Web design is critical to building an online presence, whether you're a business owner, blogger, or individual. A professionally-designed website enhances your credibility and attracts visitors. The cost of web design can be challenging for those who want to create a website. And today, we will provide a clear answer to the question, "How much does web design cost?"
Web Design Options
There are three ways to create a website. You can do it through a website builder, build with WordPress, or hire a designer. Which method you pick will impact how much your website costs. Creating content on a web builder can be free, but it can cost more than $5,000 if you're working with a web designer.
Website builders are typically the cheapest way to build a website. While WordPress is basically a free, open-source platform, you must pay for extras like hosting, themes, and plugins. Sometimes, you'll also need professional help from a developer, which can increase your total expenses.
Hiring a web designer is the most pricey option. But, it is the best choice if you need complete control over the look and customization of the website. This option is also effective if you want to offer the highest levels of website functionality.
You need to choose the suitable website creation method for you. You need to fully understand all the pros and cons of the three options to get the best value for your money.
How Much Does a Website Cost Via a Website Builder?
Using a website builder is the most affordable way to build a website. This method is ideal for:
- Beginners
- Anyone who needs a website immediately
- Building personal websites and portfolios
Most website builder costs range from free up to $500 per month. However, most new sites will only cost $5 to $50 monthly.
While technical novices might choose a free plan, it comes with various limitations, including:
- The frequent appearance of ads on your website
- A free, non-custom domain, for example, www.mywebsite.wix.com
- Limited features like low storage and bandwidth allowances
- No ecommerce features
- Basic customer support
The free plan is only recommended for trying out the website builder to see if it fits you. You can also use the free plan to sharpen your skills and try out new ideas without financial burden. If you want to explore this option, here are the key features of the top three website builders available in the market:
1. Wix
Wix is a cloud-based website builder offering a drag-and-drop interface, making it easy for users to create professional-looking websites without coding knowledge. It offers over 500 templates, including various categories such as business, eCommerce, photography, etc. Wix is a mobile-friendly design, a free plan, and affordable pricing plans with multiple features such as SSL certificates, eCommerce tools, and more.
2. Squarespace
Squarespace is dedicated to creatives such as artists, photographers, and bloggers. It offers templates with a clean, minimalist design that highlights visual content. Squarespace also provides features such as an integrated blogging platform, built-in eCommerce functionality, and various third-party integrations. It also provides users with 24/7 support through live chat and email.
3. Shopify
Shopify is designed specifically for eCommerce stores. It features product catalogs, inventory management, and order tracking. Shopify also offers third-party integrations for famous payment gateways and shipping providers. Likewise, it has affordable pricing plans that cater to small and large businesses.
How Much Does a Website Cost on WordPress?
Using WordPress gives you more control over your website. It's best for:
- Those with a bit of technical confidence
- Anyone who wants full customization
- Blogs, business sites, and extensive websites
The cost of a WordPress website is hard to calculate. It depends on different factors because there are various aspects to consider when starting a WordPress website.
Building a WordPress website is accessible. Luckily, there are free themes and plugins, too, so it should be easy to keep costs low. But you may need a premium theme or a hosting plan to pay for. And if you hire a WordPress developer, your total website cost could quickly increase to thousands.
Hosting is the e main factor in building a website on WordPress. You can survive using free themes and plugins, but hosting is an essential cost to keep your WordPress website running. We recommend using Bluehost as your hosting provider. Please read our article on the top ten hosting services for other alternatives.
How Much Does a Website Cost If Done by a Web Designer?
Hiring a web designer to build your site means entrusting your projects to professionals. However, you don't just sit back and relax, waiting for the website to go online. You can work with a professional web designer to create a site you love, according to your niche.
Hiring a web designer is best for:
- Anyone needing a very complex website
- Those with zero time or technical confidence
- Big budgets and big, custom websites
This is the most challenging cost to estimate because web designers will charge different rates depending on the project and their talents and experience. In other instances, you might choose an agency or a freelancer, which will also affect the cost.
Getting someone to create your website for you may cost between $5,000 and $30,000.
Conclusion
There you go, the essential factors that help determine how much web design costs. Hopefully, you now understand the best option for you and which best suits your budget.
It is best to know that working out how much a website cost isn't just about money. It's also about your other resources, such as technical skills and time. If you have the luxury of time, you can learn new skills. Several website design tools may help you create a professional, compelling website. However, if you're pressed for time and have allocated a large budget, you can delegate the work to a professional.
