Why Websites Matter
Websites are very important for businesses today. They help people find your business online and learn what you do. A good website can even help your business grow. But many people wonder, “What should a new website cost?”
The History of Website Costs
In the past, websites were very expensive. Many businesses couldn’t afford them, and some had to hire unvetted talent from freelancer websites or take the risk of getting scammed hiring from other countries to make cheaper websites. But things have changed.
What Should A New Website Cost Today?
Today, websites are much more cost-effective to make. Modern tools make it easier, and some people make websites just for certain types of businesses. So, what should a new website cost now? The answer is: it depends on what you need.
Features That Affect New Website Cost
A good website should be easy to use and work well on both computers and phones. It should also load quickly and show up when people search online. These things can make a new website cost more, but in some cases, they’re worth it.
There are also some special features that can affect what a new website costs:
- E-Commerce & Payment Gateway: If you want to sell things on your website, you’ll need a way for people to pay. This is called a payment gateway. It lets customers use credit cards or other ways to pay online. Adding this can increase your new website cost, but it’s important for online stores.
- Custom Search and Filtering: If your website has lots of products or information, you might want to add a special search tool. This helps people find exactly what they’re looking for on your site. It can cost extra, but it makes your website much easier to use.
- API Integrations: APIs are ways for your website to talk to other computer systems. For example, you might want your website to show real estate listings from an MLS you are a member of. These connections can be very useful but they can also increase what a new website costs.
- Robotic Process Automation (RPA): This is a fancy way of saying that your website can do some tasks automatically. For instance, it might send out emails or update information without a person having to do it. This can save you time in the long run, but it costs more to set up at first.
- Automatic Keyword Linking: This is a smart feature that can save a lot of time. It automatically links certain words or phrases in your website’s content to other relevant pages or posts on your site. For example, if you mention a product name in a blog post, it could automatically link to that product’s page. This helps visitors find more information easily and can boost your website’s search engine ranking. Setting up this feature costs more initially, but it saves countless hours of manual work in the long run, especially for websites with lots of content.
Remember, not every website needs all these features. What your new website should cost depends on which features are important for your business. It’s a good idea to think about what you need before deciding on these extra features.
Why Invest in a Quality Website?
Why is it important to spend money on a good website? A great website design can bring more customers to your business and help it grow. It can also make your business look professional. So, while a good new website might cost more, it can help your business a lot in the long run.
The Cost of Not Having a Website
But what happens if you don’t have a website at all? Not having a website can cost your business a lot, even if you don’t see the money leaving your pocket. Without a website, many people might not know your business exists. They might choose other businesses they can find online instead of yours. You could lose many customers and miss out on a lot of business.
The Risks of Cheap Website Solutions
Now, you might think about hiring someone who’s not a professional to build your website to save money. But this can be a big mistake. An amateur might make a website that looks bad or doesn’t work well. This can make your business look unprofessional. The website might not show up when people search online, so customers can’t find you. It might also be slow or hard to use, which can make people leave your site quickly.
Actual Pricing for Different Business Types
Now that we’ve talked about what affects a website’s cost, let’s look at some real numbers. Remember, these are just estimates. The actual cost of your new website might be different based on what you need.
Small and Medium Local Businesses
If you run a small or medium-sized business that serves local customers, you’re in luck! You can often get a great website for around $5,000. This kind of website is good for bringing in new customers and usually includes:
- A professional design that looks good on computers and phones
- Information about your business and services
- A way for customers to contact you
- Basic SEO to help people find you online
E-commerce Businesses
If you want to sell products online, your website will cost a bit more. For an online store, you can expect to pay between $7,000 and $10,000. The exact price depends on how many products you have. This kind of website includes:
- Everything in the local business website
- A system for showing your products
- A way for customers to buy products and pay online
- Tools to manage your inventory
National and International Brands
If your business serves customers across the country or around the world, your website will cost more. These websites usually cost 5 to 10 times more than a local business website. That means you might pay $25,000 to $50,000 or even more. Why so much? Because:
- You’re competing with many more businesses online
- You need more advanced features to stand out
- There’s more work needed to make sure people can find you online
- You might need your website in different languages
Remember, these prices are just a starting point. What your new website should cost depends on your specific needs. It’s always a good idea to talk to a professional who can look at your business and give you a more exact price.
How We Can Help with Your New Website Cost
We can help you make a great website that fits your needs and budget. We understand what a new website should cost and can work with you to find the right solution. Our goal is to help your business grow with a website that works for you.
Conclusion: The True Value of a New Website
Remember, a good website is an investment in your business. The cost of a new website might seem high at first, but a well-made website can bring you many more customers and help your business succeed. And the cost of not having a website, or having a poorly made one, could be even higher in lost business and missed opportunities. When considering what a new website should cost, think about the long-term benefits it will bring to your business.