Your website is an investment you make in your business.
A website can be as simple as a sales tool for your business, or a working, ever-changing channel that creates revenue. The opportunities are endless. Here’s what you’ll need:
A Domain Name (yourcompany.com) – $10-$40/year
A domain is how users get to your website. Registering a domain costs approximately $10 to $40 per year, paid directly to a domain registrar. This allows you to use the web address and associate it with the website that you build. Your domain name is part of your branding, so choose it well and don’t make it difficult for people to remember. It will go on all of your marketing materials. Many web hosts provide domain registration as well as web hosting.
A Web Hosting Account – $10+/month
A web hosting account is where your website files resides, physically. Usually you’ll want your domain registered with the same company your website is hosted, and many companies have bundle deals. But if you have registered a domain name previously, just to have it and are now building a new site, that’s okay. They can be with different companies. Web Hosting plans usually start around $10 USD/month for one website and go up from there, depending on the capacity you need and if you want to host a single site or multiple websites. Many web hosts will give you a deep discount for the first year, and then have rates around $15+/year after that.
Why doesn’t Moss Web Works host websites? Even though we’re sure you’ll love our services, we don’t want you to feel tied to any one web developer for support. That’s why we encourage you to sign up for and own your hosting account. That way, no matter whom you work with, you can always access your host and get support.
Website Design and Development – $2000+
In a nationwide survey, a basic 5-page website build will cost an average $5,000. Expect to pay a minimum of $2,000 for a web developer to consult and build brand new website customized specifically for your needs. Web development fees depend on the number of pages you want, your content, number of images, and functionality of the site. Every website is different and each developer has a different level of skills, so it’s possible you’ll get a variety of quotes. But remember, your website is the cornerstone of your business, so be discerning and choose the developer who understands your company’s needs and has the background and experience to implement it. Don’t just trust it to your brother’s neighbor’s kid, who’s “a techie.”
Moss Web Works consult with you to understand your business goals, and how to best support them online. Included in our web development services:
- Consult on and recommend website features
- Set up and point domain name
- Implement development site (if necessary)
- Install WordPress core software
- Create a design that matches your branding
- Help you organize text and optimize images
- Implement SEO software and recommend search strategy
- Follow the basic ADA guidelines for accessibility
- Install website security & firewall
- Integrate Google Analytics and Search Console into your site
- Set up or integrate your website with your mailing list
- Set up open graph data and images for social media
- Test your website on all devices
- Help promote the launch of your new site!
Plugin/Software Licensing – variable
If you have specialized plugins (software) on your site to extend its functionality, you’ll most likely pay for yearly licensing fees for that software. For example membership systems, learning platforms, database, or ecommerce shops. These plugins can run from $10/year to hundreds depending on the software and what they do. For example if you have an eCommerce site running WooCommerce, the core software itself is free. But you will need several paid “addons” to make it work well, – like shipping calculation, coupons & discount codes, local delivery, bundling, and more. Many plugins have a free version with limited functionality, and licensed/paid versions that have extended functionality. Some more examples of paid plugins include calendaring/booking systems, community discussion boards, eLearning systems, and digital downloads.
Your web developer will consult with you when using paid software and it should be clear whether the developer or the client will pay the ongoing fee for these licenses.
Website Care and Ongoing Support – $125-$300/month
It doesn’t help your business to create a website and then forget about it. You must update the software and plugins regularly for security, and keep your content fresh to attract and retain new customers! Moss Web Works provides a monthly maintenance program to help you care for your website(s).
Your website is your first impression. It’s the first thing a potential customer will encounter when researching your business, and you want to do it right. It might be tempting to have your sister’s neighbor’s kid design the site for you for a hundred bucks, but do you really want to take that gamble? Hire a professional. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us!