Building a website is no longer a one-size-fits-all process. Whether you're looking for a quick DIY solution or a custom-built site from a boutique agency like Woven Studio, the price tag will depend on your approach. Let’s explore the most common pathways for website building, their typical costs in Australia and New Zealand, and how they differ in quality and user experience.
1. Freelancers
Budget-Friendly, But Beware of Limits
Freelancers often charge between $1,500 to $5,000 AUD for a basic website, depending on their experience and expertise. While this option is more affordable, you may encounter limitations in service, responsiveness, and support.
Pricing: $1,500 - $5,000 AUD
Maintenance Costs: Ongoing updates may cost between $50 to $200 AUD per hour, depending on the complexity of the changes required.
TL;DR: Freelancers are great for budget projects but might delay delivery or miss essential services.
Pro Tip: When working with freelancers, ensure they're available for post-launch support.
2. DIY Platforms
Affordable and Fast, but at a Price
Platforms like Wix, Squarespace, and Shopify allow you to build a website quickly for $20 to $50 AUD per month. While these options save you money upfront, they often come with limitations on customisation and scalability.
Pricing: $20 - $50/month
Maintenance Costs: You may face costs for updates and additional features, typically around $10 to $100 AUD per update, depending on what changes you want to make.
TL;DR: DIY platforms save you money upfront but can’t handle more complex needs as you scale.
Pro Tip: Use DIY platforms for quick landing pages or temporary sites, but plan to switch to a more scalable solution later.
3. Boutique Agencies
Personalised Service with a Unique Touch
Boutique agencies, like Woven Studio, typically charge between $5,000 to $15,000 AUD for a custom website. This price reflects the tailored approach and the quality of design and service you’ll receive. We specialise in creating unique websites that resonate with your brand.
Pricing: $5,000 - $15,000 AUD
Maintenance Costs: Regular updates and enhancements can cost between $100 to $500 AUD per month, depending on your site’s needs and complexity.
TL;DR: Boutique agencies offer tailored, creative solutions but they cost more than freelancers or DIY.
Pro Tip: Opt for boutique agencies if your brand requires a unique digital experience and custom features.
4. Mid-Large Agencies
Full-Service, Full Price
Larger agencies can charge upwards of $15,000 AUD, depending on the project's complexity. While they have extensive resources and can manage large-scale projects, you often sacrifice a personal touch for comprehensive service.
Pricing: From $15,000 AUD
Maintenance Costs: Updates and support typically start at $500 AUD per month, rising with the complexity and scale of your website.
TL;DR: Big agencies are ideal for enterprise-level sites but come with a high price tag and less personalised service.
Pro Tip: Choose big agencies when you need robust, multi-functional websites, but be prepared for a significant investment.
What to Be Aware Of When Building a Website
When deciding on how to build your website, consider these common factors that can impact your project:
- Freelancers: Be mindful of potential communication delays and project timelines due to a freelancer's workload.
- DIY Platforms: While you may save money, be prepared to invest time in learning the platform and building the site yourself, which can be a significant commitment.
- Boutique Agencies: Some clients underestimate the value of ongoing support and updates that boutique agencies often provide as part of their service.
- Big Agencies: With larger teams, communication can become complex, which may lead to misunderstandings about project goals or timelines.
- Templated Sites: Many agencies offer outdated platforms or templated sites that may not meet modern performance and design standards, resulting in potential long-term costs.
Additional Considerations
What Often Gets Overlooked
When budgeting for a website, keep these often-overlooked costs in mind:
- Hidden Costs: Don’t forget about domain registration, hosting fees, and SSL certificates, which can add to your initial setup costs.
- SEO: Investing in SEO during and after website development is crucial for visibility. Initial setups can range from $500 to $5,000 AUD.
- E-commerce: If you're planning to sell online, consider payment processing fees and additional platform costs.
- Content Management: Regularly updating content is essential for SEO and engagement. Factor in costs for ongoing content creation and management.
- User Experience and Accessibility: Good UX design and compliance with accessibility standards can increase upfront costs but pay off in user satisfaction and conversions.
- Ongoing Support: Training staff and retaining support services can ensure your site runs smoothly, adding to your long-term costs.
Final Thoughts
Understanding the True Cost of Your Website
Building a website involves more than just the initial price tag. Whether you choose to work with a freelancer, use a DIY platform, partner with a boutique agency like Woven Studio, or engage a large agency, it’s essential to align your website goals with the right approach.
Keep in mind the various costs associated with each pathway, including ongoing maintenance, hidden fees, SEO investments, e-commerce functionality, content updates, and user experience considerations. By being aware of these factors, you can make informed decisions that align with your budget and business objectives.
Quick Recap
- Freelancers: Budget-friendly ($1,500 - $5,000 AUD) but may offer limited service.
- DIY Platforms: Cost-effective ($20 - $50/month) but often constrained in customization.
- Boutique Agencies: Creative and tailored solutions ($5,000 - $15,000 AUD) with ongoing support.
- Big Agencies: Comprehensive service but with higher costs (from $15,000 AUD).
- Templated Sites: Quick and easy ($3,000 AUD), but may not meet modern standards.
Get in Touch!
Ready to take the next step in building your website? Contact us today for a consultation, and let’s create something exceptional together!