How much does it cost to hire someone to build a website for a small business?

If you're looking into marketing your company online or want to know more about what it takes to launch an effective digital presence on the web, then you've come to the right place! We'll be taking a look at some potential costs associated with building websites for businesses as well as some ways to figure out if they are actually worth investing in.

We're going to start by talking about the basics of creating a new site from scratch so we can better understand what's involved in doing this work yourself. Then, we'll get into some details specific to different types of sites (eCommerce vs. informational), the various components of each type, and how those items break down. Finally, we'll take a closer look at how much it might cost to do all this work yourself, and compare that to paying somebody else to do it instead.

To begin, let's talk about the basic elements involved when designing a new website. When deciding whether to use a template or create something from scratch, there are two key things to consider:

The number of pages  (or "pages") required for your site

The complexity of the content within each page

Let's say you have a product-based eCommerce store where you sell widgets. Your customers will see a landing page with photos and information about what a widget looks like before they click through to buy one. Once they purchase their widget, the customer gets sent directly to another page with additional images of the widget being used in everyday life -- perhaps even including pictures of people using them. And finally, once the customer has bought multiple widgets, he/she may need to navigate away from the main menu and go back to that first landing page again. The point here is that these three pages aren't necessarily complex in terms of data entry requirements but require lots of navigation between them. So while a single webpage could easily fit 4 or 5 pages of content, having 10 or 15 separate ones isn't ideal either.

Now imagine you had a very popular blog about gardening. You'd likely only need a few pages of text and graphics, maybe 3 - 5 total depending on how many posts you wanted to write. However, the same goes for informational sites too. If you were planning on writing several articles about topics like SEO, email marketing, social media management, etc., a lot fewer pages would probably suffice. It really depends on the kind of content you plan to provide on your site.

So now we've got our baseline idea of what makes up a good website. How big does it need to be? Let's take a moment to think about how often your visitors will return to your site after they arrive. Do you expect most users to stay on the home page for just a little bit and browse around? Or do you hope they'll stick around until they find exactly what they came searching for? For example, if you run a restaurant and have a listing on Google Maps, chances are you want to make sure your customers can find you no matter which direction they enter your search term. But if you own a boutique clothing line, you don't need to worry so much about getting found since your target audience knows where everything is already.

In order to determine how large your site needs to be, add together the estimated numbers of visits per day multiplied by how long someone typically stays on your site. Obviously, you shouldn't count every single person who happens to land on your homepage as a visitor, but rather focus on those who spend time browsing throughout your site.

For example, let's assume your average user spends 2 minutes reading an article on your foodie blog before moving onto a related post. That means during any given 24 hour period, roughly 100 people visit your blog. Now multiply that by 60 seconds per minute, which gives us 6 hours of browsing time per day. Multiply that by 365 days a year for 12 months = 990 daily visits. Add 6 hours x 30 minutes per half hour = 18 hours spent on your site over those 12 months. Divide that by 86400 (24 * 7) = 16.6, rounded off to 17. This is the average length of time visitors spend browsing your site. As such, we can safely estimate that your average site requires anywhere from 600 - 700 pages to accommodate every visitor.

Next, lets see how much it might cost to build a website. There are numerous options available from third party companies like Squarespace and Wix to DIY platforms like WordPress.com and Blogger. They differ greatly in terms of functionality and ease of use, plus cost. Here's a quick rundown of some common features to keep in mind:

Customization & Design: Most DIY solutions allow you to customize your site via drag&drop templates, however this doesn't mean you should choose a free theme. While free themes often offer plenty of customization features, a professional designer will always give you more flexibility than simply choosing a color scheme. A quality designer can also help ensure your site fits seamlessly into your brand identity. In addition, they can improve usability by optimizing loading speeds and improving mobile friendliness.

Content Management System (CMS): Some DIY tools feature built-in CMSs, allowing you to update and manage content without needing to rely on a developer. Others still include drag&drop editors, letting you upload custom HTML code and tweak layout settings. Still others may not support editing at all, limiting you to uploading static files. Keep in mind that a good CMS will also be able to integrate with analytics software and provide access to APIs for integration with external services like MailChimp, Shopify, Facebook Ads Manager, and more.

Security Features: Many DIY systems lack robust security measures, meaning hackers will have easy access to your personal info. On top of that, some may automatically delete old files without warning or notify you about potentially dangerous issues. Make sure you pick a platform that offers multi-factor authentication, malware protection, and backup capabilities. Also, be aware that some hosting providers limit the amount of bandwidth you can consume, especially if you're running anything more advanced than a blogging platform.

Cost Breakdown

Here's an overview of typical prices broken down by service level:

Basic Website $10-$20 / Month Medium Website $25-$50 / Month Premium Website $75-$100+ / Month

As you can see, DIY sites tend to fall somewhere in the middle range whereas premium offerings can cost upwards of $500 per month. Of course, none of these estimates account for ongoing maintenance fees, domain registration costs, or technical support. Plus, you won't receive updates to existing plugins or apps unless you upgrade to the next tier. These extra expenses can quickly eat up savings made elsewhere.

It's possible to save money by working with a freelance developer or agency, though. Depending on the size of your project and how hands-on you wish to be, you might be able to negotiate lower rates. Another option is to partner with a freelancer who specializes in developing websites. You can usually find reliable developers via crowdsourcing platforms like Upwork and Fiverr.

Lastly, you may decide to skip building your own site altogether and opt for a hosted solution instead. Hosting services like WordPress.org, GitHub Pages, and SquareSpace all allow you to set up your own site and host it on their servers. You can then install your favorite CMS on top of that and control your entire experience.

When comparing hosting plans, keep in mind that certain features vary based on the provider you select. For instance, some hosts offer unlimited storage space for your uploaded files and backups, while others cap file sizes and restrict bandwidth usage. Also, some companies may charge extra for certain features like SSL certificates, dedicated IP addresses, or geo targeting.

Overall, this guide was meant to highlight the differences between DIY and premium solutions. Hopefully it helped clear up any confusion surrounding what's included in standard packages and how they stack up against one another. Next, we'll examine some of the major considerations when selecting a website builder.

How much is the cost of 1 website?

What is a website worth for my business?

How much does it cost to pay someone to build a simple website?

Whether you're just getting started with your own business or already have one running, having a good-looking online presence is essential if you want people to find out more about you — especially potential customers who might be looking at buying from you. But while there are plenty of free tools like Google's Page Creator that let you set up a basic site in minutes, they don't offer all the features you'll need to make sure your new website looks professional and sells well.

At first glance, building a website that can help sell products will seem expensive, but once you've got everything done, you may discover that designing and setting up a custom website isn't as difficult or time consuming as it sounds. In this article we'll explain why creating your own website could save money over using a third party service -- and also what costs to expect when working with a web designer.

How much would it cost to build a simple website?

Before starting work on any type of project, whether it's a DIY home improvement job or a full scale redesign for a company, you should always do some research into how long the task will take so you know when you'll see results. If your goal is simply to get something up quickly without worrying too much about aesthetics, then a free tool like Google Pages Creator makes sense. But if you want something beautiful and functional, then read on!

To figure out how much it'd cost you to build a basic website, you'll probably need to consider several different variables:

The number of pages you plan to include

What kind of content (textual vs images) each page includes

The complexity of navigation between those pages

If you want to add video or audio files to your website

Do you want to integrate social media buttons to promote your posts

All these things factor into the overall budget, which means you won't necessarily pay the same amount no matter how many hours you spend on a single website. On average, though, you can expect to pay somewhere around $100-$200/hour depending on your skill level and experience. Keep in mind, however, that prices vary greatly based on location. For example, most freelance writers report paying anywhere from $25-$50/hr, while designers typically command higher rates since their skillsets require specialized knowledge.

For smaller projects such as blogs, eBooks, and even landing pages, you can usually get away with doing it yourself. However, larger sites often benefit from being designed by professionals because certain elements (such as graphics, layout, and usability) aren't easy to pick up on unless you understand them deeply. When you rely on outside expertise, you'll likely end up spending less than if you try to recreate those aspects on your own. This is true for both large companies and small businesses alike.

Of course, there are exceptions where outsourcing is required, but generally speaking, you shouldn't count on saving any money by going DIY. You'll still need to learn HTML and CSS, after all.

How much should you charge someone to build a website?

A lot depends on how experienced you are, how much you value your time, and how skilled your team members are. It's impossible to give exact numbers here, but below are three general guidelines to keep in mind:

Most freelancers recommend charging anywhere from $300-$600 per hour depending on your marketability and reputation. The best way to decide on a fair rate is to ask others in your industry for estimates.

For instance, I recently asked a few graphic designers asking for quotes to build my blog post. Here were the responses I received:

$70/hr - $150/hr

$500/week - $1,000/week

This doesn't mean you should never go underpriced, either. Sometimes clients feel pressured to cut corners to avoid wasting money. And sometimes, you may not be able to afford to deliver high quality services right now due to financial constraints. So rather than rush through a subpar job, you can instead negotiate on price until you reach a mutually agreeable agreement.

Another thing to remember is that hourly rates rarely cover the total cost of developing a website. After factoring in overhead expenses like office space rent, electricity bills, insurance premiums etc., you'll actually come out ahead if you're willing to invest in a better product. That said, if you're planning to launch a brand new site, it's important to establish a baseline before adding additional features. Otherwise, you risk losing existing traffic and sales.

Can a web developer be an entrepreneur?

While it certainly helps to have a background in coding, there's nothing wrong with learning on the fly. Many successful entrepreneurs began their careers as developers, including Mark Zuckerberg, Bill Gates, Steve Jobs, Larry Ellison, and Richard Branson. Entrepreneurship requires self-motivation and discipline, two traits you can easily cultivate with practice and training.

As far as technical skills go, a degree in computer science is definitely beneficial. Even if you lack formal education, however, you can still study websites on YouTube or Udemy. There are also countless books, courses, and seminars available for purchase that teach every aspect of programming – from beginner tutorials to advanced topics like JavaScript development.

In addition, you'll need to think critically about the types of tasks you want to delegate to a contractor. While you can handle writing copy and editing videos, you'll struggle with SEO and analytics. Asking a programmer to implement conversion tracking code will only confuse him or her since he or she has zero understanding of marketing. Instead, look for experts who specialize in specific areas.

Finally, you should check references before signing on anyone. Ask friends and colleagues if they'd recommend the person you're considering. Also, search online for reviews left by previous clients. Finally, don't forget to ask questions during contract negotiations. A solid relationship built on trust will ensure you receive top quality work and prompt follow-up.

Can a developer become entrepreneur?

It's possible to transition into entrepreneurship after years spent honing your craft as a software engineer. Of course, becoming an expert in all things digital takes a significant investment of time and resources. Once you master the basics, however, you'll start seeing opportunities everywhere.

Instead of focusing solely on your current client base, you'll begin attracting new ones thanks to word of mouth recommendations. With enough traction, you'll eventually be able to grow your business beyond its initial scope. And if you ever run low on cash, you can always turn to crowdfunding platforms like Kickstarter to raise funds for future endeavors.

Even if you choose to stay as an employee, you can use your skillset to complement your employer's goals. Some employers prefer contractors who can write marketing materials, perform data analysis, or provide customer support. Others appreciate programmers who can automate processes and improve productivity. Whatever your role, you'll gain valuable insight into the inner workings of your company and get a chance to contribute to its success.

So next time you're thinking about launching a new app, book, or clothing line, keep in mind that you can often achieve similar results without breaking the bank. Just because you're a startup doesn't mean you have to break the bank.

The average annual salary in the US is $50k (£46k). That's a lot of money for most people who are not entrepreneurs or working as freelancers, but if you're an independent web designer, programmer, writer, graphic artist, or any kind of creative person, you might want to think about starting your own freelance business. There are many reasons why this may sound like a good idea, but there are also some challenges involved with doing so.

One of those challenges is developing the skills necessary to run a successful business without taking on too much debt (or paying too high prices) when trying to get started. If you don't have experience running a business, then learning everything you need will take time -- especially since you'll likely learn new things each day. This article discusses one potential way that you could earn extra income while building up your skillset by becoming an online web development contractor.

How can a web developer start a business?

Many aspiring web developers know they would rather work from home than go out into the world looking for clients and hoping to find enough work to pay their bills. Starting a fulltime job at a tech firm just isn't appealing right now because everyone knows that these jobs aren't going to last forever. The best option is to become a consultant who works with local businesses instead of large corporations. You won't have to deal with long hours and overtime payments, and you'll probably end up earning more money this way.

You can easily start a side gig as a web developer through a number of different methods including:

Becoming a web designer/developer part-time

Taking classes in programming

Working for yourself as a contract web developer

Hiring yourself as a remote employee for another organization

Starting your own business

There are pros and cons to all four options above, which we'll discuss below. But before we do, let's talk about what exactly makes up a "web" site. We've already discussed how websites function, but here I'm talking specifically about a website that serves as an informational resource for customers and helps drive sales. A website doesn't necessarily require anything fancy such as dynamic content, animations, or complex database integration. It can simply consist of text formatted in HTML and CSS. Of course, if you plan on having a professional brand name, using advanced technology, or offering services beyond the scope of what you'd normally offer to individuals, then you might consider investing in a full ecommerce platform like Shopify or BigCommerce.

Can coding make you entrepreneur?

If you were able to land a great client and convince them to give you a chance, then perhaps you wouldn't even need to worry about making enough cash to cover rent or living expenses. However, starting out as a solo web developer is still challenging and requires quite a bit of research and planning. In order to succeed financially, you must first decide whether you want to open your doors to others. Many programmers choose to work alone because they enjoy being their own boss and creating something unique. And even though you may prefer to operate independently, you'll inevitably come across situations where you'll need help from other contractors.

As an example, suppose you had a customer who wanted a custom landing page designed and developed. They asked if you could complete the project within three weeks. Even if you did manage to finish in that timeframe, you might wonder if the project was worth putting on your resume. Maybe you could handle smaller projects, but what about larger ones? What happens when you reach a point where you need to outsource certain parts of your work?

It's important to remember that even if you eventually grow to love the process of designing and developing websites, you may never feel comfortable charging a fee for your services. Some programmers believe that there's nothing wrong with charging for their expertise, and that it's perfectly acceptable to ask for payment upfront. Others disagree and say that only freelancers can successfully create sustainable businesses. Either way, it's definitely possible to turn your passion into profit.

Is starting a web development company profitable?

Now that we've covered some ground regarding how to begin a career as a web developer, we can move onto discussing the benefits and drawbacks of opening your own shop. One of the biggest advantages of owning a web development company is that you can control every aspect of its operations. While you may not be able to keep track of every single detail, you'll have the power to set deadlines and meet expectations.

Owning a web development service means that you'll no longer have to rely entirely upon outside sources for inspiration. Instead, you'll have plenty of resources available to draw upon, including software applications, marketing tools, and templates. When you combine all of this together with your knowledge and creativity, you might discover that you're capable of producing amazing results.

However, there are several challenges associated with launching a startup. For starters, finding prospective clients can sometimes be difficult. Once you attract interest from a few companies, you'll have to prove that you understand their needs and deliver quality products. You'll also need to figure out ways to market your business effectively. Finally, once you secure a steady stream of revenue, you'll have to prepare for unexpected costs. These issues combined with the fact that many budding entrepreneurs struggle to maintain financial security throughout their careers mean that the road ahead often seems very rocky.

Can you be a self-employed web developer?

Most people assume that starting a business involves significant risk, but there are actually lots of opportunities available for creative types who want to avoid traditional employment. Becoming a freelance web developer gives you plenty of flexibility over your schedule, allowing you to spend less time commuting and more time focusing on growing your business. If you can provide value to clients via digital media, then you can potentially charge anywhere between $10-$100 per hour depending on the nature of your skill.

With that said, there are a couple of caveats that you should always bear in mind when considering this type of arrangement. First, it takes a fair amount of effort to launch a viable web development business, so you shouldn't expect to see immediate profits. Second, you will almost certainly encounter obstacles along the path toward success. Learning how to overcome these challenges is essential for anyone interested in pursuing entrepreneurship.

GoDaddy offers free domain registration and hosting plans for both personal sites and small businesses. To register a.com,.net,.org, or.edu domain, sign up for a year of unlimited email accounts, and add 3 GB of storage space. GoDaddy also provides premium features such as SSL certificates, ad management tools, shopping carts, analytics tracking, and automated backups.

If you’re a student studying computer science, you may qualify for discounted web hosting packages offered by universities. Check out our guide to affordable college web hosting to learn more.

How much should I charge to build a website?

Before you dive headfirst into creating a website, you'll want to determine the approximate budget for your venture. Keep in mind that the total price tag includes labor costs plus equipment fees. So, if you use expensive materials, such as wood, metal, glass, leather, marble, etc., you'll want to factor in additional charges. Also, there's the matter of overhead. Since you'll need office supplies, utilities, transportation, insurance, taxes, etc., you'll want to include these in your initial estimate. Lastly, you'll need to consider hosting fees. Hosting refers to the monthly cost of renting server space to store files.

In general, the higher the demand for your product, the lower the price you can command. Your goal is to balance profitability against competition. If you sell a million widgets, you can probably afford to charge $1 apiece. On the other hand, if 1 billion people around the globe buy your widget, you'll have to cut your rate substantially.

Once you've determined the target price range, you'll want to add 30% to 40% to account for unforeseen circumstances. After you've built a prototype, review estimates again to ensure that you haven't overlooked anything. Then, present your preliminary numbers to your intended audience to gauge reactions. Depending upon your situation, you may even need to adjust your projections after hearing feedback from your prospects.

Finally, determine how long you anticipate spending on your project. Will it take two days or eight months? How many manhours will it consume? Is there room for error? Are there any variables that you cannot foresee yet? By carefully evaluating your timeline, you'll be better equipped to evaluate alternative solutions and arrive at the ideal solution for your project.

If you found this information useful, check out the links below for further reading and guidance!

Websites are everywhere these days. From social networks to blogs--even apps and games--we tend to interact with them constantly. If you're wondering how much it costs to create a website for a small business, read our post on how much it costs to create a simple website.