Website Costs... What are They and How Much?I have broken down all the normal charges for a internet website in order for you to understand exactly what you are paying for. Many do not need all the below items therefore, understanding each individual item's cost will allow you to more accurately calculate the costs for your particular needs. Domain NameHaving your own "domain" means that you will purchase a unique name for your website that no one else may use (similar to a trademark name).You'll want to choose a name that points to your business - with the least number of letters, easy to type, and likely to be remembered. This is how potential customers will display your website. This is also important if you want to register your site with internet search engines. I recommend directnic.com for domain name purchases. If you have a credit card, you may purchase your domain name online. While the choice of domain name registrar is yours, I do not recommend choosing an offshore company. I strongly urge those who are considering a website to obtain their domain name as soon as possible. Shorter, more popular domain names are becoming more rare each day! HostingYour website HTML code is placed by your webmaster on a internet server. That means a hosting service provider stores your code on a computer attached to the internet 24 hours a day for instant access by internet users. Hosting "fees" are primarily based upon the amount space (in megabytes) offered. Some do add additional charges for other features or higher speed (bandwidth).If requested, I can provide you with competitive hosting. Again, the choice is yours, however I strongly recommend you request:
Website DesignThere are mainly two methods of designing a website. Amateurs use "wizards" such as Microsoft "Front Page"© and others. Professional web designers design using a code called HTML (Hyper Text Markup Language). Some designers charge an hourly rate and others use "flat rates" meaning they charge per page of HTML code. Many charge extra for special graphics or other specialty items. Some will reduce the "design" costs if you will sign a long term "maintenance" agreement.Maintenance feesMany, if not most, businesses require constant changes to the products and prices of products they sell. Realtors rent and buy properties therefore rental availability and sales listings constantly vary in their market. Retailers often want to advertise special "sale" items. Therefore, when a webmaster must make frequent changes he charges a website "maintenance" fee. Normally that fee is either a monthly or hourly rate. Locally the hourly rate is $15-$50.00For Realtor special maintenance rates - please call me at (478)285-4168. Interactive Websites (Shopping Carts and Surveys)Interactive websites are the more expensive websites because they require a computer programmer to write special programs which make the website "interactive". An example of interaction would be a website that allows a viewer to provide the website owner with customer interests (click here for an example.) Another would be a form where a customer enters information to buy a product. (click here for an example.) Another popular interactive website is a full e-commerce website which uses a "Shopping Cart". This allows customers to shop on line. Shopping cart programs are available on the internet and normally run from $275 into thousands for large interactive databases. Many offer their shopping cart software program free but add a monthly charge for its use.Secure Websites (Credit Card Sales)A "secure" website is one that encrypts credit card information sent over the internet to website retailers. You must purchase a security certificate and then have it installed on your host server - one time fee of $10.00. Security Certificate prices vary from $20.00 - $200.00 dependent upon who you purchase it from. You will need a fixed website IP address. The price varies between different hosting companies for a fixed IP address beginning at $10.00. |