Whether you’re a startup or an established business, building a website is a crucial step in growing your online presence. But how much does it actually cost to create a website in 2024? The answer depends on various factors like the platform you choose, the complexity of the design, the features required, and who you hire to build it.

In this guide, we’ll explore the different ways to build a website in 2024—ranging from DIY solutions to hiring freelancers or agencies—and break down the costs associated with each option. This will help you make an informed decision about which approach is right for your business.

1. DIY Website Builders (Wix, Squarespace, WordPress, etc.)

DIY website builders are an affordable way to get online quickly without hiring a professional developer. They offer templates, drag-and-drop functionality, and simple interfaces to make the process easy for beginners.

Cost Breakdown (SGD):

• Basic Website: SGD 135 – SGD 675 per year This includes the subscription to the website builder, hosting, and a domain name. Basic sites usually consist of a homepage, about page, contact form, and blog.
• E-Commerce Website: SGD 675 – SGD 2,700 per year For e-commerce, platforms like Shopify or WooCommerce (on WordPress) include product pages, payment gateways, and SSL security, increasing the cost slightly.

Pros:

• Cost-effective and beginner-friendly.
• Quick to set up with customizable templates.
• Requires no technical knowledge.

Cons:

• Limited design flexibility and scalability.
• Advanced features may require expensive add-ons.
• Learning the platform may not be easy for everyone, especially for those unfamiliar with website design or technology.
• May not meet the long-term needs of growing businesses.

2. Freelance Web Designers

Hiring a freelance web designer provides more customization than DIY platforms, allowing you to build a website tailored to your specific needs. Freelancers can offer unique designs and add custom features that are difficult to achieve with a website builder.

Cost Breakdown (SGD):

• Basic Website: SGD 1,350 – SGD 6,750 A freelancer can create a custom site that reflects your brand’s personality. The cost varies depending on the number of pages and features you require.
• E-Commerce Website: SGD 2,700 – SGD 13,500+ For e-commerce sites, freelancers charge more due to the additional complexities, such as integrating payment gateways and setting up product databases.

Pros:

• Greater design flexibility compared to DIY solutions.
• Customizable features tailored to your business.
• One-on-one collaboration.

Cons:

• Higher cost than using a DIY website builder.
• Quality and experience levels vary between freelancers.
• Limited ongoing support and maintenance options.

3. Web Design Agencies

For businesses seeking a high-quality, scalable website, partnering with a web design agency is the best option. Agencies provide end-to-end services, from design and development to testing, SEO, and ongoing maintenance.

Cost Breakdown (SGD):

• Basic Website: SGD 6,750 – SGD 20,250 Agencies typically offer fully custom designs with user experience (UX) and business goals in mind. The higher cost reflects the level of expertise and attention to detail.
• E-Commerce Website: SGD 13,500 – SGD 67,500+ E-commerce websites require more complex features, such as inventory management, advanced search functionality, and secure checkout processes. Agencies can handle these complexities, delivering polished and professional results.
• Enterprise-Level Websites: SGD 67,500 – SGD 202,500+ Enterprise-level websites often require extensive custom development, security features, and integrations with other business systems. Agencies specialize in handling large-scale projects that demand high performance and scalability.

Pros:

• High-quality design, development, and performance.
• Complete service package, including SEO and mobile optimization.
• Long-term support, maintenance, and scalability.

Cons:

• Significantly higher cost than DIY platforms or freelancers.
• Longer development time due to the complexity of custom work.

4. Additional Costs to Consider

Building a website involves more than just design and development. Here are some additional costs that should be factored into your budget:

• Domain Name: SGD 14 – SGD 40 per year A domain is the address of your website (e.g., yourbusiness.com). Costs vary depending on the domain provider and the extension (.com, .net, etc.).
• Web Hosting: SGD 70 – SGD 675 per year Hosting is required to make your website accessible online. The price depends on the hosting type (shared, VPS, or dedicated) and the provider.
• Plugins/Extensions: SGD 135 – SGD 1,350 per year Additional plugins or extensions can add functionality, such as SEO tools, analytics, or security features. While some are free, premium plugins come with annual fees.
• Maintenance: SGD 675 – SGD 2,700 per year Regular maintenance is essential to keep your website secure and running smoothly. This includes software updates, backups, and performance monitoring.

Why Engaging Weblyc Co. Is a Smart Choice

Now that you have an understanding of website costs, it’s crucial to choose a partner that delivers both value and expertise. That’s where Weblyc Co. comes in.

1. Custom Solutions for Your Business

At Weblyc Co., we don’t just build websites; we create custom-tailored solutions that align with your business goals. Whether you need a simple informational site or a full-fledged e-commerce platform, our team crafts designs that reflect your brand’s uniqueness and drive user engagement.

2. Focus on User Experience and Conversions

Our design philosophy centers on providing a seamless user experience that translates into higher conversions. By ensuring your website is mobile-friendly, easy to navigate, and optimized for search engines, we help turn visitors into loyal customers.

3. Full-Service Agency

We offer a comprehensive range of services, including web design, development, SEO, and ongoing maintenance. With Weblyc Co., you don’t need to juggle multiple vendors—we handle everything from start to finish.

4. Proven Results

Our work speaks for itself. For example, we helped IFS Capital achieve a 20% increase in web traffic and a 10% boost in contact form submissions after redesigning their website with a focus on user-centric design and functionality.

Get Started with Your Website Today

Building a website in 2024 involves many factors, from design and development to hosting and ongoing maintenance. While DIY platforms and freelancers offer budget-friendly options, businesses that seek long-term growth and professional results should consider partnering with a web design agency.

At Weblyc Co., we provide the expertise, creativity, and full-service solutions needed to build a website that drives your business forward. Ready to start your project? Contact us today for a consultation and learn how we can bring your vision to life.