Introduction
Businesses need online presence to get more customers, make their brand a household name, and get clientele from around the globe. Now, there are several ways to create an online presence. Of course, there is social media to connect with customers, but then, it is platform where accounts cannot be trusted at face value.
Therefore, businesses need to invest in a more reliable online presence than a social media handle, and that is where web design services come into play. They can help you create trustworthy websites that are both intriguing and engaging so that customers come and take the intended action.
As is the necessity with every decision to make while starting or running a business, you do need a plan and budget to get the ball rolling.
In this post, we would be covering the various facets of website design to help you determine if it is a good choice. Keep reading to learn more.
A Quick Overview of Websites and Why You Need Them
Before going any further, we must briefly define what a website is and then determine the reasons for having one.
What is a website?
A website is an online portal with a set of related web pages that are kept under a single domain name. These are typically produced by one person or organization. These interlinked pages are available publicly and generally revolve around a particular topic. There are several types of websites, depending on the reason for their creation. Currently, you are reading this blog on a website that offers key insights into the world of marketing. It was created by an organization that offers marketing and content optimization services.
Why Do Small Businesses Need Websites?
Now that you understand what a website is, let us discuss why small businesses need websites. Let’s start with a fact. Before making a purchasing decision, 70% of the people will research the company online. Having your own website online can help build trust among the users and give them relevant information so that they can make better decisions.
Here are some reasons to get a website as a small business
- A website offers you more opportunities to be discovered.
- It helps you build trust with your customers.
- The online platform will help you drive more sales and revenue.
- It helps you curate an email list for future promotions.
- It works as a digital brochure
- With appropriate content on the website, you can become a reliable source of information in your domain.
Websites work as a welcome mat to your organization that does not have a physical restriction. Whether you are in a small business located in a town in India or a big metropolitan city in the USA, websites help you reach the global audience in a way that puts your best foot forward.
The Cost of Web Design Services for Creating Websites
We can offer a ballpark for how much it should cost to create a website. However, the actual cost will depend on the company you choose.
Now, there are several factors that have an impact on the overall cost of building a website, which are listed below:
Web Design Services You Choose
A web design agency is among the bigger expenses that you would have when building a website. Depending on the type of website you want to create and the overall complexity of the website, the price will vary significantly.
The job can range anywhere between $2000 and $ 15,000. However, it is best to create a plan for your website, have a vision in mind and then head over to website design agencies to find the one that aligns with your business while being within your budget.
Ask for samples and previous works, along with quotes from these organizations, to find the ideal match for your brand.
Domain Name
Your online address is your domain name. Microsoft resides on https://www.microsoft.com, and Google resides on https://www.google.com. So, ideally, Woosper should reside on https://www.woosper.com as it does. Domains can cost you anywhere between $0.99 to $60 per year. There are some domain names that cost even more, but it truly depends on the company name you have chosen.
Frankly, if you are a small business just starting out, choose your name based on the domain availability. It will help you reduce the cost of this endeavour significantly. There is a renewal cost, generally yearly, that you should add to your budget.
To browser names, head over to GoDaddy, HostGator, or Dreamhost.
Size and Complexity of the Website
You can choose to create a website with limited pages, as around 20 that link to each other, or have a more extensive itinerary that includes over 100 or even 1000s of pages. Depending on the size and overall complexity of the website, the cost of creating the website will vary.
Website Hosting
Another thing to pay for is web hosting services. It is the power company that lets your website have light. Web hosting services are responsible for keeping your website available on the internet and it can cost anywhere between $10 to $200 per month.
Now, small businesses generally do not have as much traffic, so they can opt for hosting plans that cater to their current clientele and can scale with the business growth.
Content Management System
A Content Management System (CMS) can cost you anywhere between $3000 to $10000. It is essential for your business as it lets your team create, manage, and update website content without any coding knowledge.
SSL Certification
SSL certification can cost up to $1500 per year and is there to protect your website and your clientele’s data. It offers your customers more trust and allows search engines to rank websites with SSL certifications higher.
Some hosting services can offer a package that comes with SSL certification. Or you can choose to buy one for that added safety.
Functionality of the Website
Want to have online payment, reservations bookings, or other functionalities on your website, it would probably cost you more to create such platform.
Small businesses can spend anywhere between $1000 to $48000 to create a website for their business. However, the work is not complete after the website is complete. Then, there are maintenance services and you would want to revamp it from time to time, to get the best outcome from them.
What are the Different Types of Websites?
So, what type of website do you need? This is a question that you need to ask yourself as a business. Let us define the various types of websites that you can find online so you can determine the type that makes sense for your brand.
- A small business website that briefly mentions their services in a single or a few pages.
- Portfolio website that lists your previous projects and gives your visitors the option to book your services.
- Non-profit websites are aimed at collecting donations and letting people who need assistance contact the relevant executives.
- Blogging websites are specifically focused on educating users on a particular topic.
- Personal websites are generally for celebrities and influencers who want to connect with their audience.
- E-Commerce websites are made to sell products or services online.
- Niche websites are made to target users and build a community that is interested in your services.
- Magazines and News websites are where journalists can submit content pieces.
- Forum websites, where users can build communities to talk about their interests.
- Wiki websites are made to be digital encyclopedias where the information comes from users and is published on the website.
- Membership websites where users can get access to private content through subscriptions.
Some Tips to Optimize Budgets on Website Development for Small Businesses
Well, you can choose to keep certain elements, and remove the others to come to a pricing that makes the most sense for you. Of course, you have the option of creating a simple website to begin with, and then made additions to it for better results.
However, it is best not to compromise on the quality of the website as that could lead to lower revenue.
Here are some additional costs to consider that will assist you in your journey:
Add-Ons and Plugins
There are plugins to create contact forms, testimonials, tables, and more on the website. These can be free or paid. So, researching them can be a good choice.
SEO Services
Making the website is not enough. You need to market it as well. It can be through various online portals. All the organic activities that you can do to promote your business come under search engine optimization services.
Generally, this responsibility falls on your digital marketing company
Social Media Marketing
Small businesses do need to look at more organic ways to promote their brands. This is where social media marketing for small businesses comes into play. The online platforms are free, you can even monetize them if you are successful.
However, the best part is that it is one of the best places to promote your services make yourself visible. Ultimately, the profile will lead to your website, where users can perform their intended actions.
Web Design Services – Giving Your Business the Push it Needs
Small businesses of 2024 must invest in web design services because they can help them reach heights that are otherwise unattainable. However, if you end up making a website that gives a bad impression, then it is worse than having no website.
It is time to start planning for your business future. Get in touch with us today to discuss your vision and get a quote today.
FAQ
How much does a web designer cost?
On average, a web designer can cost anywhere between $30 to $200 per hour based on their experience in the field.
What are custom web design services?
Custom web design services include creating a unique website to meet the client's expectations, reflect their brand, and meet the needs of their target audience.
