How Much Should A Full Website Design Cost In 2023?

It's time to build your first website for your brand or business and there is no doubt it's an exciting journey! But before you dive into the vast world of website design and development, you're probably thinking, "How much is this shiny new online thing going to cost me?" The answer to this common question isn't straightforward.

The cost of website design varies massively depending on multiple different factors. You have to consider the type of website you need (what purpose does it serve), who's building it, how you're paying for it, and what tools, frameworks and tech stack are being utilized.

For instance, a simple few-page brochure website can cost anywhere from $150 to $2500, while a medium-sized website can range from $3000 to $10,000. On the other hand, a large and complex corporate website can cost anywhere from $10,000 to $65,000 and sometimes even more.

In this post, we'll delve into the nitty-gritty of website design costs - different factors that impact the price and additional expenses to keep in mind. Whether you're a small business or a large corporation, we'll provide you with the insights you need to determine the right budget for your website development project.

Factors affecting the cost of website design

Type of website

The type of website you want to build is one of the most important factors affecting the cost of building a website. For example, a small brochure type of website, which typically features a few pages and minimal functionality (such as a contact form and social media buttons integration), can cost anywhere from $150 to $2500.

On the other hand, a medium-sized website, which typically has more pages and custom functionality (like e-commerce, appointment booking, learning management system (LMS)), can cost anywhere from $3000 to $10,000. And if you're looking to build a large and complex corporate website with a robust back end, you can expect to pay anywhere from $10,000 to $65,000.

Who builds the website

The cost of website design can also be influenced by the person or entity responsible for developing it. For instance, if you opt for the services of a freelance web designer, you are likely to spend significantly less compared to hiring a reputable web design agency located in your area of living. However, if you choose to work with an offshore company, you might be able to save even more compared to both freelancers and local web design agencies.

The reason why agencies often have higher prices is that they have a wealth of experience, resources, and skills, which often translates to a better quality output. Additionally, some offshore companies offer lower prices due to the lower cost of living in their country. However, there are several aspects to consider such as time zones and communication difficulties before deciding to work with an offshore company. As a result, this option might not be suitable for every business.

Payment structure

The cost of your website design, can be greatly influenced by the payment plan you opt for. Imagine this - if you decide to settle for a flat fee web design package, the full cost will have to be paid at once, which could be quite overwhelming, especially for those with limited finances. However, if you choose to spread the cost over time, by subscribing to monthly web design packages, you'll only have to part with a smaller amount each month, for a set period.

This flexible payment option, we might add, can make budgeting for your website design a much more manageable and stress-free process, allowing you to avoid any financial difficulties. In essence, with monthly web design packages, you'll have the benefit of spreading the cost over time, thereby enabling you to plan your budget with ease.

If you are interested in a flat fee web design service, check out our affordable website design packages.

Tools and frameworks

And, last but not least, the cost of website design can also be influenced by the technology and tools employed in its creation. You see, constructing a straightforward static HTML website, for instance, will likely come at a lower cost compared to building a site using a page builder platform such as Wix or Squarespace.

On the other hand, designing a CMS website using WordPress, while more expensive than a static HTML site, will likely still be cheaper than a custom-coded website that utilizes the latest technology framework such as NextJS, NuxtJS, Svelte and others. And if you're looking to build an e-commerce website, using a platform like Shopify may cost more than a CMS site, but still less than a custom-coded from scratch e-commerce website.

Therefore, the tools and technology used can have a significant impact on the final cost of website design.

Cost of doing your own website design

The choice of whether to go the DIY route or seek professional help for website design is a crucial one that requires careful consideration of all the variables at play. From the outset, it may appear that taking on the challenge of designing a website yourself can save you money and lead to a more personalized result. Yet, as you delve deeper into the intricacies of website creation, you soon realize that it's not just about putting some text, images and boxes online.

The art of website design encompasses so much more - from user experience to technical considerations like search engine optimization, security, and performance. The complexity of website design means that, unless you're a seasoned pro, it can be an overwhelming task that can consume an enormous amount of time and energy. In fact, trying to navigate the labyrinthine world of website design on your own can prove more costly and time-consuming in the long run than engaging the services of a professional.

Do-it-yourself website builders may offer a quick and inexpensive solution, but they can also impose limitations on customization, design and functionality that can lead to a generic, uninspiring website. A professional web designer, on the other hand, has the expertise to create a custom website that is tailored to your unique business needs, while also ensuring that it's aesthetically pleasing, user-friendly, and technically sound.

Additional costs to consider

Marketing

One key factor to consider is marketing. Whether you're looking to drive traffic to your website through search engines like Google or Bing, social media, or other online platforms, marketing is a crucial component of your website's success. From writing compelling copy to designing eye-catching graphics, marketing expenses can add up quickly.

Content creation

Content creation is another cost to keep in mind. Whether it's writing articles or scripts, creating videos, or developing custom illustrations, content is king in today's digital landscape. However, producing high-quality content can be time-consuming and expensive. Hiring a professional content creator or copywriter can be a wise investment to ensure that your website's content is of the highest caliber.

SEO

Search engine optimization (SEO) is another important component of a website's success that adds to the overall cost. Whether it's optimizing your website for specific niche keywords, creating high-quality backlinks for reputable sources, or using Google Analytics to track your website's visitors' stats, SEO can be a complex and time-consuming process.

However, a well-optimized website can no doubt drive traffic, improve rankings, and boost conversions, making it a crucial investment for any business.

Domain and hosting

When it comes to building an online presence for your business, your website's domain name and web hosting play a crucial role. The selection of the right domain registrar service and web hosting provider is paramount to the success and accessibility of your website.

Opting for a bargain-basement shared hosting solution, where your website is housed on a server shared with numerous other sites, may seem like a cost-effective measure, however, it can have significant consequences. Such a setup may result in sluggish website performance and a loss of potential visitors due to prolonged loading times. It is advisable to choose a reputable web hosting provider, and if budget permits, investing in a dedicated server could pay dividends in the long run.

While dedicated servers may come with a heftier price tag compared to shared hosting, it is a worthwhile investment for ensuring the longevity and reliability of your online presence.

Responsive design

Incorporating a multi-device responsive design into your website is an additional expenditure to take into account. In today's ever-evolving digital landscape, an increasing number of individuals are accessing the internet via their mobile phones and tablets. Hence, it's imperative to guarantee that your website offers an optimized experience across all devices.

Crafting a responsive layout and integrating touch-responsive navigation involves a challenging and demanding procedure that requires a significant investment of time and effort.

E-commerce functionality

When it comes to infusing your website with e-commerce capabilities, you should be prepared to confront a plethora of expenses that range from the costs of the e-commerce platform to any personalized functionalities that you may desire (such as automated payments and others). The task of managing a product catalog, handling order fulfillment, and the like, demands both a formidable financial outlay and a substantial investment of time.

Simply put, running an e-commerce website is not a feat for the faint of heart and requires a substantial commitment of resources.

Website maintenance

The expense of website upkeep is a persistent reality to consider in the realm of online presence. From rectifying glitches, upgrading software, to fortifying the security of your website, maintenance is a vital ingredient to guaranteeing the thriving success of your online facade.

Engaging a team of professional web developers can assist in keeping your website modernized, secure, and operating at peak performance, thereby reducing the risk of costly downtime and ensuring the longevity of your online presence.

Conclusion

In summing up, the cost of a comprehensive website design can fluctuate greatly, with several determining elements such as the type of the website, the party responsible for its creation, the method of payment, and the technology and framework utilized. When finalizing a web design deal, it's imperative to account for the supplementary expenses that come with it, like advertising, content production, SEO, web hosting, SSL certificates, and ongoing website maintenance.

Although taking the DIY route may appear enticing, it's crucial to assess the amount of time, energy, and potential expenses involved in crafting a professional website. Enlisting the help of a web design company or an independent contractor can conserve time and aid in the creation of a website that fits your exclusive requirements and objectives.

Keep in mind that a website is a crucial investment for your business, it should be treated as such. A well-designed website can establish your online presence, draw in customers, and ultimately propel the growth of your business. Don't hesitate to invest in your website and make it the best it can be!