Website design costs are directly correlated to the type of website created. Simple template-based, text only websites, which are about five pages could cost between $300 and $800 while on the other end of the spectrum are ecommerce sites which can range from $5,000 to $50,000. Essentially a website could cost between $300 and $50,000, sounds crazy right? Web designers are essentially artists—they set their own prices and you agree if it is worth it or not. That being said, the more complicated your site, the more money you can expect to pay.
Here is a list of things that can make your website more expensive:
1. Well-Known Designer: Web designers set their prices without having an industry standard rate and can become rather expensive. If a designer has many well known clients, or is industry specific, you can expect to pay more. Essentially by hiring that company, it would be equivalent contracting a “famous” web designer who will be more expensive than a lesser known company.
2. Online Marketing: If you want your designer to improve your search engine ranking or promote other forms of online marketing, this will also increase your website expenditure.
3. Flash Web Design: Flash is an appealing feature as it can make websites more aesthetically pleasing. That being said, these flash sites require more work to create than a template based page. More work= More expense.
4. E-Commerce Site: These packages may also be all-inclusive. An all-inclusive Ecommerce web design package, although more expensive, will really get your site up and running. E-Commerce web design may include search engine optimization, online marketing, web hosting and merchant account services. Although these sites and packages are more expensive, it is essentially a turnkey approach to creating a website. This is the easiest way to create a site as everything is taken care of for you.
For the most part, template or “cookie cutter” sites will charge a flat fee while flash sites are charged hourly and all-inclusive ecommerce sites are a fusion of both of these payment plans coupled with a monthly fee. It is in your best interest to negotiate your billing terms before the start of the project. It is important to note that paying an agreed contract fee is generally more economical than an hour rate.
Monique L. Myers is a writer, surf instructor and an art enthusiast based in San Diego, California. She writes extensively for Resource Nation, an online resource that provides expert advice on purchasing and outsourcing decisions for small business owners and entrepreneurs.
