The cost of a website varies widely depending on the customization, the complexity of both UI and UX, the number of pages and the number of integrations. Custom websites start at around $15,000 and can cost more than $150,000 as the list of custom features grows. Understanding the scope and cost of website design at the onset of the project not only ensures the project stays within budget but also sets expectations for the functionality of your site at delivery. Here is a comprehensive list of components that contribute to the overall cost of development and design of a custom website.
Do you have a website prototype?
The initial layout of a website design starts with wireframes. Wireframes establish the layout and structure, create the hierarchy of the site, and are the first insight into the UX of a website. The more comprehensive the wireframes, the fewer changes will be required during the build phase.
What is the size of your website?
The size of your site determines the complexity and scope of your project. The simplest websites have anywhere from one to ten pages. More advanced websites can range from 50-250 pages, while extensive websites contain 250 pages or more. The more pages your website contains, the more development your website will require.
What CMS does your website use?
Most websites are built with a CMS because it allows the developer to use a platform that is intuitive, informative, interactive and dynamic. Most websites consist of pages of written content, product pages, images, videos or blog posts. A CMS enables the developer to organize and present all this data in a manner that search engines can easily understand. The CMS selected to build a website greatly depends on the content of the website and the eventual goals you have for the website user.
What level of UI design does your website need?
Your UI design determines your user’s overall experience of your brand when visiting your website. Do you want your user’s experience to be customized and unique to your brand? Do you want to maximize your use of color, contrast and movement throughout your website? Or will a simple UI design work for the goals of your brand?
Does your website need to be responsive?
Responsive design defines your user experience with optimal viewing capabilities, clean navigation and easy operation across all devices. In today’s mobile-first world, creating a responsive website ensures that your site operates with fluid functionality and looks crisp no matter the size screen it is viewed on.
How many pages of copywriting do you need for your website?
Original content on your website is essential not only for search engines but also to deliver your brand’s message. The more copywriting your website development requires, the more extensive the process will be.
How extensive is the SEO for your website?
In addition to content creation, your website needs SEO to rank in search engines. The level of SEO for your website can vary from the most basic on-page SEO to complete website SEO with backend development.
What level of database integration does your website need?
If your business’s needs go beyond a stagnant informational website, chances are you will need to integrate a database in the development of your site. Database integration makes it possible for your users to add, change or delete their user information for a more interactive website. Depending on your business’s goals, database integration can range from the most basic to a fully integrated website.
What level of e-commerce functionality does your website need?
If you are selling products on your website, you will need e-commerce functionality. The level of e-commerce capabilities your website needs depends on the number of products you are selling and how extensive your shopping cart experience is. Do you need significant e-commerce customization such as variable products, promotion codes, easy checkout and multiple payment options? If so, your website development should include e-commerce functionality.
What kind of multimedia design does your website require?
Many of today’s websites have multimedia components such as videos, live streaming and animation to keep users interested. Do you need engaging images, infographics or interactive content? If so, you will need to incorporate multimedia integration in your website development plan.
Does your website need social media integration?
Social media integrations spread brand awareness, increase your website’s audience and enhance your engagement with customers in the most effective ways. Including social networking capabilities like Facebook, Twitter, Google+ or Linkedin in your website development process increases your brand’s visibility and creates authentic and powerful digital relationships with your users.
Are you looking for a web developer to create a website that can bring marketing and technology together through powerful, intuitive websites? Contact the team of award-winning web developers and designers at Rivers Agency to get a quote for your website development.