How Much Does Building Your Website Really Cost?
So, you've just launched your brand-new business (congratulations and welcome to the journey! 🙌), and you know that a stunning website is essential for making your mark. But there’s a question that keeps coming up as you research your options: How much is this really going to cost?
Starting a business requires an investment of both time and money, but with the right approach, your website can be a powerful tool that helps you grow and thrive in no time. To help you navigate your budget, we’ve created this handy guide that breaks down all the different ways to get your new website online, and—most importantly—what it might cost!
While we'll focus on our own Elevation Design Studio templates, this guide will provide you with a good sense of what you might expect to spend, no matter which platform you choose.
Let’s dive in!
Why Do You Need a Website for Your Business?
In today’s digital landscape, having a professionally designed website is absolutely essential for any small business. It legitimizes your brand, builds credibility, and helps make a positive first impression that turns visitors into customers.
Your website is your digital home—it’s where potential customers learn about your story, explore your offerings, connect with you through a contact page or social links, and, of course, make purchases. 💸
A website also serves as a platform to share valuable content, like blog posts or portfolios, to showcase your expertise and strengthen your online presence. It’s a powerful tool for attracting new customers that you might not reach through other channels.
Best of all, a great website gives your business a competitive edge. You’d be surprised how many businesses still lack an updated, engaging website! You don’t want to be one of those businesses stuck in the early 2010s with a site that drives potential clients away.
DIY or Custom Design: Which Path Should You Choose?
When it comes to building a website, you have several options:
1. Custom Website Design (€€€€)
A custom-designed website by a professional is every business owner’s dream—it’s tailored specifically to your needs and reflects your brand perfectly. However, this route can be quite pricey, often costing several thousand euros or more depending on the designer’s experience and the complexity of your site.
While a custom website is a great investment for established businesses with a solid brand identity, it might not be the best option if you’re just starting out and still refining your brand and offerings.
Estimated Cost: €2,000 to €10,000+
2. DIY Your Own Website (€)
Building your own website from scratch is the most cost-effective option. Aside from your time, the main costs involved are your website platform subscription and domain fees.
This approach is ideal if you’re willing to invest the time to learn and enjoy a hands-on creative process. However, if you’re not sure where to start or lack design experience, the process can become overwhelming quickly. It’s also time-consuming, which is a big consideration if you’re already busy running your business.
Estimated Cost: €0 (plus platform fees)
3. Use a Website Template (€€)
If neither of the above options feels right, a professionally designed website template could be the perfect middle ground!
Website templates, like the ones offered by Elevation Design Studio, are pre-designed and fully customizable. They are crafted by professional designers to suit various industries, with all the essential features built-in—strategic layouts, stunning design elements, and optimized SEO.
Our templates are priced at €1,111 and provide a cost-effective alternative to custom design without the need to start from scratch. They save you time and ensure you launch a beautiful, functional website quickly and affordably.
With detailed instructions included, you can make the necessary customizations yourself, allowing you to update and maintain your site over time—saving even more money in the long run!
Other Costs to Consider
1. Platform Subscription Fees
Every website needs a hosting platform. Depending on which platform you choose, there will be different pricing plans to consider. For example, platforms like Squarespace, WordPress, or Wix offer a range of plans from basic to advanced, depending on the features you need. These costs typically range from €15 to €70 per month.
2. Domain Costs
You’ll also need a domain name (like www.yourbusiness.com), which typically costs between €20 and €50 per year. Some platforms include a free domain for the first year when you sign up for an annual plan, but you may also purchase your domain separately through providers like GoDaddy or NameCheap.
Ready to Elevate Your Online Presence?
At Elevation Design Studio, we’re here to make your website journey as smooth and enjoyable as possible. Our soulful website templates are designed with love and intention to help you create a digital home that aligns with your unique brand and connects with your ideal clients.
Whether you’re ready to dive in with a DIY project or prefer to start with a beautiful, customizable template, we have options that suit your budget and vision. Ready to explore our templates? Click here to discover more!
We can’t wait to see your business flourish online!
