Cost To Run A Website

Creating and maintaining a website is one of the keys to success for small businesses.

By Mike Adams, YourLocalSite.com Founder
Last Updated: June 19, 2009: 11:38 PM ET

A website not only draws clients to your business but it could also open a door for further sales and exposure. Many business owners are unclear on the costs that are associated with a website. It is important to understand each component, how it works and what it will cost. Websites are the leading source of revenue for many small businesses, so make sure to plan accordingly when preparing a new site. It may seem like a high cost, but in respect to what it can generate for your company, it is a small price to pay.

Costs of a website are broken into two main categories. The basic costs and the added extras. The basic costs will include your company domain name, the design on the website, maintenance and hosting. These are very important aspects of every website. The extras can greatly benefit those who conduct business online. These can include Pay-Per-Click advertising, Search Engine Optimization and E-Commerce Solutions.

Most companies will start with the basics, so it is important to know what you will be paying for. Your domain name is one of the most important parts of a website. This is the actual Internet address that allows computers to find your website. Many domain names can be registered for many years. The price will vary depending on how long you wish to have that domain name.

Hosting is another critical component. The host is where your website is located. The purpose of a host is to allow the site to be viewed. Hosting costs can vary and will largely depend on the size of your website. Small businesses who are just starting a website will be able to find hosting accounts to suit their needs but need to ensure that the servers are safe for their user to access. The servers need to be maintained and VIRUS FREE!

The design of the website is where a most of money can be spent. You will need to set a budget for your overall website costs and go from there. Many people get carried away with design and are soon paying more money per month than they expected. However, do not sell yourself short in this department. In essence, website design is your advertising. You want to make sure the site is easy to navigate, visually appealing, informative and makes a great first impression. This is very important if you intend to conduct most of your business online.

When planning your budget, don’t forget the cost of maintenance. Many people overlook this expense. While your domain name and design will remain the same, the information offered on the site must be updated! It would be a shame to have a successful site for the first few months, only to fail because your information is outdated.

Your website should be a reflection of you and your company. Plan a proper budget to allow for improvements after the basics are met. A website can cost as little or as much as you want. Your choice, however, will directly relate to the success of the site. This is why we offer all of the above for one flat rate! See how we manage our clients websites