Jody Fitzpatrick
Building a website involves various costs and considerations. In this guide, we will explore the expenses associated with building a website using WordPress, as well as touch on custom-built websites.
WordPress:
When building a WordPress website in 2023, there are several factors to consider:
- WordPress Platform: The WordPress platform itself is free to use, but you’ll need to invest in web hosting and a domain name to make your site accessible online.
- Web Hosting: Shared web hosting is often the most affordable option for beginners, typically costing around $100 to $200 per year. As your website grows and attracts more traffic, you may need to upgrade to a more powerful hosting plan, which can increase costs. Managed WordPress hosting, which offers specialized features and support, can be slightly more expensive, starting at around $10 to $30 per month.
- Domain Name: The cost of a domain name typically falls below $20 per year. Popular domain registrars like Google Domains and Namecheap offer competitive pricing. Premium aged domains are an option for those serious about their business, but they may come at a higher cost, potentially ranging from a few hundred to thousands of dollars, depending on the domain’s quality and demand.
- Plugins: WordPress offers numerous free plugins, but there are also premium plugins available with more advanced features and support. Premium plugin costs vary widely, ranging from around $10 to several hundred dollars per year. When considering premium plugins, it’s important to assess whether the added functionalities justify the cost.
- Themes: Free themes like Astra or OceanWP are suitable for many users, as they provide professional designs and starter templates at no cost. However, if you desire additional features and customization options, premium themes can range from $25 to $100. Theme marketplaces like ThemeForest offer a wide selection of premium themes with various pricing options.
Additional Expenses:
Apart from the core costs mentioned above, there are other potential expenses to consider:
- Hiring a WordPress Developer: If you want to expedite the design process or require extensive customization, hiring a WordPress developer can be an option. Developer rates range from $10 to $100+ per hour. Ensure you hire someone reputable, ask for references, and review their previous work. Keep in mind that ongoing development or maintenance work may incur additional costs.
- Hiring a Graphic Designer: For logo design or other visual elements, hiring a graphic designer can enhance your brand’s quality. Logo design costs vary based on the designer’s skill level, typically ranging from $50 to several hundred dollars. Platforms like 99designs provide a range of options, allowing you to select the best design from multiple submissions.
- Ongoing Maintenance and Updates: While not directly associated with the initial website setup, it’s important to consider ongoing maintenance costs. These may include expenses for website backups, security measures, and software updates. Additionally, you might incur costs for content creation, search engine optimization, and digital marketing efforts to drive traffic to your website.
In summary, building a WordPress website in 2023 can involve costs starting from a few hundred dollars per year for hosting, domain, plugins, and themes. These costs may vary depending on your specific requirements and the quality of services you opt for. It’s essential to weigh the benefits of premium features against your budget and the value they can bring to your website.
For reference, here’s an example breakdown of expenses for a WordPress-powered website:
- Hosting: $175 (4 years)
- Domain: $24 (2-year registration, purchased from Google Domains)
- Theme: $69 (lifetime usage and updates)
- Elementor Pro: $49 (yearly for updates)
- Elementor Addons: $25
- Extra Plugins: $150
| Expense | Average Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Web Hosting | $100 – $200 per year |
| Domain Name | Less than $20 per year |
| Plugins | $10 – Several hundred dollars per year |
| Themes | $25 – $100 |
| Hiring a WordPress Developer | $10 – $100+ per hour |
| Hiring a Graphic Designer | $50 – Several hundred dollars |
| Ongoing Maintenance and Updates | Varies based on services and requirements |
This totals a little over $500, not accounting for time invested or additional expenses like hiring designers or freelancers. Remember, starting a website doesn’t have to be costly. You can begin with a smaller budget and gradually expand. Taking the first step is crucial, so don’t be deterred by the initial investment. Good luck, and feel free to reach out if you have any questions.
