When we estimate website cost, we look at the potential complexity in order to calculate the number of required hours. Although every website is different (different brand, different design, different content, etc.), there are certain levels of effort required for certain types of websites. Here are some common website scenarios we often encounter and the associated pricing based on our process.

Cost includes strategy, original design, programming, testing, SEO-readiness and client training. For these estimates we have not included branding, copywriting, photography, or ongoing marketing services.

These types of informational websites are among the most common. They are ideal for sole proprietors and smaller businesses. Even though these websites are small, with the right content and marketing they can be very effective profit centers. Following are some typical requirements for this type of website:

Cost Range: $2,000 – $4,000

When e-commerce enters the picture, it changes the requirements quite a bit. At it’s simplest, commerce requires a cart and checkout. At it’s more complex, commerce requires multiple integrations with back-office systems, including inventory, CRM, and accounting applications. Here are some common website scenarios we often encounter and the associated pricing based on our process.

A basic e-commerce website usually consists of a small number of “simple” products. The products would not require unusual/custom logic. This means that a customer wouldn’t be able to customize the products online, or arrange for special shipping, etc. On the backend, the store owner would have standard, out-of-the-box tools for reporting, and managing their inventory. We prefer to use Shopify or WooCommerce as an out-of-the-box cart solution. These types of websites typically include the following requirements:

Cost Range: $5,000 and up

Advanced site require a lot more design and customization. They also have a lot more content and products. Here are some common website scenarios we often encounter and the associated pricing based on our process.

Cost Range: $7,000 and up

1. Content entry and migration: If you have a lot of content like blog articles, PDF files, products, even a customer list, this qualifies as content that needs to be entered into the website somehow. If the content already exists in a database, it may be possible to easily migrate it. But if the content needs to be manually entered and checked for accuracy, this would count as additional effort. In cases like these, we can train the client to do the content entry themselves or we do it at an additional cost.

2. Custom features or functions: There are literally thousands of “features” such as photo galleries, video players, online directories, forums, social media, marketing, e-commerce, etc. These features are encapsulated in plugins, modules, and extensions that can be purchased or licensed, usually for under $100, and these can be added to your website. The issues occur when you want to modify or customize the plug-ins, or several plug-ins don’t work well together and break the website. It’s easy enough to install an out-of-the-box plug-in BUT modifying one can be time intensive. Down the line, plug-ins also require maintenance in terms of upgrading to newer versions over the lifespan of the website.

3. Additional creative exploration: We typically provide 2-3 website design options to our clients so they can choose a design direction. Occasionally, a client may have a difficult time deciding and request additional design work. Some clients point to websites that they want to emulate without realizing that those example websites have spent thousands of dollars (up to six figures or more, depending on the brand) on custom animations and infographics. Within website budgets, we have to set expectations with clients that what we’re building for $12,000 won’t be the same as a website that was built for over $100,000. Budgets dictate a finite number of hours for each design phase. If the client can’t decide, or if they have intricate design goals, then we may need to increase the time/budget allocated for that effort.

4. Integration with an existing client database or software application: In this scenario, we may be required to connect the website with some other third-party online solution. It could be a database of customers, products, custom shipping rules, inventory systems, accounting software, marketing systems, etc. For many of the major software solutions, there are known integration methods. Unfortunately, this integration is often more complex than anticipated and can spin into many hours of additional effort.

5. Client does not have content ready: The client is not clear about their goals. Just like any relationship, communication and trust are key. Trust that your web designer has the skills and experience needed to actualize what you’ve envisioned for your website, but don’t trust him or her to be able to read your mind. Devote your energy towards making your needs as clear as possible to your web designer so you can better achieve your common goal: creating a functional, scalable and beautiful website for your business or organization.