Image by William from Pixabay
Website Development
Here is a brief run-down of general costs to own a website. The 3rd party rates are approximate and it’s better to do your research to find the right fit for your business. You may need to upgrade your hosting for an example if you sell goods or services online. Lots of variables to consider.
A standard website is generally under 10 pages. It includes pages like, Home, About Us, Products & Services, Reviews, Contact, etc. The cost of website development varies. It largely depends on the service provider and whether the website includes specialized design work, has an online store (eCommerce), Blog, online forms, manages subscribers or members, contains interactive components related to your business, etc.
Annual Domain Registration
The cost is normally between $15 and $30. I recommend paying a little extra for a layer of security that will protect your personal identity, etc.
To obtain a domain, first search to ensure that it is available through a reputable company like Go-Daddy which offers a free online search. Once you’ve chosen an available domain, you will be redirected to purchase it. Note: Your domain registration must be renewed in advance annually. In most cases, you can purchase more than one year at a time.
Annual Website Hosting
Website hosting normally starts at around $200. Be sure to choose a hosting package that includes the installation of a SSL (secure sockets layer) certificate. Major search engines tend to ignore websites that do not have a SSL certificate. As a matter of fact, your website will display as “unsecure” on Google and other major search engines. It helps protect data and blocks Malware so it doesn’t affect your website visitors.
Website Updates
You can choose a Content Management (CMS) website that enables you to update your website yourself (learning curve required). Alternatively you can hire a web developer to update your website for you.