How much does a website cost?

The average cost of creating a website ranges from $1,000 to $50,000 or more. It is an important investment for any business and can significantly improve a company’s visibility and profits. Understanding the components of the cost of building a website is critical to effectively planning and executing the project. This article shares our practical knowledge to help you effectively plan your project budget.

Website price- what does it depend on?

The price of a website is primarily determined by its complexity and intricacy. However, it’s important to note that a few key factors can significantly influence the final price, offering a degree of flexibility in website pricing.

Complexity of layout and design requirements: The more advanced and bespoke the design, the more time it will take to code it, increasing the cost.

Price per domain: It depends on the extension. For example, .pl and .com can cost between PLN 100 and PLN 500 net per year, and exclusive .io will be more expensive.

Hosting: It is essential to discuss the site’s technical requirements regarding the server with the provider; a good server will cost at least PLN 300 net per year.

SSL certificate: Usually ordered from the hosting provider and costs around PLN 100 net annually.

Implement a CRM system: Using WordPress is popular, but consider paid templates or bespoke coding, which will incur higher costs.

Annual maintenance: Includes server, domain, possibly a yearly licence of the builder, and additional support.

 Website costs – what is included in the price?

The cost of creating a website can vary significantly depending on the design and technology requirements. Here are the main components that will affect the final price:

Graphic design – the bespoke design of the website is a critical component that can add significantly to the cost. It involves creating an attractive, consistent visual image that attracts users and reflects the brand.

Programming – the cost of programming a site depends on the complexity of the site’s features and interactions. More complex sites, such as online shops or portals with advanced features, require more programming.

UX/UI—Good usability design (UX) and user interface (UI) are essential to ensure ease of navigation and a positive visitor experience. UX/UI designers focus on optimizing the user experience, which can be time-consuming but is an investment in the site’s future popularity.

Domain and Hosting—Choosing a domain name and ensuring stable hosting are fundamental to any website. Costs can vary depending on the domain’s popularity and the site’s technical requirements.

SSL Certificate – is essential to ensure the security of user data, especially in e-commerce.

CRM implementation and other integrations – incorporating customer relationship management systems or other tools can increase the functionality of the site, but also increase development costs.

Maintenance and upgrades – annual maintenance of the website, including server, domain and additional features, requires regular funding.

The cost of developing a website differs significantly between Poland and the US. 

In Poland, graphic design and programming, including e-commerce functions, cost from a few to tens of thousands of zlotys, while in the USA these prices start from a few thousand dollars and can even reach tens of thousands, with UX/UI projects being several times more expensive there than in Poland. Domains and hosting in Poland start at around PLN 100 and PLN 300 per year respectively, while in the US they range from USD 10 to USD 50 and USD 100 respectively. An SSL certificate costs around PLN 100 per year in Poland and USD 25 in the US. Annual maintenance of a website in Poland ranges from a few hundred to a few thousand PLN, similar to the US, but expressed in dollars.

Preparation of initial website functionalities for evaluation

Preparing the initial website functionalities is a key stage of the project evaluation. It is important to define your needs as an administrator or owner. Here are the key points to consider:

Lead generation: If the website is to attract customers from Google, a detailed SEO analysis and content strategy will be essential.

Frequent updates: For sites that require regular updates, a CMS such as WordPress is the best option to help manage content.

Sales tool: Sites for developers, hotels or restaurants should have intuitive user paths that effectively lead to the offer – this requires a thorough business workshop.

Business card site: Designed to clearly present the company and its offerings, it is often the first point of contact with the customer.

Complex functionalities:
Multilingualism
Advanced ordering systems
Online chat
Unique design
Online shop with comprehensive product catalogue
Compliance with WCAG standards for people with disabilities

Additional website costs to consider

When planning to build a website, it is essential to consider additional costs that can significantly impact the overall project budget. Here is an overview of the most common add-ons to consider:

Add-ons and plugins, such as contact forms or newsletter subscriptions, are necessary to extend the website’s functionality. Plugins come in both free and paid versions. However, an overabundance of plugins can slow down the site, harming SEO and user experience.

Hire a web admin: Hiring a web admin or content manager to manage and update the site may be necessary for larger websites. Costs can range from a few hours a month to full-time employment.

Search engine optimization (SEO): Critical to achieving a high ranking in search results, it may be necessary to hire an SEO specialist. The SEO specialist will develop a strategy based on relevant keywords and provide regular performance reports.

Images and design: Graphics are essential to creating a visually appealing website. Although you can use free resources from image banks, unique photos taken by professionals will set your site apart from the competition.

How much does a small business website cost?

The cost of creating a website for a small business depends on several factors, including the complexity of the design, functionality, and technologies used. A simple business card website can cost between a few hundred and a few thousand zlotys, while more advanced websites with a CMS or an online shop start at a few thousand zlotys. Additional costs may include hosting, domain, SEO, and ongoing maintenance and updates. It is worth considering these when planning your budget to avoid downtime and unnecessary inconvenience. 

How much does a website with a shop cost?

The cost of creating a website with a shop for a small or medium-sized business can vary significantly depending on your requirements. Basic online shops start at around PLN 3,000, but more advanced solutions with custom design, integrations, and non-standard functionality can cost PLN 10,000 or more. 

In summary, the price of a website depends on many factors, from the project’s complexity to technologies and additional services. It is essential to define your expectations and needs and estimate costs accurately. Preparing and planning a budget considering all possible expenses will allow you to manage the project effectively and economically. This will help avoid unexpected costs and ensure that the final website meets both business expectations and user needs.

FAQ – Frequently asked questions

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