ChristianCosts for a website
There are different types of websites, which differ from each other mainly in their structure and complexity. In order to decide on the right website right from the start, it makes sense to be aware of what the long-term goals and intentions are. Choosing the right website type is the basis for a successful project.
Website types
1. Landing page
2. Web-based application
3. Portal
4. Online shop
5. Search engine
6. Microsite
7. Company website
8. Blog
1. Landing Page
It makes sense to work with landing pages when the aim is to increase the conversion rate and to present individual contents of the website, for example a product group, to the visitors. The aim of a landing page is to generate higher sales and to obtain contact data through a contact form. Landing pages generate on average 60% to 70% of the total turnover of web portals.
Landing page construction kits can be booked for between $2 and $250 per month. Templates can be found for as little as $15. However, problems often arise here with regard to consistency on websites. Individually designed landing pages can range in price from $500 to $5,000.
The large price differences result from the hourly rate of a qualified agency and the use of a ready-made, silent template. While a cheap template is very limited in its individuality, a web agency can take full care of the client's requirements and ideas. In addition, an agency can approach the project holistically and professionally, covering all sectors.
In doing so, it creates professional content and conceives an appealing UX design. The agency also takes care of search engine optimisation. Basically, they solve all problems that arise during the planning of the project. Individually tailored analysis software and UTM parameters are also set up by an agency.
Very informative is the use of A-B tests. Here, a version A of the landing page is compared with a version B. The two versions are then compared 50% each. The two versions are then played out at 50% each to see which version performs better in terms of conversion rate.
2. Web-based Application
A web app is the right choice when it comes to making an interactive version of a software application available in the browser and on all mobile devices. Since web apps are usable on mobile devices and also on desktop, they are used by a large number of people.
The cost of developing a web app depends on a number of factors. Some of these factors can be influenced in advance. The developer or even agencies need a detailed concept right at the beginning. The more thought-out and precise the requirements are formulated, the more realistic the estimate of the costs incurred can be.
The development of a web app is usually much cheaper than a native app. Advantages are found on the one hand in the fact that an installation or download on the end device is not necessary. On the other hand, they are easy to find in search engines.
Many interactive websites are, strictly speaking, web apps. Some platforms use this application to present more complex content in a visually appealing way.
With the help of algorithms, web apps validate data and communicate with other applications via interfaces (API). Therefore, the programming of the interfaces is an essential factor. Basically, it can be stated that the integration of functions in the backend is much more expensive than the development in the frontend.
If third-party software is developed in a different programming language, this usually means more work for the developer. This means that the cost of the project also increases.
Web apps with common functions can be developed for less than $10,000.
Web apps with additional features can cost between $10,000 and $30,000.
For more extensive web apps with many interfaces and complex functions, the price is usually over $30,000.
3. Portal
If the aim is to bring together individuals on a specific topic or companies in an industry, a portal or platform is the right website. The aim here is to bring two or more actors together so that they can exchange information. The fact that they find each other quickly and cheaply or free of charge leads to the so-called network effect.
Portals and platforms belong to the rather costly website types. One reason for this is that a login function and various hierarchies are necessary. Data processing and scalability also make the web project more complex. Consequently, the creation costs are somewhat higher than for other websites.
In most cases, web portals are not implemented by individual developers using a modular system. Rather, modern technologies are needed. Also, sound knowledge of the market and a web design that is appealing to the respective target group.
A particularly well thought-out competitive strategy is the basis if you want to stand out from all your competitors. For B2B and B2C platforms, the market is highly competitive and it is difficult to prevail. A lot of time and sufficient financial resources should be put into the planning and conception phase. This often decides whether the project will ultimately succeed or not.
For the independent development of a platform, a somewhat longer period of time must be planned. IT experts charge an average hourly rate of $100 per hour. With these costs, the question does arise as to whether insourcing or outsourcing is the more sensible option. If your company's focus is not in the area of platform development, it is advisable to work with an expert.
The cost of development varies depending on the number of interfaces that need to be implemented, user management and file upload options. The various hierarchies and authorisations must also be taken into account. Additional costs arise in the case of an own marketplace, especially in the area of payment and shopping integration.
In principle, it makes sense to first create a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) so that errors can be discovered in time. This approach is cheaper than directly developing a final product. It is also advisable to work with customer feedback relatively early on.
If the requirements and specifications are precise and detailed, programming is easier and goes hand in hand with a high-quality portal. This also keeps costs down.
In addition to the development costs, the calculation should also include the running costs.
On average, portals or platforms incur more costs during operation than other types of websites. The development of costs should always be monitored.
The expenses for marketing are quite high from the beginning. The reason for this is that a platform must be successful in two markets, as both players must feel addressed. Very high costs, sometimes in the millions, are spent on SEA or performance marketing.
If a successful platform exists, it makes sense to think about developing an app. An app offers mobile users more convenience and is a useful addition to the web version.
4. Online Shop
In an online shop, goods or services are preferably sold. The aim is to increase turnover with the help of online sales. Behind online shops is a complicated system. The entire ordering process in particular requires a high level of security with regard to order and customer data. The technical aspect with all the functions that need to be integrated is also a challenge.
Examples include invoicing, e-mail notifications after an order or returns processing. In most cases, there is a connection to an enterprise resource planning system (ERP) or customer management programme (CRM).
Many online shops are created with shop systems such as Shopify and Shopware.
For small shops that only offer a small number of products, modular systems such as Jimdo, Squarespace or WIX can be useful. These have to be configured specifically and can thus be adapted to the shop's requirements. These providers charge a certain monthly amount for the use of the website.
There is much more behind an online shop than a classic site. The merchandise management systems in the background require complex technical interfaces that must function smoothly. Strategic planning is an important prerequisite in these cases, which is not infrequently undertaken by online shop agencies and using shop systems.
Project planning, including all interfaces, is always oriented towards the customer journey. The elaboration, planning and implementation in this form can range in price from about $7,000 to several tens of thousands of $. Depending on the number of interfaces, size, complexity and range of functions, the price can vary greatly.
When creating and designing a professional online shop, companies often seek help from online shop agencies that specialise in this work. Service providers can be found who create online shops with the help of a professional shop template for as little as $1,500.
Special functions such as the configuration of a product make the website much more complicated and therefore more expensive. Large shops with a high development effort are created for costs up to several hundred thousand euros.
Hosting websites on the web server of an Internet Service Provider (ISP) costs depending on the size of the online shop. Small websites therefore pay significantly less than large ones.
It is also important to factor in marketing costs. Especially for online marketing and SEA, which covers search engine marketing, there are some costs.
5. Search Engine
When it comes to providing users with relevant information based on algorithms, developing a search engine is the way to go. Google is in 1st place worldwide with a market share of 82% (desktop), 96% (mobile).
In Germany, the market share is even higher. When calculating the costs of developing a search engine, it is important to consider not only the development costs but also the running costs. Data processing and the associated computing power cost search engine operators between 3 and 10 billion euros a year.
As a rule, significantly more money is invested in the development and design of the frontend (input interface) than in the backend (data processing). Costs can be saved if existing libraries can be used and do not have to be built up first.
If it is a question of developing a search engine to compete with Google, Bing or Yahoo, this would probably cost several million euros.
Search engines on one's own website, on the other hand, involve costs of between $20,000 and $60,000. For updates or the effort of an annual maintenance, between $5,000 and $10,000 have to be calculated in.
6. Microsite
A microsite is the right type of website if you want to create content for a specific purpose or concern with a new website. For example, for a special sales campaign, the sale of sale items or even if only B2B customers are to be specifically addressed instead of B2C customers.
Despite the fact that there are additional costs for a microsite, there is usually a good ROI (return on investment). Therefore, it has become a very popular website type. Mostly, microsites are equipped with only one call-to-action button.
This offers visitors to the site a tidy image with clear structures so that they can quickly find their way around. The appropriate content can be found directly without much searching.
Here, the navigation structure and design can also deviate from the existing website. Microsites are mainly used when it makes no sense to open a new section on the existing website. The reason for this could be, for example, that two offers or sales promotions get in the way of each other.
If websites are very focused on content, they achieve a better place in the search engine ranking. The reason for this is that relevant content is provided for a keyword or search term.
A budget of $1,500 to $40,000 must be planned when creating a micro website.
7. Company Website
A company website is the figurehead of a company. The products and services are presented to potential customers on the website and should, at best, convince them and encourage them to buy.
It offers the possibility to get a deep insight into all projects. It is also extremely easy to make contact.
A company website is often also called a corporate website and belongs to the informational websites. Clubs, associations or municipalities also use websites to communicate their activities and to inform about certain topics via the online platform.
Corporate websites can be used in the form of a subscription model, but also for a one-time fixed price. The price is determined by the complexity of the design and the individuality of the overall presentation. The scope and complexity of the desired functions as well as the security requirements are also decisive.
Web agencies like to offer companies package prices, whereby the price is calculated according to the number of sub-pages and functions. This can ultimately range from $700 - $10,000.
In most cases, company websites are operated with a CMS (content management system) such as Webflow. Although web construction kits are often free, they are used less by companies.
The main reason for this is that the website cannot always be individually tailored to the company. An Internet presence that reflects the corporate identity is considered important by about 70% of Internet users. It creates trust and promotes a positive attitude of the potential customer towards the company.
8. Blog
In a blog, content on a website is made accessible to a large number of readers. The external users read current thematic contributions and news that fit thematically to the client and his projects. The prices for blogs are based on the functions and the content to be created.
In most cases, the costs at the beginning of the project or blog are relatively low. The expansion of the blog with additional, further functions usually results in the course of the project. For this type of website, website construction kits such as Webflow are usually used.
Existing plug-ins make it extremely easy to expand certain functions. Premium themes are already available for $40 - $60. These can be adapted to your own ideas for a certain price directly from the provider. If you have the necessary know-how, you can also create your own. Basically, however, the following applies:
The more professional the blog, the more likely it is to stand out from the competition and make a better impression on the customer. It is recommended to have the blog created by experts.
Web agencies provide services: Conception, strategy, web design, marketing and content building.
Very successful blogs are characterised by the fact that they stand out from the crowd. With a professional blog created by web agencies and freelancers, you can achieve a high reach and lasting
reach and lasting reader loyalty can be achieved.
Setting up a blog on your own can be very time-consuming and usually also means that you have to make sacrifices in terms of professionalism.
With regard to the choice of advertising channels and marketing measures, it makes sense to plan well in advance. Especially when setting up social media channels, bringing in a digital expert is a measure that increases success.
Insourcing vs. outsourcing in the creation of websites
With insourcing, a website is created by oneself, while with outsourcing it is created by a professional developer, a team of developers or an agency.
Basically, three resources are needed to create a website: Know-How, Time and Money. Whether the creation of a website should take place within the company or be outsourced to a developer or an agency is an important decision and largely depends on the three resources.
If a company has enough time to acquire the know-how for the creation of a website itself, financial resources can be saved. However, the result is often less professional. Learning the knowledge behind the programming work and the design process takes a lot of time.
If this work is handed over to professional development teams, financial resources have to be used, but a lack of time and know-how can be compensated. Even more complex projects and websites can be realised in a short time with the help of developers and agencies.
Websites that are not quite as technically demanding can be created specifically with the help of website construction kits. If a basic technical understanding is available, websites can be created quite quickly, easily and cheaply.
This is especially the right way to go if only few financial resources are available or if no large scaling is pursued. In terms of individualisation and design options, however, modular systems are limited.
The focus is only on the expansion of prefabricated building blocks. As a result, the design of the website does not stand out from other websites. With these website construction kits, monthly costs are incurred, and it is not possible to change providers at a later date.
So when it comes to creating a website that is professional, sustainable and efficient, it makes sense to hire a web agency or a team of developers. These are able to programme a website entirely according to individual ideas and also implement ideas regarding the web design. This approach is cost-intensive, but worthwhile in the long run.
Cost generation
The costs of creating a website are very individual and are determined by many factors. Therefore, without any information regarding a project, it is difficult to give an all-inclusive cost. The price is therefore made up of a number of factors. Basically, the costs consist of the creation and maintenance costs.
The creation costs are determined by the time required, the scope, the complexity and the structure of the website. Other factors include web design, security, the use of online marketing such as SEO or the availability of the site in different languages.
Maintenance costs
Maintenance costs are to be expected in the course of use. Regular updates or maintenance cause costs that should be included in the budget planning.
New developments and advances in technology mean that static websites are now rarely developed. This means that new functions can be added at any time. Maintenance has the goal of always implementing the latest features, guaranteeing a certain security standard and compatibility.
Depending on how often and to what extent maintenance is carried out, the costs can range from a few $100 to several $1000. Especially the use of modular systems means regular maintenance and associated costs. As a rule, an update of the website is necessary at least once a month.