Since Covid, many web designers in Australia have received more and more requests from small businesses for websites. However, although many business owners are aware of the advantages of online visibility, they are often afraid that they cannot afford a developer and the monthly/annually ongoing costs.
To assist them in determining whether they can afford it this article discusses Australian web costs.
Aspects influencing costs
Aspects that may have an influence on costs of web development Australia include the following:
Purpose of site
The reason why a business needs online visibility, determines what type of site is needed, and this affects costs. Reasons given usually fit into one of four categories (arranged from least to most expensive):
- Basic showcase – basic information and contact details. Often just a one-page site.
- Detailed product and/or service information – larger website, with details about the company, services, case studies and more.
- Entice visitors to register – visitors must be able to register via the site as clients.
- E-commerce – clients must be able to buy/book online.
Extra features
A web development company in Australia can provide a list of features they are able to accommodate in the web pages. It is recommended that only features that are really needed be incorporated, The more extras are included, the more expensive the development will be. However, nowadays many features have become off the shelf products and could already be included.
Other costs to keep in mind
Companies must get quotes and then budget for
- Domain registration and annual renewal
- Website hosting, certificates, backups
- Malware protection
- Regular maintenance
- Email hosting
- Basic SEO to ensure the business can be found online
Web Developer vs DIY
The development and maintenance of a site can be outsourced or done in-house. Usually, the current financial situation of a business determines what route to be taken. The following can assist business owners in determining what is affordable:
Business outsources to a website developer company
If a business uses one of the website developers Australia to develop and administer the site, up-front custom design and development costs can be from $10,000 to $50,000. Anything cheaper would most probably not be a tailored approach, but it can be used by those that don’t necessarily focus on their brand.
Annual ongoing costs for things such as web maintenance, domain name renewal, hosting, and license renewals will be between $1,000 and $3,000.
For a detailed quote, contact us or the nearest web development company in Australia.
Business owners develop and maintain their websites themselves
Small businesses can build their websites themselves by using online builders such as Wix, Squarespace, Shopify or WordPress. Some options offered are free and others can be as much as $500+ per month.
Wix offers plans between $15 and $58 per month. Squarespace costs anything between $16 and $52 per month.
People who prefer WordPress can start for free & low-cost hosting. For extra plugins, budget for an annual payment of about $100. WordPress also offers premium themes that will cost about $50-100. For hosting, budget for at least $15-20/month.
Last Word
Any small business in Australia, including one-person SMBs, can have a low-budget website. As the business expands, the website can be upgraded or even re-developed.