Behind every successful business lies a well-designed website. Great websites rank higher on search engines, generate more traffic, and convert users into customers.
That being said, building a website is easier said than done. If you’re just starting out, the thought of paying for a website can feel daunting.
What are the costs? What elements need to be included? Who will design it?
Stick with us to learn how much it will cost to design a website you’re proud of.
Web Design Costs: Overview
Whether you choose to design a website yourself, hire a freelancer, or work with an agency, your web design cost may range from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand dollars. The key elements that affect web design pricing are:
Website Type
The type of business website impacts the amount of money you’ll invest. An e-commerce website will need shopping cart features and customer relationship management (CRM) tools. In comparison, a simple service-based business will need fewer components.
Usability and Navigation
All websites should be mobile-friendly, fast-loading, and easy to navigate. More complex websites will warrant higher design costs. This pertains to websites with multiple products, online forms, and customer service tools.
Design and Customization
When it comes to designing a website, there are two options:
- Pre-built templates
- Fully-custom designs
A pre-built template will be cheaper but may also look boring and unpolished. A fully-custom design is pricier but provides a better opportunity to distinguish your brand.
Search Engine Optimization
Websites that don’t rank also don’t convert. Search engine optimization (SEO) plays an essential role when you design a website. The prices will depend on whether or not you hire an expert.
Quality Content
Throughout the years, Google’s placed an emphasis on quality website content. The price of content writing also varies, which we’ll cover in the next section.
Top Web Design Methods
The top web design methods consist of:
- Do-it-yourself (DIY)
- Hiring freelancers
- Working with an agency
Here’s a breakdown of the common costs associated with each method.
1. DIY
DIY is the cheapest option in our guide and includes these website design prices:
- Domain name: $9-$15 per year
- Web hosting platform: $5-$12 per month
- SSL certificate: $0-$200 per year
- Website template:$30-$300 per year
- SEO: $0-$100 per year
The average DIY price range is $45-$630 per year.
2. Freelancers
If you’re looking for median prices, hiring a freelancer may be the right fit for you. The average costs of hiring web design freelancers include:
- Website design: $30-$60 per hour
- Website development: $60-$80 per hour
- SEO:$30-$70 per hour
- Content writing: $20-$50 per hour
The final cost will depend on the number of hours worked and the services used.
3. Web Design Agencies
The best way to ensure success is to let the experts design your website for you. Common services and pricing include:
- Website design and development: $1,000-$100,000+ total price
- SEO: $500-$50,000+ per month
- Content marketing: $1,000-$50,000+ per month
Your business type and website size will impact the total amount.
Design a Website That Lasts
A well-designed website will stand the test of time and embody your brand. The average cost to design a website will be based on the method you chose, the elements you need, and your overall business goals.
Explore the rest of our content for more tips and tricks to start earning money online today!