PDX Hybrid Arts

The Costs of Making a Website Explained

Creating a website for selling products online involves several steps and associated costs. Here’s a breakdown of what you need to consider:

1. Domain Name

  • Cost: Typically $10-$15 per year.
  • Considerations: Choose a name that’s easy to remember and relevant to the business. Use domain registrars like GoDaddy, Namecheap, or Squarespace.

2. Web Hosting

  • Cost: $3-$30 per month, depending on the hosting provider and plan.
  • Considerations: For an e-commerce site, a reliable hosting service is crucial. Look for providers like Bluehost, Hostinger, or HostGator.

3. Website Platform

Options:

  • Website Builders: Easy to use, with drag-and-drop features. Examples include Wix, Squarespace, and Weebly.
  • Content Management Systems (CMS): More flexible but requires some technical knowledge. Examples include WordPress (with WooCommerce for e-commerce), Shopify, and BigCommerce.

Cost:

  • Website Builders: $12-$40 per month.
  • CMS: WordPress is free, but themes, plugins, and hosting can add up to $30-$100 per month. Shopify starts at $29 per month.

4. Design and Development

Cost:

  • DIY: Using templates and doing it yourself can be free to a few hundred dollars.
  • Professional Services: Hiring a web developer can range from $500 to several thousand dollars, depending on the complexity.
  • Considerations: Professional design can improve user experience and credibility.

5. E-Commerce Functionality

  • Cost: Varies by platform.
  • Shopify: Includes built-in e-commerce features.
  • WordPress: WooCommerce is free, but premium features and plugins can add costs.
  • Considerations: Look for features like payment gateways, product management, inventory control, and shipping options.

6. SSL Certificate

  • Cost: $0-$100 per year.
  • Considerations: Essential for security. Some hosts include it for free.

7. Maintenance and Updates

  • Cost: Ongoing, varies by platform and complexity.
  • Considerations: Regular updates for security and functionality, potential additional costs for professional maintenance.

8. Marketing and SEO

  • Cost: Varies widely.
  • Considerations: Invest in SEO tools, email marketing services, and potentially PPC advertising to drive traffic.

Example Budget Breakdown

  1. Domain Name: $10-$15/year
  2. Hosting: $5-$20/month (depending on the plan)
  3. Platform: $29/month (Shopify basic plan) or variable (WordPress)
  4. Design and Development: $500+ (one-time or ongoing for professional help)
  5. E-commerce Plugins/Apps: $0-$100+/month (depending on needed features)
  6. SSL Certificate: $0-$100/year
  7. Maintenance and Updates: $50-$200/month (if outsourced)
  8. Marketing and SEO: $100-$500/month (variable based on strategy)

Summary

For a simple e-commerce site, expect initial costs to be around $500-$1,500 (one-time) and ongoing costs to be around $50-$300 per month. Complex or custom-built sites will be more expensive.