How Much Should You Spend on Building a Website?
If someone is offering you a deal that sounds too good to be true, do some shopping around before you commit. On average, simple websites range from the hundreds into the thousands — but a lot goes into this calculation, so read on.
Own Your Domain
Don’t let anyone own your web property. Some services will manage “everything” for you, but this could mean that, at the end of the day, you don’t own your own site identity. It’s better in the long run to pay whatever it costs to own your domain.
Hosting
Every site has to live somewhere, so you need a host, and there are lots of them — Blue Hosts, Site Ground, Hostgator, Go Daddy, and the list goes on.
Full Access
Always make sure that you have complete ownership and full access to everything regarding your website. No exceptions!
Danger of “Free” Sites via GoDaddy or other Hosts
Some providers will offer you a free website, but will charge you on the back end a large monthly fee for hosting. This is problematic.
Hidden Costs of YoY subscription costs
Year over year, you end up paying tenfold the value of that free website. Remember, a deal that is too good to be true probably is.
Buying only what you need
If you need a simple identity on the web, you don’t need a massive website. Especially if you’re local to one city or metro area.
Larger content builds drive up costs
If you need a more complex site with dozens or hundreds of content pages, be prepared to pay a lot more than your friend with the 10-page website. That’s normal and fine. Just keep in mind, it’s about buying what you need, not what you want.
Chances are, neither you nor your users will find much value in a stylistically complicated overthought website. In the world of design, one maxim rules — “Don’t make me think.”
If your website is a head scratcher, you’re already losing money on it.
