Domain Name
With new domains opening for registrations you now have many more options in choosing your domain. And most likely, you’ll find that your ideal name has been taken and need options to stand out from the noise. Fortunately, there are domain generators to help come up with new names and premium Top Level Domains, such as .ME, to add a touch of personalization to one’s brand. With any Top Level Domain, either a monthly or yearly cost will be attached to registering and hosting the domain name. And if you are planning on an ecommerce site, then the SSL certificate will be required.
Plug-Ins, Updates and Templates
Web builders on the market, such as Squarespace and GoDaddy, offer many inexpensive starter plans. But before you commit to a project and settle on a generic template, it’s important to understand your short and long-term goals of the site and how much customization you might need in the future. For WordPress users, you could get stuck with a low functioning template and end up spending more to fine-tune and protect your site. The other hidden costs of these DIY or free platforms could be subscription costs for themes, plugins, updates and backing up data. Fortunately, there are more web building companies vying for your business and the costs for extra functionalities are decreasing.
EShopping Isn’t Cheap
With more individual brands and small businesses selling more products/services online, having a secure ecommerce element on a site helps build trust with customers. If you are integrating ecommerce from other platforms, eventually you’ll need to build-in a budget for advanced features. Having quality photos and descriptions on your site will be important to attract and retain customers. But this process takes time and money to complete. Hidden costs may also include maintaining the site and managing sales.
DIY Web Builders Can Only Go so Far
As your business builds, you’re going to have to customize the site and hire a web designer to keep up with the traffic and enhanced features. Salminen suggests to get multiple design bids and work with a reputable designer. But beware of the lowball bids – they could cost you more money. Before you hire a designer, make sure you have a plan.
The Cost of Clicks
Putting your brand online is just the first step to reaching customers. Before you hit the launch button, set aside money for a marketing and SEO plan, this could include a blend of content, free social platforms and paid advertising. “Make sure you have a clear and concise dev direction (RFP) so there are no discrepancies in bidding out the website build. If you want to add/change functionalities, that is great, but make sure it drives revenue to your brand/business.”
Consistency Has a Cost
If you decide to hire a digital marketing company, Gruler suggests to “get a break down of hours, services and actual spend you get into the ad marketplace.” Before you start throwing your credit card down to build a website, think about what your short- and long- term plans will be to personalize your site and the budget you’ll need to get it done.
