Building a website for a business might seem like an affordable decision, but the actual costs can add up quickly. I’ve been maintaining a website for my business, excelinsafety.com, since 2020, and I’d like to share my experience with you, including the detailed costs involved in creating and maintaining a website. Here’s a breakdown of the expenses in Philippine Peso (PHP). Feel free to use this link, if you want to convert the cost on other curriencies.
My Journey with Excel in Safety
When I started my business in 2020, That’s when the pandemic hit, I knew having a strong online presence was crucial. My website, excelinsafety.com, has been a pivotal part of my marketing and customer service strategy. Over the years, I’ve realized that while building a website might seem straightforward, the associated costs can quickly accumulate.
Breakdown of Costs
- Domain Registration
- Cost: PHP 600 – PHP 1,500 per year
- Details: Securing a domain name is your first step. Depending on the domain provider and the popularity of the domain name, costs can vary.
- Web Hosting
- Cost: PHP 5,000 – PHP 12,000 per year
- Details: Hosting services like Bluehost, SiteGround, or local providers offer various packages. In my case, I have been using NameCheap as my provider. The cost depends on factors like storage, bandwidth, and additional features.
- SSL Certificate
- Cost: PHP 2,000 – PHP 8,000 per year
- Details: An SSL certificate is essential for securing your website. Some hosting providers include this in their packages, but others may charge separately.
- Website Design and Development
- Cost: PHP 15,000 – PHP 100,000 (one-time)
- Details: The cost here can vary widely depending on whether you use a DIY website builder, hire a freelance developer, or engage a professional agency. Custom designs and complex features will push this cost higher. I have tried all of them.
- Content Management System (CMS)
- Cost: Free – PHP 15,000 per year
- Details: While platforms like WordPress are free, you might need to pay for premium themes, plugins, and support.
- Google Workspace (Formerly G Suite)
- Cost: PHP 10,000 above per user per year
- Details: For business emails, file storage, and collaboration tools, Google Workspace is a reliable option. The standard plan includes 1 terabyte of cloud storage.
- Website Maintenance
- Cost: PHP 10,000 – PHP 50,000 per year
- Details: Regular updates, backups, security checks, and content updates are crucial to keep the website running smoothly. You might handle these yourself or hire someone to do it.
- SEO and Marketing
- Cost: PHP 10,000
- Details: Investing in SEO is essential for improving your website’s visibility. Costs include hiring SEO specialists, running paid ads, and creating marketing content.
Total Estimated Cost
- Initial Setup (First Year): PHP 40,000 – PHP 180,000
- Annual Maintenance: PHP 25,000 – PHP 130,000
I did not feel I had that money, but the data suggest I spent a lot. While building a website can be an exciting project, it’s important to be aware of the costs involved. My journey with Excel in Safety has taught me that investing in quality services and regular maintenance is essential for a successful online presence. By understanding these costs upfront, you can plan better and ensure your website remains a valuable asset for your business.
If you’re considering building a website, take the time to research and budget for these expenses. The investment will pay off in the long run as you build a strong, professional online presence.
Need Help with Website Development?
Part of our services includes website development. If you are planning to build a website, I can help you cut some of the costs. Feel free to reach out, and I’d be happy to assist you in creating a cost-effective, high-quality website for your business.
Feel free to reach out if you have any questions about building and maintaining your website. I’d be happy to share more insights from my experience with excelinsafety.com.
