The very first question that comes from the management when a business decides to have its own website or to revamp an existing one is regarding the cost incurred. How much does a website cost? That’s a very tricky question because a website could cost anywhere from $100 to $1 million depending upon the requirements. There are many factors that go into determining the cost of a website’s design which includes the technology and design elements. Here is an account of some of the elements that determine the cost of a website and which ones should bother you when you shell out your hard-earned money on a website.
The Purpose of Website
This makes a huge difference to the cost element. The website could be your digital identity in the World Wide Web. It can be your point of contact for B2B customers. The website can be an interactive platform to engage your B2C or B2B customers. You can sell your products and services on your website. You can use it to showcase your resources. It can boost the morale of your employees. It can be a bulletin board to connect with the stakeholders. You may even integrate your business processes with your website interactions. Thus, the website can serve many purposes each of which would cost differently. The Website Design Companies would first want to know the purpose of your website. Most of the companies use the website to create an online identity and to showcase their marketing campaigns. Such websites are considered more static and hence would not cost much. But if you want more dynamic outcome from your website, including shopping cart, customer data and reviews, it would cost accordingly. Determine the purpose of your website and compare the expected gains in the short-term and long-term against the cost incurred.
Technology Used
Even though 80% of the businesses are not bothered about the technology used for their website, technology can impact your online performance which is critical to user experience and functionality especially if your website is intended to be dynamic and interactive. The website development companies know this the best since it’s their core competency and would insist in taking up the latest performing technologies. While this helps to an extent, it depends upon your website’s purpose. It is important not to use an age-old or obsolete technology since its support on latest browsers will be limited. There are many elements such as development platform, front-end and back-end technologies used, hosting, sharing etc. to consider. You can either outsource web design and development to a competent outsourcing partner who would offer you the most cost-efficient solution or hire an IT expert or consultant to determine the right technology to suit your purpose.
Timeline
Though it may not seem significant to the businesses, the business website designs typically take some time to envisage and finalize before it is developed and deployed. This is for the best benefit of the business to serve their purpose. So if you are in a hurry to deploy your website, it will definitely come at a premium cost.
Depending on the above-mentioned elements, your website’s cost may be evaluated.