The cost of a website is an important budget item for small business owners and startups. But if you’ve never built a website before, how do you know what price range is reasonable? What are some ways you can have on website development costs without cutting corners with functionality? We’ll walk you through:

  • Factors That Affect the Cost of Building a Website
  • Ways to Build a Website
  • How to Plan and Estimate the Cost of Building a Website
  • Tips to Save Money on Building a Website
  • How Much Does It Cost to Build a Website With Sav?
  • How Much Do Other Website Builders Cost? 
  • Website Building Costs FAQs

Factors That Affect the Cost of Building a Website

How much does it cost to build a website? Well, that depends. It doesn’t just have one price tag. There are a variety of upfront and recurring costs. Here are the factors that contribute to the cost of building a website:

  • Domain Name
  • Website Hosting
  • Website Functionality
  • SSL Certificate
  • Template or Theme
  • Apps and Integrations
  • Search Engine Optimization and Marketing
  • Website Maintenance

Domain Name

The first website building expense is the domain name. Some website builders offer a free domain name that looks like yoursite.websitebuilder.com, but it’s always a good idea to buy a custom one for a more professional website. 

The cost of buying a domain name can vary greatly, but $10-$15 per year is a reasonable price range for a small business owner. Here are some of the factors that determine the cost of a domain name: 

  • Domain registrar
  • TLD
  • Length of commitment
  • Domain privacy

YOURSITE.COM in neon lettering

Domain registrar

A domain name registrar is a site where users register, purchase, and manage domains that they own. Registrars are a middleman between registries and customers. Some examples of registrars include 

  • Sav (that’s us!)
  • GoDaddy
  • Dynadot
  • Namecheap
  • Porkbun
  • Google Domains

Just as different stores have different price points for comparable products, domain name registrars each have their own pricing models. 

An illustration of a filing cabinet

Top-level domain (TLD)

The TLD is the part at the end that comes after a dot. They are sometimes colloquially referred to as domain extensions. Examples of TLDs include: 

  • .com
  • .net
  • .info
  • .org
  • .online
  • .icu
  • .shoes
  • .shopping
  • .computer
  • .fish
  • .agency
  • .ninja

 

Domain registrars price new domain registrations according to their TLD. Factors that affect TLD pricing include

  • Trendiness
  • Typical buyers 
  • Age
  • Availability

Domains with extensions like .io, .ia, and .tech are usually more expensive than those with the classic TLDs because tech companies use them most often. New registrations with classic TLDs are usually low cost, but the domain you want is more likely to be taken. 

The abbreviation TLD in the style of those bags that say thank you over and over again

Length of commitment

Most registrars offer different prices depending on the length of the domain registration. Registering your domain for more than one year at a time can save money in the long run. 

People shaking hands in front of a contract

Domain privacy

While providing personal information is required when registering a domain, you can make that information inaccessible to the public. This is called domain privacy or WHOIS privacy. Some registrars charge a fee for it, but Sav offers it for free. 

 

a padlock in front of text with several domain names

Website Hosting

Web hosting is the place where you store all your images, videos, files, and other website content. Think of it as a home for your website. Let’s say a user wants to view your website and types in the domain name in the browser. The user is then directed towards the web hosting server where all your website content is stored. Website builders typically offer hosting for free either from the same company or a partner. If you build your own website without a website builder, you’ll have to pay for a hosting plan. There are six types of website hosting: 

Shared Hosting

With shared hosting, your website is stored on the same server as multiple other websites. All domains on a shared hosting plan share the same RAM (Random Access Memory) and CPU (Central Processing Unit). Sharing these features makes shared hosting plans a low-cost choice for beginners. However, surges in traffic for other websites on your plan can affect the user experience on your website.

 

Two people with a lightbulb between their heads

 

Virtual Private Server (VPS) Hosting

A VPS hosting plan is a middle ground between a shared server and a dedicated server. With these plans, the website shares a physical server with other users, but have their own space on the server. VPS hosting is a great choice for someone who wants the benefits of their own server but doesn’t have the technical knowledge for it. 

A padlock with a person icon on it

Dedicated Server Hosting

With dedicated server hosting, your website is the only one on the server. It gives you complete control over your website hosting and is a great option for high traffic websites. However, dedicated server hosting is expensive and requires a lot of technical expertise. 

 

A line drawing of a server

 

Cloud Hosting

Cloud hosting works via a network and lets website owners use the computing resources like a utility. Cloud based hosting is scalable, so it lets you only pay for what you need. 

A cloud

Managed Hosting

With a managed hosting plan, the hosting company looks after the day to day management of the server. 

Colocation

Most hosting plans involve keeping your servers in-house or at a private data center. With colocation, you rent a space in a center with other servers. Colocation gives you more bandwidth at a lower cost. However, the center can’t help you if something goes wrong with your server. 

A long office building

Website Functionality

No matter which method you use to build your website, the more functions you want, the more money it will cost. Website functions can range from essential features that are central to your business to optional features geared towards improving user experience. Here are some website functions that can affect your pricing: 

E-commerce functions

Running an e-commerce website requires a variety of functions. An online store needs several design features for customers to find and purchase products. These include

  • Customer portals
  • Payment processing
  • Delivery options
  • Order fulfillment
  •  Inventory tracking
  • Order and shipment tracking

Features for e-commerce sites often require an advanced website builder plan. Hiring someone to build an e-commerce website can easily exceed $2,000.

A shopping cart on a blue background

Membership portals

A membership portal is a gated part of a website that only members can access. Having members-only content on your website can boost the credibility of your content, provide website visitors with a streamlined user experience, and grow loyalty in your customer base. A membership portal function can cost anything from $89 to $399 per year depending on the features and type of license.

A hand holding a card that says member

Subscription services

Setting up product or service subscriptions on your website requires specific functionality. These functions are available for Sav users with advanced and unlimited plans. Otherwise, subscription service integration apps like Bold Subscriptions start at $49.99 per month.

Arrows pointing to a dollar sign and a check mark circling around a calendar

Custom programming

Basic small business websites don't typically require much backend programming. Larger, more complex businesses might need more complex design elements for their sites. For example, web portals handle large amounts of information and provide customized access to different users. When you’re dealing with something this complex, it’s a good idea to hire a web developer. You can find web developers for short-term, specific projects like this on freelance work marketplaces like Upwork and Fiverr. 

A laptop with bubbles that read JS, HTML, PHP, CSS, CODE, and

SSL Certificate

An SSL certificate protects users’ information. It’s a necessity for any website that collects sensitive information from its visitors. Many website builders and hosting providers offer free SSL to their customers, but if you’re going the DIY route it can cost up to $200. 

A search bar that reads httpswww and a cursor clicking the magnifying glass button

Template or Theme

Using a template or theme is the easiest way to create appealing, professional visuals for your website. For website builders and custom wordpress websites, some themes are free, but premium themes cost money. A premium wordpress theme can cost up to $200. 

Minimalist graphic of a template

Website Content

Writing the website copy, taking photos and videos, and other content on your website are all things you can either do yourself or pay a professional for. Paying for all of it can cost up to $5,000. 

A graphic of a website with implied images and text

Apps and Integrations

Depending on the purpose of your website, you might need third party apps and integrations to create an easy user experience. These could be anything from a Google Maps integration to online booking. Many website builders have a series of integrations you can use for free. However, working outside of those or using integrations on a website built from scratch could cost money. Most premium plugins cost under $100. 

An icon labeled APP

Search Engine Optimization and Marketing

What good is having a website if no one can see it? You don’t need a huge marketing budget to pull it off. Optimizing your website for SEO and building a social media presence are free. Running basic digital marketing campaigns with social media, paid search, and email are low cost. 

A desktop computer with a target on it

Website Maintenance

The costs of a website don’t stop at building it. Website maintenance is an essential part of  your business.  It keeps your website functional and secure. When you’re mapping out your website building budget, be sure to account for website maintenance costs including: 

  • Fixing broken links
  • Patching CMS and server software issues
  • Quarterly testing of all website forms and e-commerce functions
  • Fixing security vulnerabilities
  • Regularly backing up the site

A computer with a gear and a wrench on-screen

 

Ways to Build a Website

There are three main ways to build a website: hire someone to do it for you, build it yourself, or use a website builder. How much you spend on each aspect of the website will depend on which method you use. For example, the website content could be free with a website builder but cost $5000 with a web designer. 

Hire a Web Designer

The first way to get your small business website built is to hire someone to build it for you. This could be a freelancer or a web design agency. The website development costs vary by the number of pages and complexity of the site. Here are some professional web design cost estimates by type of website:

 

Type of Website

Average Cost

Small business website (8 to 16 web pages)

$2,000 to $9,000

Large business website (25 to 75 web pages)

$10,000 to $35,000

E-commerce website (100 to 1,000 products)

$5,000 to $55,000

Database website (20 to 2,000 web pages)

$6,000 to $75,000

 

Pros of Hiring a Web Designer

  • Saves time
  • Results will be professional quality
  • The web designer can help you manage your website once it’s launched and recommend ideas you wouldn’t have thought of
  • A web designer can understand the perspective of a visitor who doesn’t already know your product
  • They can recommend ideas and help you avoid pitfalls you probably wouldn’t have thought of yourself

Cons of Hiring a Web Designer

  • Pricey
  • You might be too dependent on your web designer after the site launches if you don’t understand the technology yourself
  • You might have to pay again whenever you need to update or redesign your website

A person in nerd glasses working at a computer

Hire an Agency

Businesses that routinely tackle complex projects can benefit tremendously from hiring a professional web design agency. On top of handling advanced website designs, these agencies can also provide a wide range of services beyond the scope of web development.

Working with a web design agency can cost tens of thousands of dollars, which is why their client base consists mostly of large organizations. Depending on the size of the agency and the complexity of the project, the cost of hiring an agency can reach up to $100,000.

Pros of Hiring an Agency

  • Agencies have the resources to tackle complex projects.
  • They offer an all-in-one package that includes website design, maintenance, and SEO services.
  • They can help you define your marketing strategy.

Cons of Hiring an Agency

  • Their price point is out of reach for most small business owners.
  • They take longer to finish projects.
  • An agency is not going to prioritize a small project the same way an independent professional would

Three people working at an office

Build it From Scratch

If you have coding and website design skills, you could save money by going the DIY route. The most popular way to do so is building a Wordpress site. You’ll still need to spend money on:

Domain name

$10- $15 per year for registration at your preferred registrar (like Sav, for example). 

Website hosting service

Hosting costs: 

  • $100/year for a standard hosting plan from BlueHost or HostGator
  • $300- $500 for a more robust plan from hosting companies like WPengine or SiteGround

Premium plugins

Plugins can add a variety of additional features to your DIY website. Some plugins are free while others cost money. Use your judgment when you choose which ones to use, but don’t plan on getting by on free plugins alone. These could set you back $100-$200 depending on your website needs.

Pros of Building it Yourself

  • Save money compared to hiring a professional website designer or developer
  • Any changes or updates to your site after it launches can be made instantly.

Cons of Building it Yourself

  • It’s harder to make your website look professional if you’re not knowledgeable about web design trends
  • It takes a lot of time and effort
  • You’ll have to pay for more things than you would if you used a website builder

A wall of code

Use a Website Builder

Using a website builder is the most beginner-friendly website building method. With a website builder, you can create your own website with a professional, eye-catching look without breaking the bank or needing coding skills. Just choose a website template and drag and drop your content. The website builder will walk you through the process step by step. The best website builders are also flexible with your budget. Basic website builder memberships can cost under $5 per month. You pay more depending on the features your business needs. Some examples of website builders include: 

  • Sav
  • Wix
  • Squarespace
  • Shopify
  • Wordpress

Pros of Using a Website Builder

  • Save time and money
  • Templates make it easy for your site to look good
  • Different plans let you pay only for the features you need
  • Hosting is usually included
  • Easy to use even without coding knowledge

 

Cons of Using a Website Builder

  • Less customization that the other two methods
  • Limited control over the underlying structure

Four hands putting website elements in their places on a website

How to Plan and Estimate the Cost of Building a Website

Here are a few things you should ask yourself before you set a budget for building your website. 

1. Which features do you need?

Not all websites are created equal. A robust ecommerce store has more moving parts and takes more effort than a simple one-page website, so it will cost more money no matter which method you use to get it built. Website builders have different plans depending on which features you need. Storage amounts and ecommerce features are typically what makes the difference. 

Three different sized gears

2. How much time do you have? 

You can take more time and effort to save money or spend money to save time and effort. Think about which one is more valuable to you and your business. 

Time Running Out

3. What tech skills do you have?

The DIY route won’t be an option for most people who don’t work as web designers or programmers. Fortunately, website builders don’t require a lot of technical knowledge to operate. 

Tips to Save Money on Building a Website

Overspending while creating a website is very easy, and it could lead to your website’s downfall, even before it starts. That’s why it’s important to stay within your budget. Here are some tips that can help you:

Start Small 

Use free themes and plugins to begin and spend on premium stuff later as your website gets bigger.

Prioritize the Most Important Features

When you make your wish list of features, separate the ones that are nice to have from the ones that are essential to the functioning of your business. 

Clipboard with checklist

Focus on User Experience

When it comes to creating a smooth user experience for website visitors on all devices, simplicity is better. Paying for anything that ends up cluttering the user experience will be a waste of money later on. 

Don’t Pay for an SSL Certificate

Plenty of website builders and hosting providers offer free SSL certificates. There’s really no reason to pay for one.

Write Your Own Copy

If your website doesn’t have very complex copywriting needs, you can save money by writing your own website copy

Typing

Use Free Stock Photos

Even a simple website needs images. If you don’t have the skills and equipment to take your own, stock photos are the best option. Stock photos typically cost money, but you can find photos available for free use on sites like

Photography Website Featured

Use a Website Builder 

Website builders may have a higher upfront cost than building a website from scratch, but using one saves money because they include things like themes, hosting, and security. Website builders also offer free customer support to help you when things go wrong. Without one, you’d have to hire a developer to help you out. 

Tiny people dropping website design elements into place

Vet Third Parties Carefully

When it comes to any developers or designers you hire, third party apps you install, be sure to vet them carefully. You don’t want to pay the price for mistakes later on. Remember if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. 

A detective looking in a magnifying glass

How Much Does It Cost to Build a Website With Sav?

Sav is an affordable, easy to use website builder with plans that can fit any budget. All plans are billed annually after your 30 day trial or after you publish your site. Let’s break down what you get with each plan: 

Basic Plan ($2.49/Month)

Our basic plan may be our most affordable, but it doesn’t skimp on features that are central to running a small business website or a simple online store. 

Website Basics

  • Connect a Custom Domain
  • Library of Customizable Templates
  • Mobile Optimized Website
  • Free SSL Certificate
  • SEO Optimization
  • Google Analytics Integration
  • Unlimited Storage

Ecommerce Features

  • Up to 10 Products
  • 40+ Payment Methods Accepted
  • Sell Gift Certificates
  • Coupons, Sales, and Pricing Tiers
  • Multi-Currency Support
  • Real-Time Order and Shipment Tracking
  • Inventory Tracking and Low Stock Notifications
  • Share Products on Social Media
  • Sell Products on Facebook and Instagram
  • Automated Advertising at Google Shopping
  • Customer Accounts
  • 100 MB Max Egoods Size

Standard Plan ($9.95/Month)

If you sell more products that the basic plan can offer, the standard plan could be the right choice for you. It offers all of the features of the basic plan plus: 

  • Up to 100 Ecommerce Products
  • 100 MB Max E-Goods Size

Advanced Plan ($17.95/Month)

If your online store needs to be a little more sophisticated, check out the advanced plan. It offers everything in the basic and standard plans as well as: 

  • Up to 2500 Ecommerce Products
  • 1GB Max E-Goods Size
  • Product and Service Subscriptions
  • Sell on Amazon, Facebook & Instagram
  • Google Shopping Feeds
  • Abandoned Cart Recovery
  • Product Filters
  • Stock Control for Options & Product Combinations
  • E-Goods Download Protection
  • Multilingual Store
  • Affiliate Program
  • Remarketing with Google Analytics
  • Store Management App for iOS and Android
  • Automates Sales Tax
  • Order Editing
  • Billing IP Address Verification
  • Invoice Editing and Bulk Printing

What You Get With the Unlimited Plan ($39.95/Month)

If you accept nothing less than the best, our unlimited plan is for you. Get everything in our basic, standard, and advanced plans, plus:

  • Unlimited Products
  • 10GB E-Goods Max Size
  • Custom Group Discounts
  • Square Point of Sale Integration

Blue lines connecting over an outer space background

How Much Do Other Website Builders Cost? 

You may be thinking “Cool, but how does that stack up compared to the other website builders?” Good question! The cheapest monthly plan for each website builder is: 

Wix 

Wix categorizes its plans into website plans, business and ecommerce plans, and enterprise plans.

Website Plans:

$16

$22

$27

$45

 

Business and Ecommerce Plans:

$27

$32

$59

 

Enterprise Plans

Start at $500

GoDaddy 

$6.99

$13.99

$14.99

$29.99

Squarespace 

$14

$23

$27

$49

Shopify 

$29

$79

$299

Wordpress 

$5

$15

 

So, as you can see, Sav is the best website builder option for your wallet. 

Venn Diagram

Website Building Costs FAQs

How Much Does Managing a Website Cost Per Month?

The basic cost to maintain a website can be as little as $6 per month for a basic hosting service or as much as $1,500+ per month for managed website maintenance services. Also, factor in any extra subscription costs such as premium plug-ins or apps, as well as marketing costs.

How Much Does a Basic Website Cost?

A basic website can be built for under $100 if you do the bulk of the work yourself. That said, ‘basic’ is a relative term. A simple online store will be more expensive to develop and maintain, for example. For enterprises, it’s not unheard of to spend over $10,000 for a basic, yet fully custom-built website.

How Much Does an E-commerce Website Cost?

Like any website, the cost to build an ecommerce site can vary greatly, from $0 to over $10,000. The largest factor in how affordable or expensive your ecommerce site is to build is whether you build it yourself using a site builder or WordPress, or if you outsource it to a web development team. If you’re interested in building your own, check out the best ecommerce website builders.

Should I Build My Own Website or Pay Someone? 

It depends on whether you want to prioritize time or money. If you are cash-strapped, build the website yourself. On the other hand, paying a professional will save you a ton of time figuring out the basics of web development.

How Hard Is It to Build a Website?

It’s very easy to build a website using a SaaS tool such as Wix, Constant Contact, or Squarespace. Learning WordPress takes some more time, but the tradeoff is a greater degree of customization. In either case, you can build a simple website over the weekend.

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Building a website may have a lot of moving parts and associated costs, but with a low-cost, user-friendly website builder like Sav, you can save time and money without sacrificing quality. Start building with us today!

Luca Harsh

Luca Harsh

Luca Harsh is an in-house content writer for Sav. They live in Chicago with their cat, Polly. Yes, Harsh is their real last name.