Starting a small business is an exciting journey, and having a professional website is crucial to your success. Your website serves as the online face of your business, making it essential to get it right. Here, we'll walk you through the important elements you'll need to consider when starting your small business website.
Pricing in this article is in USD.
Business Website Domain
Your domain name is your website's address on the internet. It's how customers will find and remember you. Choose a domain name that reflects your business name or the services you offer. Keep it short, memorable, and easy to spell. For example, if you run a bakery called "Sweet Treats," a domain like www.sweettreats.com.au would be ideal.
Domain Pricing
The average pricing for domains can vary widely depending on factors such as the domain extension (.com, .net, etc.), popularity of keywords, and demand. On average, domain prices range from $10 to $50 per year. It is important to research and compare prices before purchasing a domain to ensure you are getting the best deal.
Remember, "Your domain name is your identity on the web; make it count."
For a detailed guide on choosing the perfect domain, check out our Website Checklist.
Business Emails
Professional email addresses that match your domain name (e.g., info@sweettreats.com.au) add credibility to your business. They help build trust with your customers and make your business look more legitimate. Many domain registrars offer email hosting services, making it easy to set up and manage your business emails.
Average pricing for business email services varies, but typically ranges from $5 to $20 per user per month.
Your Website Build
Building a website involves several steps, from choosing a platform to designing and developing the site. You can opt to use website builders like WordPress or hire a professional web developer. Hiring a web developer can cost anywhere from $2,000 to $10,000, depending on the complexity of your site and the services you require. Web design services, which include creating a visually appealing and user-friendly layout, can add to the cost.
"Investing in a professional website is investing in your business's future."
For more insights on creating impactful websites, read our article on Designing Impactful Websites.
Ongoing Website Hosting
Website hosting is where your website's files are stored. You have two main options: platform hosting or managing it yourself. Platform hosting services, like those offered by Icewolf, Squarespace or Wix, provide an all-in-one solution, including hosting, security, and updates. This option is user-friendly and requires less technical know-how.
On the other hand, managing your own hosting gives you more control and can be more cost-effective in the long run. However, it requires more technical expertise and time to manage security, updates, and backups.
"Choose the hosting option that best fits your technical skills and business needs."
To understand more about the benefits of different hosting options, you might find our article on Maximising Website Budget helpful.
Average pricing for website hosting can range from $5 to $30 per month for self-managed platforms, while managed platforms typically cost between $30 to $150 per month.
