that add to the final price for your web resource.
Design – $2,000 – $15,000
Don't ignore the significance of a good design. It is crucial to hire a competent expert to work on your project. However, the price will depend on the intricacies of the design, such as its complexity, the need to use advanced graphics, and the number of visual elements.
One might go for a complicated, high-end design with several templates, while another business owner might prefer a simple, minimalist design solution. There is a specialist for each kind of design work, and all of them have different rates. So, you need to scout for the best agencies offering reasonable rates that fit your budget. Don't forget to request standard and high-end design samples before deciding what you want.
Number of Web Pages – $1,000 -$5,000
Another factor that influences the development cost is the website's size. How many pages will your site have? The price of an e-commerce website with 90 web pages is higher than that of a 10-page small business site.
From adding design elements to testing the pages, it is a costly experience. It is time-consuming to design large-page sites, resulting in a higher cost. Even if the pages have a similar layout, the designer must focus on each page and ensure it meets the specifications.
Small startups usually start with websites with 10-50 pages, depending on the business scale. Thus, the price usually ranges from $1,000 to $5,000.
Domain Name – $0.95 – $12
Each website has a unique domain name that identifies with the business. For instance, Apple.com is the domain name of Apple. It is similar to an online address that allows users to locate your business. So, you should purchase a domain name similar to your business name.
The cost of domain names starts from $0.95 to around $12. You can research and find the companies selling domain names, purchasing the one that suits your business.
Site Hosting – $24 – $120
Web hosting is a mandatory service that allows business to upload their sites to the Internet for universal access. You need an effective web hosting provider to launch your website in the digital space.
Usually, hosting companies charge clients yearly from $24 up to $120 for small startups. Large businesses can pay up to $24,000 for similar services.
Moreover, you will pay less if you opt for the shared hosting plan. Depending on your budget, other options include managed hosting and a virtual private server.
SSL Certificate – $0 – $1,500
You can't run a secure website without an SSL certificate. This additional security layer safeguards your site and users from external risks. An SSL certificate is a sign of protection that compels visitors to trust your resource. Though it is not mandatory, many business owners use it on their sites to ensure data privacy and user data protection. Thus, it also safeguards and maintains your brand's reputation.
Users are more likely to transact on a site with a security certificate compared to one that does not have it on display. So, paying a small cost to have a safe resource and enjoying increased user trust is a great deal. Most hosting providers offer this certificate to small startups for free.
Functionality – $2,000 – $25,000
As a small startup, you might want additional functions for seamless operations. For instance, you may need to integrate order placements and payment services. Customers should have a smooth ordering experience and purchase items without complications.
Site functionality is a major aspect of the product or service you sell. Include features that will offer customers an exceptional experience. You might have to part with $2,000 for efficient features, but this investment will pay off quickly.
Content Management System (CMS) – $2,000 – $25,000
Having an effective CMS is essential in web design. You need this tool to help you create, manage, and update your website regularly. Fortunately, CMS tools do not require coding expertise. You can edit content easily and update it without pressure. For example, changing product prices and descriptions are possible by signing in to the system.
The final CMS price depends on its type and customization features.
A Wrap-Up
As a small business owner, you must research and compare the agencies before settling on the best price. Ultimately, the cost depends on several factors we've outlined above. So, make a list of things your business website needs and perform the calculations in advance to plan your web development budget.
