WordPress is one of the most popular site-building platforms, thanks to its user-friendly interface and wide range of features.
Its development costs depend on the size and complexity of the website. For example, if you’re starting from scratch, you’ll need to pay for hosting, a domain name, and a WordPress theme if you want it to be customized. You may also need a developer to help with maintenance or complex integrations.
The cost of developing a WordPress website can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand, depending on your specific needs. However, there are many ways to save money, such as using free themes or opting for self-hosted options.
So, let’s dig deeper into the necessary and optional costs required when building a WordPress website.
Necessary costs
Each website needs two essential costs to look professional and build a strong online presence: hosting and domain name cost.
Hosting
Hosting is a service that allows individuals or companies to post their websites on the internet and make them accessible to anyone. The cost of hosting a website can differ based on several factors, such as the size and capacity of the site, the amount of engagement it receives, and the level of customization and features it requires.
Shared hosting may be sufficient for a small personal site, while a large e-commerce site (by the way what’s the correct eCommerce spelling?) may need its own dedicated server. However, the cost of hosting a website will fall somewhere between these two extremes.
The exact cost will also depend on the specific hosting package that is chosen, as well as any discounts or promotions that are currently being offered. Fortunately, it is relatively affordable and should not significantly discourage business owners.
For example:
- Hostgator–Starting at $2.75/mo*
- Hostinger–Starting at $2.49/mo
- BlueHost–Starting at $2.95/mo*
For more advanced benefits, premium hosting services are available, and you can always switch to pricier options.
Domain
WordPress domain costs can be a bit confusing. First, you need to decide on a website name. If you don’t have an existing one, you can use a domain registrar like Namecheap or GoDaddy to register one. Once you have a domain name, you must set up WordPress hosting. This can be done with the help of one provider, as mentioned above.
After your hosting is set up, you can install WordPress and start creating your site. The cost of all of this will vary depending on the provider you choose and the size of your site, but it can range from $0 (if you use a free service like WordPress .com) to $15 or more per year if you use your own custom domain.
Your hosting costs will also play a role- with shared hosting costing as little as $3–$5 per month and managed WordPress hosting costing around $20–$35 per month. If you want additional features or services like security, backups, or support, those will also add to your total costs.
Optional costs
To customize your WordPress website, you will probably need some premium extensions and services, which include the following ones:
Themes
Many people believe WordPress themes must be expensive to be of high quality. However, this is not always the case. While some premium themes cost upwards of $100, many high-quality themes are also available for free or at a very reasonable price. In fact, some of the best WordPress themes on the market are actually quite affordable. All you have to do is choose the design that matches your website’s purpose.
Plugins
WordPress plugins are essential for any site that wants to be outstanding. They add features and functionality that would otherwise be impossible, or at least very difficult, to achieve. However, they come at a cost. Not only do you have to invest in the plugin itself, but you also have to pay for support and updates.
This can quickly add up, especially if you need multiple plugins. Fortunately, there are some ways to reduce the cost of WordPress plugins. One way is to see if there is any discount, for example, during holidays.
Another is to choose a plugin with a free version and upgrade only if you need the additional features or try to find a coupon code that will give you a percentage of your purchase.
Marketing and Promotion
Any business, whether big or small, needs marketing and promotion to reach its target audience. WordPress is no different. While many free plugins and themes are available, the cost of paid promotions can sometimes add up. CRM vs Marketing Automation, which is better?
And if you want to add additional features, such as an eCommerce plugin , the costs can quickly start to spiral. Also, don’t forget to consider the costs of hiring a professional to design and implement your marketing strategy for better results.
Security & SSL
WordPress is reasonably secure, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t any security risks. In fact, as WordPress has become more popular, it has also become a more attractive target for hackers. Some measures to reduce the risk of your WordPress site being hacked include keeping your software up to date and using a strong password.
Adding an SSL certificate to your site is also critical, which will encrypt traffic between your site and visitors’ browsers.
The best hosting providers offering free SSL certificates are Bluehost Shared and WooCommerce, Hostinger, and Siteground. The average pricing of an SSL certificate is about $60 per year, but this can vary on your site’s needs.
Development
It is important to remember that WordPress is a Content Management System (CMS); therefore, it requires regular updates and maintenance to function properly. Yoast SEO is a popular plugin that can help with this. While there is no denying that WordPress Development and maintenance costs can be expensive. It is important to remember that the benefits of using WordPress far outweigh the cost.
According to a recent study, WordPress costs around $75 to $15,000 annually.
WordPress websites are customizable and can be adapted to meet the changing requirements of a business. As a result, it provides businesses with a versatile and powerful platform that can be used to promote their products and services effectively.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the cost of developing a website on WordPress depends on various factors, such as the number of pages, design complexity, functionality, etc. If you need help to choose a WordPress development company or have questions about the process, ‌contact us. We would be happy to help you develop a beautiful, engaging website that meets your needs and budget.
