How Much Does a Small Business Website Cost?
Starting a new business can be exciting but also be extremely stressful – especially when there are costs unaccounted for in the initial budget. Below are some basic budget points and other recommendations to help get you started on your small business website. Before diving in, read a quick intro on how websites work. It will help you understand why you need all of these things.
1. Domain Name (URL): $10+/year
Every website needs a domain name. Most of the time is the name of your business or organization. You can purchase domain names through a registrar. The cost of the URL depends on the domain name itself and where you will purchase it from. Don’t have a domain name yet? Get tips on how to pick one!
2. SSL Certificate: FREE – $60+/year
A Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) protects sensitive information on your website and displays an “https” at the beginning of your URL. An SSL certificate is now required by Google so be sure that your developer includes one on your website. Some hosting companies offer SSL certificates for free or at a discounted price if you purchase an annual hosting package.
3. Hosting: $10 – $60+/month
You will need to find a host to store all of the website files. Prices vary depending on what hosting packages are available and from whom.
4. Website Developer OR Website Builder: $TBD
The website developer you choose mostly depends on your budget and what you are trying to build. Below are some ballpark price ranges and who we would recommend for each job.
- Small Website with simple images and text: $500 – $5,000
- Freelancer
- Medium Website with a contact form & images: $5,000 – $10,000
- Freelancer, Professional Web Development Company
- Large Website with several pages, forms, images, and custom functionality: $10,000+
- Professional Web Development Company
Search for qualified freelance developers on the AIGA website. Feel free to send us your project details if you need a medium to large website.
If you’re a DIY-er, then a website builder may suit your needs. WordPress, Squarespace, GoDaddy, and Wix are a few that come to mind. Please know that you will need some basic tech knowledge before you begin. There are also additional costs involved if you purchase themes, plugins, and stock images.
5. Website Maintenance
After you launch your small business website, be sure to set aside some money for ongoing maintenance. Website maintenance includes updates to text, images, technical support, and anything that may have been overlooked during the development process.
Naomi Dhillon is an Account Manager/Multimedia Specialist at Stanton Street, a web design and development company in El Paso, TX. Naomi has worked at Stanton Street since 2010 and has over 25 years of project and client management experience in the multimedia realm.
About Stanton Street
We help organizations amplify their online presence by building engaging websites, creating successful digital marketing campaigns, and tackling the $%^#/, so they can build their brand, grow their business, and reach their full potential.