How Much Does It Cost To Design A Website?

Published: June 17, 2024

Are you planning to establish or elevate your online presence if you already have one? The most essential step in both processes is designing or redesigning a website, which involves significant costs.

For those needing clarification about decoding the exact cost of website design, this blog from the BrandVillage experts, one of the best website design Melbourne agencies, is here to help. Read on to know more.

Cost Considerations in the Website Design Process

The cost of website design depends on the complexity of the site. The level of expertise required varies depending on the tools used. Below, we delve into different approaches and options available. Let’s find out what you expect to pay for each.

DIY Website Builders

The cost of DIY website builders can vary depending on your chosen platform and the features you need. Here’s a breakdown of the general pricing structure:

• Free Plans are ideal for testing basic features. They usually include platform branding and have limitations on storage and bandwidth.
• Paid Plans: Basic plans start from $7 (11 AUD) to $15 (23 AUD) per month. Business or premium plans cost $20 (30 AUD) to $50 (76 AUD) per month. Enterprise plans start over $100 (152 AUD) per month.

Here’s the breakdown of paid plans based on the website builders –

• Wix: Free, then $17 (26 AUD) to $159 (240 AUD) Per month.
• Squarespace: Free, then $16 (243 AUD) to $52 (79 AUD) Per month.
• Weebly: Free, then $10 (16 AUD) to $26 (40 AUD) Per month.
• WordPress.com: Free. Then, $5 (8 AUD) to $59 (89 AUD) Per month (distinct from WordPress.org, which requires separate hosting).

Each platform caters to different needs. From simple blogs to complex business sites, they have clear upgrade paths as your website grows.

Hiring a Freelance Web Designer

Costs for freelance web designers vary with the project’s complexity. Primary 5 to 10-page websites start at around $500. More complex designs requiring custom features can exceed $10,000 (15145 AUD).

Freelancers often have lower overheads. It allows them to offer competitive rates compared to larger agencies. However, they may need more comprehensive expertise, project management, scalability, and long-term support.

Professional Web Design Agencies

Professional web design agencies charge between $5,000 (7572 AUD) and $50,000+ (75725+ AUD). It depends on the website’s complexity and specifications. These costs include developing a custom website tailored to your unique business needs. These are equipped with advanced features and exceptional design quality.

Agencies like BrandVillage ensure a seamless design-to-launch process. They also provide robust scalability and support for growing business requirements. Our expert teams handle everything from e-commerce solutions to custom integrations. Our experts have extensive experience in web development and digital marketing.

E-Commerce Website Design

Designing an e-commerce website costs $5,000 (7572 AUD), and the price can exceed $30,000 (45435 AUD) for high-end, bespoke online stores. This price range includes developing essential e-commerce features like shopping carts, secure payment gateways, and user-friendly product catalogues.

Investing in the higher-end of the range benefits with-

• Extensive custom design,
• Advanced security,
• Inventory management,
• Marketing integrations,
• Responsive design,
• SEO optimisation.

Higher-end the cost ensure a robust and scalable online store.

Website Redesign

If you already have a website and want to redesign it, the cost typically ranges between $3000 (4543 AUD)and $15,000 (22717 AUD). The exact price depends on the complexity of the redesign and the extent of the updates required.

Here are the points detailing when to consider a website redesign –

• If your website looks dated and lacks visual appeal.
• If your website is challenging to navigate or not mobile-friendly.
• If your website is failing to convert visitors into leads or customers.
• If your brand identity has evolved, your website must reflect those changes.

The benefits of website redesign include modernised design, enhanced functionality, improved SEO rankings, optimised conversions, and refreshed content. These ensure a contemporary, user-friendly, and effective online presence.

Additional Costs

Additional costs include –

• Domain Name: Approximately $10 (15 AUD)-$20 (30 AUD) per year.
• Web Hosting: (75 AUD – 300 AUD) $50-$200+ per year, depending on traffic and hosting features.
• SSL Certificate: Costs can vary; some hosts include it for free.
• Professional Imagery/Photography: Varies based on needs.
• Marketing/SEO Services: Essential for visibility, with costs depending on the depth and breadth of services.
• Ongoing Maintenance and Updates: $50 (75 AUD) to $1,000 (1515 AUD) monthly, crucial for keeping the site secure and up-to-date.

Industry-Specific Website Costs: How Your Sector Influences Budget

Small Business Website ($3,000 – $10,000+) or ( 4500 AUD to 15000+ AUD)

• Typical Features: Informative and engaging website. It showcases your products or services, contact information, and customer testimonials.
• Focus: Simplicity, user-friendliness, and clear communication of your value proposition.
• Examples: Local restaurants, plumbers, photographers, consultants.
• Cost Considerations: Limited complexity allows for lower costs. However, factors like custom design elements or e-commerce functionality can raise prices.

Corporate Website ($10,000 – $30,000+) or (15000 AUD to 45000+ AUD)

• Typical Features: Professional and polished website. It emphasises brand image, thought leadership, and investor relations.
• Focus: Credibility, trust, and establishing your brand as an industry leader.
• Examples: Law firms, financial institutions, and large-scale manufacturing companies.
• Cost Considerations: Emphasis on design and user experience often leads to higher costs. Additional features like investor portals or secure logins can also increase the budget.

E-Commerce Website ($5,000 – $30,000+) or (7500 AUD to 45000+ AUD)

• Typical Features: Shopping cart functionality, secure payment gateways, product catalogues, and features to optimise the online shopping experience.
• Focus: Converting website visitors into paying customers.
• Examples: Online clothing stores, electronics retailers, and furniture stores with online sales.
• Cost Considerations: E-commerce features require specialised development, impacting the cost. Additional factors include inventory management systems and marketing integrations.

Website Application (Highly Variable)

• Description: Websites that function more like interactive applications.
• Examples: Online booking systems, appointment scheduling tools, and complex product configurators.
• Cost Considerations: Costs are highly variable. It depends on the complexity of the application’s features and functionality. Custom development is often required, leading to potentially higher costs.

Conclusion

Understanding website design costs helps you make informed decisions. Each option has its benefits, whether using DIY builders, freelancers, or professional agencies. For comprehensive, high-quality solutions, professional agencies offer unmatched expertise.

At BrandVillage, an award-winning design agency in Melbourne, we offer affordable web design packages and expert assistance with years of experience. Ready to enhance your online presence? Contact us for a personalised quote, and let’s create something unique together!