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What Does a Website Cost?
The Sprocket Report
This article has been updated on 11/10/2020 with the article entitled “What Website Costs Should You Expect?”
The annual web hosting invoice was still unpaid after 30 days so we called the client up to see if there was a problem. He was genuinely perplexed. “But I already paid that last year! I have to pay it again?” Website marketing is still new enough that many small business owners are still deeply suspicious of the costs. Here are the answers to some common FAQs.
What am I buying when I want a new website?
To have a presence on the internet you need three basic items:
- A URL
- Pages that reside at that URL
- Hosting that allows those pages to be visible at that URL
But really you’re only “renting” the URL and the hosting. You may however own the design of the pages, depending on how the site was built.
Are URLs expensive?
We once had a client that really wanted a URL that was already registered by someone else so we negotiated to buy it for $5000. But most likely you’ll be able to find the URL you want for about $12. We suggest you purchase it yourself rather than have your web developer register it in their name.
What about hosting?
Hosting costs vary depending on the site being hosted. Lots of traffic, an online store, and other usage factors can boost the standard rate. Really cut-rate prices can mean cut-rate service so check reviews before signing up.
Does that mean web pages are the most expensive part?
We recently read on another blog that “the majority of small business websites…range from $6,000 – $20,000…or 15% Planning, 25% Interface design, 40%, Programming and 20% Project Management.” That’s a pretty fair estimate for custom website design.
So is there another choice beside custom website design?
Sure. There are platforms with pre-built components and there are template sites as well.
What’s the difference?
Template sites are quick to build because they offer you few decisions to make. While they may have a “cookie cutter” appearance, they get you online with little expense and effort.
Platforms let your web developer approximate custom design at a fraction of the cost by assembling components with pre-coded functions to fit your specific needs.
What about those free websites I see advertised?
The “Get Your Business Online” initiative and similar programs are heavily promoting free website design and hosting. Yes, they really are free and they aren’t bad-looking either. It might be the right choice for you as long as you know what you are getting into. Here’s what to remember when considering a free site:
- How much does it cost after the free period ends? The going rate seems to be $7 per month.
- What is my URL? Some let you choose your URL but others give you a subdomain like www.freewebsite.com/yourURL.
- Is there advertising? Some free site builders will run ads on your site until you upgrade.
- How many pages can I build? Once you reach your limit, you’ll have to upgrade.
- What kind of pages can I build? Ecommerce, blogs and similar functionality will cost more.
We offer a Website Builder ourselves because it does fill a need for a quick, inexpensive way to get online. But we mainly build sites on the DNN platform because that best fills the need for good-looking, hard-working websites at a reasonable cost. If you still have questions about what’s right for your business, just give us a call. We’re happy to help!
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Kate Gingold
I have been writing a blog with web marketing tips and techniques every other week since 2003. In addition to blogging and client content writing, I write books and a blog on local history.
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I have been writing a blog with web marketing tips and techniques every other week since 2003. In addition to blogging and client content writing, I write books and a blog on local history.
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