How Much Does A Website Cost?
26 March 2009
As a web design business, we get asked this question daily. Sometimes we do the asking to see where and how other businesses are pricing themselves.
Most of the time, you’ll get the same answer: “How long is a piece of string?”. Anyone who’s been involved in web design knows costs can vary dramatically, depending on the website requirements and it’s very difficult to say off the bat how much a website would cost. It’s like asking: “How much does a car cost?”. The only difference is, most people understand the price difference between a Ferrari and a Toyota – it’s common knowledge.
Websites are less understood. So I’m going to try and show the differences in this article and provide some insight into websites and prices.
Breaking it down
Most websites can be categorised by complexity and function. Below are four categories into which most common websites will fall.
1. Information Website
An informational based website, such as an Accountant’s website serves one basic purpose: to provide customers with information about their business and their contact details. Many of these companies rely on referrals to generate new business, so functionality and marketing isn’t crucial. They need some text, a handful of images and a handy form or two people can fill out.
Cost: Four hundred to Six thousand dollars
Development Time: 4 days to 8 weeks
2. Function Driven Website
The next step up involves having some more advanced functionality on the website. For example on an Architect’s website, there might be some nifty flash banners to display images or a gallery to show off projects they’ve done. Other functions such as newsletter signups and mailing lists, instant online quoting forms and user registrations fall under the function driven websites category.
Cost: Eight to ten thousand dollars
Development TIme: 10 to 12 Weeks
3. Online Product or E-Commerce Website
Next up, are websites that require a lot of development work. Examples include online retailers that have hundreds of products, online shopping, user accounts and help and support systems.
Cost: Upwards of twenty thousand
Development Time: Over six months
4. Web Applications
Finally, a website like realestate.com.au or facebook.com that is more like online software where there are tons of custom functions and applications fall into this category.
Cost: Lets just say the piggy bank probably won’t survive this. realestate.com.au cost over a million dollars to develop.
Development Time: Years
So there you have it, a list of website categories and a rough idea of how much they cost. What kind of category does your website fall under?
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Jurgen, on 31 March 2009 said:
nice article… how much a website cost is really depending on so many factors. Funny how some people want to have a e-commerce website for a 1000 dollars. Thanks for sharing!
Frank, on 6 April 2009 said:
Yes you really got the point… there are just too many factors, but most of the customers think you sell a site out of the box … have fun ;)
Nathan, on 17 April 2009 said:
-The homepage should include a summary of what products
your site has to offer. Customers can always delve deeper
into your site for more information.
<a href=“http://www.website-designcompany.com/website_design_company.php”> Website Design Company</a>
Jye, on 22 April 2009 said:
Great article.
It is misunderstood by quite a lot of people as to how much a website does cost.
Each style, functions, amongst many other factors, can greatly increase the price of a website.
sheenshine, on 30 April 2009 said:
Hi,
Just wanted to compliment you guys on the site. Outstading & beautifuly designed!! Love your style.
Also just wanted to say that the prices above seem quite high to me. Possibly the dollar vs. euro changover may be a factor, but an informational site in Ireland would cost on average 2,000 – 3,000 euro. Six thousand dollars seems quite expensive for a basic site no?
Tumek, on 16 May 2009 said:
@ sheenshine
I agree; I live in Australia and $6,000 does seem expensive for a simple, informative site.
I believe that to justify such a high cost the development time must be long or the developers overhead costs must be quite high.
ali, on 17 May 2009 said:
thank you for sharing…
ICanSeeIt, on 9 June 2009 said:
Hi guys,
I just wanted to say how great it is having someone tell it like it is regarding costs. Too many people out there promising websites for $1000 (but they are template and simple and boring, and these people undermine the professional industry). It does cost 4000-6000 for a unique, professionally designed site that stands out from the crowd. Keep it up!
Also, @sheenshine, 3000 Euro = $5300 so similar pricing…