How Much Does a Website Cost To Build in 2024? A Comprehensive Guide

By Garima Singh | February 19, 2024 8:31 am

In the digital era, having a website is no longer a luxury but a necessity for businesses, professionals, and creatives alike. Whether you're looking to launch a personal blog, a portfolio, or an eCommerce platform, understanding the nuances of how to make a website and the costs involved is crucial. The landscape of website creation has evolved, with a plethora of website builders offering user-friendly interfaces that simplify the web development process.

However, the cost of creating a website can vary significantly based on several factors, including the choice of website builder, the complexity of design, and the functionalities required. This guide aims to demystify the costs associated with building a website providing you with a comprehensive overview of pricing so you can budget effectively for your online presence.

How much does it cost to make a website?

The cost of making a website can range from virtually free to several thousand dollars. At the most basic level, using a free website builder with provided templates and hosting can get you started without any upfront cost. However, for a more professional and customized website, expenses can include domain registration, web hosting, design, content management systems (CMS), SSL certificates, e-commerce functionality, apps, and marketing tools.

Typically, a basic website might cost between $100 to $500 to set up, with ongoing costs of around $50 to $100 per month for hosting, domain renewal, and basic maintenance. More sophisticated websites, especially e-commerce and custom-designed sites, can run between $5,000 and $10,000 or more for initial development, with higher ongoing costs for advanced features and functionalities.

Create a Website

What factors influence the cost to build a website?

Several key factors can significantly influence the overall cost of building a website. Understanding these factors will help you make informed decisions and select the right tools and services that match your budget and website goals.

Website Builder

Using a website builder like Appy Pie can be a cost-effective way to create a website, with many offering free basic plans and premium plans ranging from $10 to $50 per month.

Website Design & Interface

Custom website design and user interface work can add to the cost, especially if hiring a professional designer or developer.

Web Hosting

Hosting costs vary widely, from shared hosting plans at around $3 to $10 per month to dedicated hosting services that can cost over $100 per month.

Domains

Registering a domain name typically costs between $10 to $20 per year, though premium domains can be much more expensive.

Templates

While many website builders offer free templates, premium website templates can cost anywhere from $30 to $200 as a one-time purchase.

CMS

Using a content management system like WordPress.org requires hosting but offers extensive customization options, with costs depending on themes, plugins, and development.

SSL

Securing your website with an SSL certificate is often included with hosting packages, though standalone certificates can range from free to over $100 per year.

E-commerce Functionality

Adding e-commerce capabilities to your website can increase costs significantly, with e-commerce specific plans ranging from $20 to $300 per month.

Apps and Integrations

Adding functionality through apps or integrations can incur additional costs, depending on the complexity and provider.

Marketing

Budgeting for website marketing, including SEO, content marketing, and paid advertising, is crucial for attracting visitors and can vary greatly in cost.

How much does a website cost with a website builder?

Using a website builder is often the most straightforward and cost-effective method for creating a website, particularly for those wondering how to make a website without extensive technical knowledge. Website builders like Appy Pie offer a range of pricing plans to suit different needs and budgets.

Basic Website

A simple website with a few pages and basic functionality designed by a freelancer may cost between $1,000 to $5,000.

Small Business Website

Small business websites with custom design, CMS, and additional functionalities like contact forms or photo galleries can range from $5,000 to $10,000.

E-commerce Website

E-commerce sites, with custom design, product databases, and payment processing, can start from $10,000 and go up to $50,000 or more, depending on the number of products and the complexity of the features.

Large Business or Custom Web Application

For large businesses or custom web applications requiring extensive design, custom development, and unique features, costs can start at $50,000 and go up significantly. Working with professionals not only increases upfront costs but also typically involves ongoing costs for maintenance, updates, and potential redesigns.

How much does a website cost per website type?

The type of website you plan to build can significantly affect the overall cost, primarily due to the varying features and functionalities each type requires.

Blog Website

Starting a blog can be relatively inexpensive, especially with a blog website builder or a CMS like WordPress. Costs can range from $100 to $1,000 for setup, including hosting and a domain name, with ongoing costs around $5 to $30 per month for hosting and domain renewal.

eCommerce Website

Online stores require more functionality, including payment processing, product management, and security features. Using platforms like Shopify or WooCommerce for WordPress, setup costs can range from $500 to $5,000, with monthly costs between $29 to $299 for platform fees, hosting, and apps.

Event Website

For websites promoting events, costs can vary from $500 to $3,000 for design and development, with ongoing costs for hosting and domain renewal. Many opt for event website builders due to their built-in functionalities and lower cost.

Portfolio Website

For creatives looking to showcase their work, portfolio websites can be built for $100 to $2,000 using website builders or WordPress, with minimal ongoing costs for hosting and domain fees.

What to Know Before You Start Building a Website

Before diving into the world of website creation, it’s crucial to lay a solid foundation by addressing several key questions. These considerations will not only help streamline the process but also ensure your website effectively meets its intended purpose and reaches the right audience.

What is the purpose of your website? Identifying the primary goal of your website—whether it’s to sell products, showcase a portfolio, or provide information—will guide your design and functionality decisions.

Who is your target audience? Understanding who you are building the website for helps tailor the content, design, and user experience to meet their needs and expectations.

What kind of website do you want to build? The type of website (e.g., eCommerce, blog, portfolio) influences the platform you choose, the features you need, and ultimately, the cost of development.

What domain name should you choose? Your domain name should be memorable, easy to spell, and reflect your brand. Consider using .com, .net, or a more specific domain extension that fits your industry.

What web hosting provider should you choose? Select a reliable hosting provider that offers the performance, support, and scalability your website will need as it grows.

What website builder or content management system (CMS) should you use? Choose a platform based on your technical skills, budget, and specific needs. Popular options include Appy Pie’s Website Builder.

What kind of content should you include on your website? Plan your content strategy to ensure your website communicates your message effectively and engages your audience.

How will you promote your website? Consider SEO, social media marketing, email marketing, and paid advertising to drive traffic and achieve your website’s goals.

Website Cost FAQs

How much does a website redesign cost?

A website redesign can vary greatly in cost, from a few hundred dollars for minor cosmetic changes using a website builder to several thousand dollars for a comprehensive redesign by a professional agency. Factors such as the complexity of the existing site, the extent of the changes, and the rates of the designers or developers will dictate the final cost.

How much do websites typically cost?

The cost of a website can range from almost free for a basic DIY website using a website builder to $5,000-$10,000 for a professionally designed small business website. Large, complex websites, especially eCommerce sites, can cost anywhere from $10,000 to $50,000 or more.

How much does it cost to keep a small website running?

The ongoing costs for a small website typically include web hosting, domain renewal, and possibly fees for any premium services or subscriptions, such as professional email or premium plugins. On average, you might expect to pay $5 to $50 per month to keep a small website running.

Do you have to pay monthly to have a website?

While some costs are billed monthly, such as web hosting or subscription plans for website builders, other expenses like domain registration and some plugins or themes are often billed annually. Depending on your setup, you may have a mix of monthly and annual fees.

What’s the difference between web design and development?

Web design focuses on the aesthetic and usability aspects of a website, including layout, color schemes, and user experience. Web development, on the other hand, involves the actual coding and functionality of the website, turning the design into a working site. Both are crucial for a successful website but require different skills and expertise.

Garima Singh