How much should a website cost?

At some point, almost every entrepreneur finds themselves asking “How much should a website cost?” Unfortunately, there is no one-size fits all answer because it depends on a lot of different variables. It’s a lot like asking how much a house should cost.

One key factor in the cost of a website is the web design firm that you choose. If you want a stunning design, be prepared to pay for it. Firms that charge a premium can do so because they have invested years of hard work and a considerable amount of money to develop the skills, experience and reputation that they’ve earned. Hiring these firms usually means that your website will present a more powerful image and produce better results more quickly than if you chose a less qualified firm.

The capabilities of your website are another factor in the cost. If you just need a simple website with a quality design and a few static pages, you should be able to find several reputable firms in the $1,000 – $2,000 range. If you need something a bit more labor intensive, like a content management system or e-commerce, the price tag can quickly jump to the $2,000 – $5,000 range. For something even more complex, such as a website similar to My Space or Twitter that will require a lot of custom back-end programming, your costs will be even higher – often well over $10,000. Additional features mean additional costs because despite what many people seem to think, there is no “easy button” that a web designer can simply push.

An often overlooked factor in the cost of a website is your own planning and communication. If you change directions in the middle of a project, that means that your designer has to go back and start over, resulting in additional charges. Likewise, the more clearly you can communicate any changes or revisions, the sooner they will be able to complete your website to your satisfaction, helping to avoid additional charges.

Time can also be a factor in the cost of your website. When you ensure that your web design firm has enough time to handle your project properly, your costs will always be lower than if they have to shift other projects around to meet your deadlines. Many firms charge a 100% – 200% surcharge for rush jobs, especially if it requires working through weekends. Being well-prepared can often help you keep your costs down and make for a smoother process.

One final thing to consider in the cost of your website – it’s completely acceptable to negotiate, but be realistic. Don’t expect a designer to cut their fees in half, work for a share of your profits or design your website prior to payment to “see if you’ll like it.” They are professionals, and as with any other business relationship, they should be treated with the same respect that you expect from them.