In the digital age, having a website is essential for any business or organization. It’s your virtual storefront, providing a platform to engage with your audience, showcase your brand, and offer valuable services or information. When it comes to website development, the costs can vary significantly based on the complexity of your project and the features you require.
In this blog post, we will delve into the expenses associated with building a WordPress website, a favored option due to its adaptability and customization capabilities. Stay tuned for our upcoming post where we’ll conduct a detailed comparison between WordPress and drag-and-drop platforms like Squarespace and Wix. Throughout this article, we’ll provide a comprehensive breakdown of each development phase, giving you insight into the expected costs along the way.
Step 1: Project Initiation and Setup – $500
Once the project is greenlit, the next step involves setting up the groundwork. This includes creating a staging site, installing WordPress, selecting and installing an appropriate theme, scheduling regular client meetings, establishing internal communication channels with the development team, and assigning roles. This initial setup helps ensure a smooth workflow throughout the project.
Step 2: Ideation – bundled with wireframe
Ideation is the brainstorming phase where the internal team generates design concepts, identifies conversion opportunities, determines the ideal number of pages, and decides on essential features. This stage also covers considerations such as e-commerce capabilities, forms, surveys, FAQs, volunteer forms, integration with other software solutions, social media feeds, multi-language support, and compliance with the American Disabilities Act (ADA). Legal needs, like terms and privacy policies, are also addressed.
Step 3: Wireframe – $1,000
The wireframe is a visual representation of the website’s layout, outlining its structure and functionality in detail. It is a critical part of the development process.
Step 4: Design – Included in per page build
Design is a crucial element that brings your website to life. The cost of design varies based on the complexity and visual richness of your site. Design concepts are created, refined, and ultimately approved by the client.
Step 5: Build – $650 per Page
The development phase involves building the website based on the wireframe and design concepts while adhering to brand guidelines. This includes tagging all pages for Search Engine Optimization and development across desktop, tablet and mobile screen sizes. The cost here can be estimated at around $650 per page, depending on the complexity of each page.
Step 6: Integrations – $500 each
If your website requires special integrations, such as connections to CRM systems, donation platforms, payment providers, or external databases, these will need to be coded and thoroughly tested. Each integration typically costs around $500. More complex integrations, via an application programming interface (API), can be more complicated.
Step 7: Testing – included
Before going live, the website undergoes extensive testing to ensure functionality and compatibility across different browsers and operating systems. This step is crucial to delivering a seamless user experience.
Step 8: Domain Connection and SSL Certificate – included
Once the site passes testing and receives client approval, the domain name is connected, moving the website from the staging site to a live environment. Additionally, an SSL certificate is created and linked to the site to ensure secure data transmission.
Example: WordPress Website with 6 Pages
Let’s put everything we’ve discussed into perspective with an example. Suppose you’re looking to develop a WordPress website with 6 pages, and your project follows the breakdown below:
- Initiation & Setup: $500
- Ideation/Wireframe: $1,000
- Design: Included in build
- Build (6 pages at $650 each): $3,900
- Integration with Monday CRM System: $500
- Integrations and Testing: Included
- Domain Connection: Included
- Total Cost: $5,900
In this example, the total cost of developing your WordPress website with the specified features and pages would be $5,900. Keep in mind that the actual cost can vary depending on your unique project requirements and design complexity. However, having a breakdown like this helps you understand where your budget is allocated and ensures that you get the most value from your investment in a functional and visually appealing website.
In conclusion, the cost of developing a WordPress website can vary depending on your specific requirements. Understanding these key steps and associated costs is essential for budget planning. Keep in mind that investing in a well-designed and functional website is an investment in your online presence and can yield significant returns in terms of audience engagement and business growth.