'How much should a website cost?' – is a question that is often raised but seldom meaningfully answered.
Even though millions of websites are available online, no formula has been evolved to readily calculate the cost of a new website. This is in view of the fact that there are far too many variables that need to be taken into account for arriving at the website cost.
Components of website cost
The following are the components for setting up a website and the cumulative cost of all these components constitute the total website cost.
- Domain name registration
- Website hosting
- Number of Pages of the website.
- Design and layout of the website (of all the pages)
- Site Complexity
- Content (Web Content)
- Any advanced functions and programs
- Search engine fees (optional, if required)
- Website Maintainence (regular maintenance)
For some particular sites like merchant sites, add-on costs will be there for (1) Merchant Account or Third Party Processor Fees, (2) Product Updates and (3) Store upkeep 4) Shipping accountability...
Registering Domain Name
The domain name is critical as it represents one’s Internet identity. This is something akin to branding of one’s business, products or services. One has to bestow enough thought while selecting the right domain name that reflects the nature of business and for that one has to be quite selective in their approach.
Of course, owning multiple domain names can improve search engine rankings and is considered part of an advanced search engine optimization plan. Domain names registration is the first step in getting on the web or setting up the website. Thus, it is the primary cost parameter to get into the business of website project management.
Hosting the Website
Web hosting is renting a small space on a web hosting server from a huge space that holds countless websites belonging to a host of other owners. This is called a shared web hosting plan. Larger space may be required when the website gets busy and new pages are added.
Finally if the website grows beyond acceptable limits then the need for a dedicated server will definitely arise. These dedicated servers are expensive and should not be needed for new website or small business sites. However, dedicated servers are often reliable and provide the best service and support.
Designing a Website
Web Design is a creative process of conceptualizing, planning the layout, adding appropriate content including text, maps, sketches, flow charts and graphics to deliver via Internet as a skillful combination of ideas and technology. Web designing can be of different types - Static, Dynamic and Flash and E-Commerce.
Web design must also aim at providing Search Engine Optimization making the website search engine friendly. The website must achieve top ranking in the Internet searches to attract maximum traffic.
E-Commerce sites are a major step forward in web technology as customers now wish to purchase online information, products and services. It’s the new way of creating an opportunity to market products and services globally 24 hours a day through Internet. In today’s age and time, design, technology and business must combine to create a website to establish one’s presence on the Internet to provide information, promote products services and create a brand presence.
Website Content
Content is quite often expensive because skilled people with creative capabilities alone can produce quality content. It is widely acknowledged fact by all web managers that content is king. If the website intends publishing a lot of content from a number of authors, then a content management system (CMS) must be in place. A quality CMS enables development of suitable information architecture as also manages content efficiently and cost-effectively.
Web consultants can offer suggestions to make the website friendlier for the search engines and the users of the internet. They help to make the website distinct and to stand out amongst competitors. A professionally designed website offers the edge when competing with others in the same industry. E-commerce sites need a whole lot of attention with regard to security, credit card check outs, shipping, keeping inventory track and bookkeeping.
In today's electronic world, web owners can ill-afford not to have their business presence on the internet. Most people often turn to the internet when they are searching for a product or services. A business website reaches a worldwide audience, and is open to visitors 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and 365 days a year.
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