How Much Does a Website Cost? Save with These Tips

In a world where your online presence defines your brand, a website is more than just a digital storefront—it’s your stage. For content creators, having a professional website is essential to building a personal brand or business that stands out. 

While social media platforms are great for connecting with your audience, a website allows you to own your space while showcasing your work to your fans, clients, or collaborators. So, it's important to understand the costs involved in building a platform that fits your vision. 

This guide will break down everything you need to know about website costs in 2024 and how Fourthwall can significantly save you money by giving you the tools to design your own site that fits your brand's needs.

What is the Cost of Building a Website?

The cost of building a website can vary widely depending on the type and complexity of the site you need. Here's a quick breakdown of the different kinds of websites you can build and their pricing structures. 

A Simple Brochure Site

A simple website is an essential online presence for content creators or small businesses, often featuring just a few key pages such as Home, About, Services, Portfolio, and Contact.

For those seeking an even more streamlined option, a one-page website can be a great solution. These sites focus on delivering concise information, with sections like About, Services, and Contact arranged on a single scrolling page.

A one-page site with basic functionality, such as a contact form and simple navigation, can cost from $100 to $1,000, depending on your needs and customization.

DIY website builders like Wix or Squarespace provide low-cost, user-friendly templates, making it easy to create one-page websites without coding or design skills. These platforms typically charge between $12 and $40 per month, depending on your desired features. 

Alternatively, hiring a freelance web designer can give your site a more polished, professional look. Costs start around $500 for a simple design but potentially go up to $2,000 for more customizations.

Both options offer cost-effective ways to establish a professional online space while keeping expenses manageable.

Ecommerce Website

An ecommerce website is essential for anyone looking to sell products or services online. These sites typically include features such as shopping cart functionality, payment gateways, product listings, inventory management, and customer accounts, allowing businesses to manage transactions and offer a seamless shopping experience.

The cost of developing an e-commerce website can vary widely. Popular e-commerce platforms with drop-and-drag features, like Shopify or BigCommerce, can cost anywhere from $29 to $2,300 per month. These prices depend on your business's size and the amount of plugins and features you need for your store. 

If you're looking to build something from scratch, expect to drop some serious cash, as the cost of building your own ecommerce site from scratch can set you back anywhere from $10,000 to $250,000. This excludes the maintenance fees you have to spend yearly to keep your site up-to-date and running smoothly.

On the other hand, ecommerce platforms like Fourthwall stand out by offering a zero-cost entry point for creators and small businesses, allowing them to set up an online store without paying upfront fees.

With essential ecommerce features, merchandising tools, and integrated audience engagement options, Fourthwall is an appealing choice for creators just starting their ecommerce journey. This platform makes it easier to launch a store, minimize costs, and grow a brand without the heavy investment typically associated with ecommerce site development.

Custom-Built Solutions Site

A custom-built website is ideal for businesses that need tailored features or complex integrations beyond what standard website builders or templates can offer.

These types of sites are fully designed and developed to meet the unique needs of the business, whether that involves custom software, advanced functionalities, or seamless integration with existing systems like CRMs, inventory management tools, or specialized payment gateways.

Due to the complexity involved, the cost of a custom-built site can vary widely, typically ranging from $5,000 to $35,000 or more, depending on the scope of work and the level of expertise required from the development team.

When budgeting for a custom website, it's essential to account not only for the one-time expenses, such as initial design, development, and testing, but also for ongoing costs. These include web hosting, domain name registration, software updates, security measures, and regular maintenance to ensure the site remains functional and up-to-date. 

While the upfront investment in a custom-built solution may be higher than other options, it can offer significant long-term benefits by delivering a truly personalized and scalable online presence, especially for businesses with specific operational needs or growth ambitions.

8 Factors that Influence the Cost of a Website

The cost of building a website isn’t a one-size-fits-all scenario. Here are eight key factors that can significantly impact your website development costs:

1. Design and Customization

Custom website designs offer a distinctive look and functionality that perfectly align with your brand's identity, making your site stand out from competitors.

However, this level of personalization comes with a higher price tag, as freelance web designers can charge anywhere from $30 to $150 an hour, depending on the complexity and scope of your website's design.

These costs cover the expertise of professional web developers who are able to craft intricate and beautifully designed sites tailored to your specific needs. 

Alternatively, pre-designed templates from platforms like WordPress, Wix, or Squarespace provide a more affordable solution, with prices ranging from $50 to $2,500.

If you're looking for a cost-effective alternative, Fourthwall provides no-code website templates for free when you sign up. The platform offers a range of unique themes that help you get started quickly, and you can easily customize colors, fonts, layouts, and other elements to reflect your brand’s identity.

While these templates come with built-in styles and features that can be customized to an extent, they may limit your site’s uniqueness and flexibility compared to a fully custom design.

Templates offer a cost-effective option, but they may not fully capture the nuances of your brand, potentially leading to a less distinctive online presence.

2. Functionality and Features

Basic features on smaller websites typically include essential elements like a contact form, simple navigation, and mobile responsiveness, which can range from $100 to $1,500 depending on whether you're using a website builder or hiring a freelance designer.

As you scale up, more advanced functionalities become essential for enhancing user experience and supporting business needs.

For instance, ecommerce capabilities like shopping carts and payment gateways can cost between $500 and $10,000, depending on complexity. Ecommerce sites with more advanced needs, such as custom product configurations, personalized user experiences, or advanced inventory management systems, these prices can go up significantly.

Sites that feature booking systems or appointment schedulers, commonly used by service-based businesses, range from $200 to $5,000.

Advanced features such as customer portals, membership systems, or interactive forms can cost between $1,000 and $15,000.

Integrating these functionalities requires both upfront development and ongoing maintenance to ensure they function smoothly, making them critical considerations when budgeting for your website.

If you want to better understand the different types of basic functions and features your site needs to thrive, read this article.

3. Content Creation

High-quality content, including copywriting, photography, and video production, is essential for engaging users and making your website design stand out.

Effective copywriting communicates your brand message clearly, while professional photography and video production elevate the visual appeal and trustworthiness of your site.

Hiring experienced professionals for these services can significantly impact your website costs. Copywriting services typically range from $19 to $50 per hour, while commercial photos can cost between $350 and $3,000 per day. 

Video production, especially for high-quality promotional content, can range from $1,000 to $10,000 or more. These prices can vary depending on the type of content being shot and the amount of time and labor being put into pre- and post-production. 

Though the upfront investment may be substantial, high-quality content helps capture attention, build credibility, and drive conversions, making it a valuable long-term asset for your website’s success.

4. Platform and Hosting

Selecting the right content management system (CMS) and hosting provider is essential for building and maintaining your website.

While WordPress is free and open-source, you'll need to choose a hosting service to make it accessible online. Shared hosting options, such as those provided by Bluehost and GoDaddy, typically start at around $3 to $10 per month, offering an affordable solution for smaller sites that don’t require extensive resources.

For businesses seeking more flexibility and scalability, VPS (Virtual Private Server) hosting costs range from $20 to $100 per month, offering more control and dedicated resources. Additionally, cloud hosting options, which are ideal for sites requiring high scalability and reliability, can range from $40 to $500 per month.

Alternatively, website builders like Wix and Squarespace bundle hosting with their services, streamlining the setup process but often at a higher cost, with plans starting around $12 to $40 per month.

However, if you're looking for something a little bit more affordable and streamlined, Fourthwall provides website hosting with no upfront costs or monthly fees.

Fourthwall's intuitive, no-code templates allow you to easily build and customize your site. The platform also offers free custom domain and mobile-friendly options, making it an excellent choice for creators looking for a low-cost, high-value option to host their content, sell merchandise, and engage with fans globally.

5. Development Team

When deciding on a development team, the costs can vary depending on whether you hire a freelancer, an agency, or build an in-house team.

Freelancers typically offer the most affordable option, with rates ranging from $30 to $200 per hour, depending on their experience and location. 

However, the level of support and reliability can fluctuate, and managing a project with a solo developer might require more hands-on involvement.

Agencies, on the other hand, tend to be more expensive, often charging between $50 and $300 per hour, but they provide a team of professionals with a wide range of expertise, from UX design and development to marketing and project management.

In-house teams can offer the most control and consistent support but come with significant overhead, including salaries (ranging from $50,000 to $120,000+ per year per developer), benefits, and office expenses.

Ultimately, the choice really depends on your budget and the long-term goals for your website's management and growth.

6. SEO and Marketing Integration

Optimizing your website for search engines (SEO) and integrating marketing tools like email newsletters or social media sharing are essential investments for driving traffic and boosting conversions.

While free tools like Google Analytics offer valuable insights into user behavior and website traffic, more robust SEO solutions such as Semrush or Ahrefs can cost between $117 and $416 per month, depending on their features and analytics depth.

These tools provide comprehensive data on keyword rankings, competitor analysis, and site performance, helping businesses refine their content strategies and improve search engine visibility. 

Additionally, integrating email marketing platforms like Mailchimp or Constant Contact—typically starting at $12 to $80 per month—helps automate and streamline outreach efforts.

Although these marketing and optimization tools add to the overall cost, they are crucial for building brand visibility, engaging your audience, and increasing revenue through better-informed strategies.

7. Security Measures

Investing in security measures, such as SSL certificates, regular backups, and malware protection, is non-negotiable. These measures ensure your website remains secure and trustworthy, but they do come with associated costs.

SSL certificates, which encrypt data transmission, can be obtained for free through some hosting providers, but premium certificates with enhanced validation and security features can cost upwards of $1,000 per year.

Additionally, security plugins, such as those offered by Wordfence or Sucuri, provide an extra layer of protection, with premium plans costing around $100 annually.

Regular backups are equally crucial. Services like Jetpack offer automated backup solutions for as low as $5 per month, ensuring your website can quickly recover from breaches or technical failures.

If your business solely relies on the functionality of your website, then investing in top-of-the-line security is necessary for keeping your website secure and resilient in an increasingly digital world.

8. Ongoing Support and Maintenance

Websites require regular updates and maintenance to function smoothly and stay secure. This includes tasks like updating plugins and software, fixing bugs, improving site speed, and uploading fresh content.

The costs for website maintenance vary widely based on your site's complexity and the level of support needed. Basic maintenance services, such as updating content management systems or minor bug fixes, are usually around $20 to $5,000 per month, depending on the website and its maintenance needs.

More advanced support, including security monitoring, SEO updates, and design enhancements, can cost between $300 and $2,000 monthly.

For larger websites or custom-built platforms, annual maintenance fees can exceed $10,000, especially if regular updates, new features, and technical support are required. 

Factoring in these ongoing costs is important for ensuring your website runs smoothly and stays up-to-date.

How to Save Money When Building Your Website

Building a website doesn’t have to break the bank. Here are some tips to help you save money:

• DIY vs. Professional Development: If you have a tight budget, consider using a DIY website builder like Wix or Squarespace, which offers an easy drag-and-drop interface. However, if you need a more complex site, it might be worth investing in professional web development to avoid costly mistakes down the road.
• Template vs. Custom Design: High-quality templates are often a fraction of the cost of a fully custom design. Platforms like WordPress offer thousands of themes that can be customized to fit your brand, saving you money on design costs.
• Phased Development: Consider developing your website in phases. Start with the essential features and add more complex functionalities over time. This allows you to spread out the cost and make adjustments based on user feedback.
• Open-Source Tools: Using open-source CMS platforms like WordPress can save you money on licensing fees. These platforms are free to use, although you’ll still need to pay for hosting and premium themes or plugins if needed.
• Bundling Services: Many hosting providers, like Bluehost, offer bundled services, including hosting, domain registration, and email accounts. Bundling can save you money compared to purchasing these services separately.
• Negotiating with Developers: If you’re working with a web developer or agency, don’t be afraid to negotiate. Ask for discounts, especially if you’re willing to pay upfront or commit to a long-term project.

Estimate Your Website Costs

Understanding the different factors that influence website costs can help you estimate your budget more accurately. Here’s a simple cost breakdown to consider:

• Design and Development: $100 - $35,000 (depending on complexity and platform used).
• Domain Name: $3 - $20 per year, but in some cases, you can get them for free.
• Web Hosting: $5 - $100+ per month (shared hosting to dedicated servers).
• SEO and Marketing: $500 - $5,000 (initial setup and ongoing costs).
• Maintenance: $20 - $5,000+ per month

For example, a small business brochure site might cost between $100 and $2,000, while an ecommerce site could range from $300 to $250,000. It’s also wise to set aside 10-20% of your budget for unexpected expenses such as updates, maintenance, or new content. 

Start Building Your Website with Fourthwall!

As laid out in this article, building your own website can be pretty costly. Luckily, for those on a tight budget and looking for a platform to help host their content and promote their brand Fourthwall has you covered!

Fourthwall stands out as the most cost-effective option for creators looking to build their own website, thanks to its wide range of features without the burden of upfront costs or monthly fees.

Unlike traditional platforms, Fourthwall allows creators to launch a fully customized website for free, with built-in tools for selling merchandise, offering memberships, and monetizing your content to a global audience.

The platform also provides easy-to-use templates with drag-and-drop features, making it easy for those without any coding or web design experience. Fourthwall even provides ecommerce integration with YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and Twitch, allowing creators to sell their products directly through their channels.  

With Fourthwall, creators can monetize their work through product sales, memberships, and fan interaction. The platform only takes a small percentage of sales, making it a low-risk, high-reward solution.

This combination of features makes Fourthwall the ideal platform for creators aiming to showcase their brand and grow their fanbase efficiently. So, if you're a creator looking to strengthen your brand with a website that stands out, then sign up with Fourthwall and start building your site today!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a normal price for a website?

The cost of building a website varies greatly depending on its purpose, complexity, and the features required.

A simple brochure-style website, which includes basic pages like Home, About, and Contact, can cost between $100 and $2,000 if built using DIY website builders like Wix or WordPress with pre-designed templates.

For small businesses or personal brands, a more functional website with custom designs, enhanced security features, or basic ecommerce functionality can range from $300 to $10,000.

How much does a beginner website cost?

A beginner website typically costs between $100 and $500 per year when using popular website builders like Wix or Squarespace.

These platforms offer affordable plans that bundle essential features such as hosting, domain registration, and pre-designed templates, making it easy for beginners or small business owners to set up a website without needing advanced coding skills.

For instance, basic plans with limited functionality might start around $12 per month, while more feature-rich plans can go up to $40 per month.

However, platforms like Fourthwall offer an alternative by eliminating upfront costs or monthly fees. Instead, Fourthwall allows creators to build and launch their websites for free, with monetization features such as ecommerce or memberships.

They only take a percentage of sales, which makes it an attractive option for those just starting out who want to avoid recurring costs while still having access to high-quality tools for building a website.

How much does it cost to build a website builder?

Building a website builder from scratch is an extensive and intricate project, with costs typically ranging from $50,000 to $500,000 or more. This cost depends on several factors, including the platform's complexity, the range of features, user interface design, scalability, and security requirements.

For example, a basic website builder that offers drag-and-drop functionality, customizable templates, and simple hosting options may fall on the lower end of the price range, around $50,000 to $100,000.

However, if you're developing a fully scalable platform that includes advanced features like ecommerce integrations, real-time collaboration, custom domain management, and robust analytics, costs can easily exceed $500,000.

The development process involves not only front-end and back-end development but also requires ongoing investment in user support, maintenance, and server infrastructure to ensure the platform runs smoothly.

How much does a one-page website cost?

The cost of a one-page website can range from $100 to $1,000, depending on various factors such as design complexity, customization needs, and the platform used.

If you're using a DIY website builder like Wix or Squarespace, you can expect to pay between $12 to $40 per month for hosting, templates, and basic functionality.

These platforms offer pre-designed templates, allowing you to quickly set up a professional-looking site with minimal effort.

For a more custom-built one-page website, hiring a freelance web designer could cost between $500 and $1,000 or more.

This higher price often includes tailored design elements, unique layouts, and professional copywriting or photography, ensuring your site aligns perfectly with your brand's identity.