Insights

How much does it cost to build a website for your small business?

Small business website development, what does it cost?

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=””]Are you starting a new business and need a website? Or is it time for a refresh on your current site?

You’re probably here because you want to know what building a small business website will cost. We get it,you need answers! While we can’t give you an exact figure, we can help you understand what goes into the cost.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”31626″ img_size=”large” alignment=”center” css=””][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=””]Let’s cut to the chase: website design can cost anywhere from under R4,000 to over R40,000. That’s a huge range.

The final price depends on the size of your site, the features you want, the complexity of your needs, and whether you go the DIY route or hire a pro.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”Factors influencing website cost” font_container=”tag:h3|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes” css=””][vc_column_text css=””]So, why such a big price range? Let’s break it down:[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”Domain name” font_container=”tag:h3|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes” css=””][vc_column_text css=””]Getting a domain name can be a piece of cake – or a bit of a headache. If you’re lucky, you’ll find your business name available as a .co.za at a low price.

But good domain names are getting harder to come by. Sometimes, someone else has snagged your perfect name, or domain squatters are holding it for a hefty price.

What can you do if this happens?

  • Go for a different top-level domain (TLD): Think outside the .com box – consider .biz, .co, or even something fun like .shop.
  • Tweak your name: Add a hyphen, “the,” or your location (e.g. thebestshop-jhb.co.za).
  • Pay the premium: Sometimes, it’s worth shelling out extra to get the exact name you want for your brand.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”Website hosting” font_container=”tag:h3|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes” css=””][vc_column_text css=””]Most of the time, people have no problems with their hosting until they do. And then they want to pull their hair out trying to get the answers they need. Cheaper hosts often have less reliable performance and customer service, so consider your options carefully.

Sure, you can go with the cheapest hosting option. But remember, you get what you pay for. Basic hosting might work initially, but investing in a better service can save headaches down the line. Here’s a quick rundown:

  • Shared hosting: Cheapest and best for small, simple sites.
  • VPS: A step up, offering dedicated space on a shared server.
  • Dedicated hosting: Your own server, ideal for high-traffic sites.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”SSL certificate” font_container=”tag:h3|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes” css=””][vc_column_text css=””]SSL certificates are non-negotiable these days. They protect your users’ data and boost your SEO. Some hosting plans include them for free, but if not, expect to pay around R240 per year. It’s worth it to keep your site secure and trustworthy.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”31627″ img_size=”large” alignment=”center” css=””][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”Website design” font_container=”tag:h3|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes” css=””][vc_column_text css=””]This is where things can get pricey. A slick, well-designed site can make a huge difference in how visitors perceive your business. You don’t want to skimp here, but you also don’t need to break the bank.

Aim for a middle ground – get a professional look without going overboard. Start with the basics (homepage, service/product pages, contact page) and add more as your budget allows.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”Number of pages” font_container=”tag:h3|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes” css=””][vc_column_text css=””]The more pages you need, the more it’ll cost. A small site with a handful of service pages is cheaper than a massive e-commerce site with hundreds of product pages. Using templates can help keep costs down.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”Functionality” font_container=”tag:h3|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes” css=””][vc_column_text css=””]Want to add an online store, subscription service, or custom features? That’s going to cost more.

WordPress has tons of free plugins, but more complex needs might require paid or custom solutions. Think about what you need now and what can wait.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”31628″ img_size=”large” alignment=”center” css=””][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”DIY vs professional web design” font_container=”tag:h3|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes” css=””][vc_column_text css=””]DIY website builders like Squarespace and Wix are easy and affordable but come with limitations. If you’re tech-savvy and have the time, DIY might be the way to go.

But if you’d rather focus on your business, hiring a pro ensures a high-quality, hassle-free website. Professional design services range from R3,000 to R40,000+, plus ongoing maintenance.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”Ongoing website maintenance costs for your small business” font_container=”tag:h3|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes” css=””][vc_column_text css=””]Don’t forget about these ongoing costs:

  • Domain renewal
  • SSL certificate renewal
  • Hosting fees
  • CMS and plugin subscriptions
  • E-commerce functionality
  • Regular maintenance and updates

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”31615″ img_size=”large” alignment=”center” css=””][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”Avoiding pitfalls” font_container=”tag:h3|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes” css=””][vc_column_text css=””]To avoid getting ripped off:

  • Only pay for the features you need now.
  • Ensure standard features like responsive design aren’t billed as extras.
  • Know who’s working on your site and maintain direct communication.
  • Understand your audience and ensure your website meets their needs, whether it’s through contact forms, newsletter subscriptions, or other lead-capturing methods.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”Learn more about our website design services” use_theme_fonts=”yes” css=””][vc_column_text css=””]At Select Web,  we offer comprehensive WordPress website services. Whether you’re starting from scratch, migrating, or redesigning, our skilled developers ensure a smooth process with minimal business downtime.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”Ready to start?” use_theme_fonts=”yes” css=””][vc_column_text css=””]Interested in a new WordPress website, migration, or redesign? Click here to request a quote.

Contact us today to learn more about how we can help build the perfect website for your small business![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]