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Securing the services of a skilled web development company can provide your business with a high-quality, user-friendly website, acting as a digital asset that not only draws in new customers but also keeps them coming back. A well-designed website can also reinforce your brand identity, optimize internal business operations, and deliver a host of additional benefits. Investing in professional website development is a smart decision for any enterprise aspiring to create a website that matches its specific needs and vision.
When it comes to building a website, WordPress is a popular and versatile platform that offers numerous benefits. However, one common question that arises during the development process is, “How much does it cost to develop a WordPress website?”
First off, everyone wants a creative, well-functioning, feature-rich website for their business or self, and WordPress is the best way forward. It is an open-source web development and content management platform available to everyone for free. So you can create a basic website at little to no cost (just pay for the hosting). The cost of developing a WordPress website can vary depending on several factors, including the complexity of the design, the functionalities required, and the expertise of the development team.
In this article, we will explore the various factors that contribute to the cost of WordPress website development and provide insights to help you understand the potential expenses involved. By gaining a better understanding of the cost factors, you can make informed decisions and budget effectively for your WordPress website project. So without further ado, let’s check out the factors controlling the cost of developing a WordPress website.
What Do You Need to Build a WordPress Website From Scratch?
WordPress is a free and open-source software that allows anyone to download and use it. It provides the freedom to install WordPress and utilize it on any type of website. To begin our discussion on the cost of developing a WordPress website, let’s first explore the process of creating one from scratch.
- Step 1: Begin by choosing a name for your website. This name will represent your online presence and should be catchy and relevant to your brand or content.
- Step 2: Purchase a domain name and web hosting service from reputable providers like Bluehost or GoDaddy.
- Step 3: Get acquainted with the WordPress user interface (UI). This includes making your website accessible to the public, setting a website title and tagline, and deciding whether to enable or disable comments on your posts.
- Step 4: Select a WordPress theme or design that suits your website’s purpose and style. This step is crucial as it sets the visual tone for your site. Customize the theme to align with your branding and make it unique.
- Step 5: Enhance your website’s functionality by installing relevant plugins. Consider your specific needs and explore different options. You can also consult a custom WordPress plugin development company for personalized recommendations and also learn how to choose the best WordPress plugin.
- Step 6: Create essential pages such as About, Contact, Privacy Policy, FAQs, and a Blog section. These pages provide important information about your website and help visitors navigate and engage with your content.
- Step 7: Organize your website’s navigation to ensure easy access to different sections. Adjust the menu structure and placement to match your website’s design and content layout. Also, understand things to add in WordPress Footer for enhanced user experience.
By following these steps, you can establish a solid foundation for your WordPress website. Remember to regularly update your website, create engaging content, and provide a positive user experience to maximize its effectiveness.
Factors Affecting the Cost to Develop a WordPress Website
The cost of developing a WordPress website varies depending on individual needs and preferences. It is determined by some crucial features defined below :
#1. Domain Name ($2 – $30/year)
One of the initial expenses to consider when developing a WordPress website is the cost of a domain name. A domain name is a unique address that visitors will use to access your website (e.g.: www.yourwebsite.com). The cost of a domain name can vary depending on factors such as the extension (.com, .org, .net, etc.) and the domain registrar you choose.
Typically, domain names can range from as low as $2 to as high as $30 per year. The price variation depends on factors such as the popularity of the extension, the length of the domain name, and any additional services provided by the registrar, such as privacy protection or email hosting. It’s important to carefully consider your domain name choice as it will represent your brand or website identity. It’s advisable to select a domain name that is memorable, relevant to your website’s purpose and aligns with your branding strategy.
While the cost of a domain name is a recurring expense on an annual basis, it is relatively affordable and an essential investment for establishing your online presence. By researching different domain registrars and comparing their pricing and services, you can find a suitable option that fits your budget and requirements.
A few of the biggest domain name registrars are GoDaddy, HostGator, and Namecheap. They charge them for the domain name on a yearly basis. But some do offer discounts on first purchases.
Although these are the standard prices, they may go higher if you opt for something specific like .accountant, .casino, .doctor, etc. Also, some hosting services offer domain name service built-in. So by opting for these host services, you’ll get the domain name for free. We’ll discuss them in the next section.
#2. WordPress Hosting ($120 – $600/year)
WordPress is an excellent CMS from nearly every angle. But one of its drawbacks is that unlike some of the other CMSs, WordPress doesn’t offer built-in hosting. But hosting is a crucial part of any website.
A host takes care of domain name management, server management, website backup and restoration, storage space, security and SSL certificates, bandwidth allocation, and more. It basically provides your website with a safe space to operate on the internet. A good hosting plan will also provide you with a free domain name and other crucial services.
When it comes to selecting a hosting provider for your WordPress website, top options include WPEngine, SiteGround, and Bluehost. The choice of WordPress hosting is a crucial factor to consider in your overall cost estimation for developing a WordPress website.
So you need to consider a good Managed WordPress hosting service provider for your website. Some charge for their services annually, and some ask for monthly payments.
| Hosting service provider | Pricing (/month) |
|---|---|
| Bluehost | Starts at $9.99 |
| Hostinger | Starts at $11.99 |
| SiteGround | Starts at $14.99 |
| WP Engine | Starts at $30 |
| Cloudways | Starts at $11 |
These starting prices are all for the basic plans of these hosting services. They will go higher as the range of services included in the hosting increases. It’s important to consider ongoing costs such as website maintenance, security, and updates as well.
Ultimately, the cost to develop a WordPress website can vary widely, and it’s crucial to assess your specific requirements, budget, and long-term goals to determine an accurate estimate.
#3. SSL Certificate ($0 – $350/year)
When developing a WordPress website, one important consideration is the implementation of an SSL certificate. An SSL certificate ensures secure communication between the user’s web browser and the website’s server, encrypting sensitive information and providing data integrity.
SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) certificate authenticates the identity of a website and encrypts the data transmitted between the website and the user’s browser. Every WordPress website needs an SSL certificate for an added layer of security. An SSL-secured website shows a padlock with HTTPS in the address bar.
Most hosting plans, like the ones mentioned above, offer SSL certificates included in their plans. But if yours doesn’t, and you want an SSL certificate, we have listed some of the best options below.
| SSL Service Provider | Pricing (/year) |
|---|---|
| Let’s Encrypt | Free |
| GoDaddy | $69.99 to $199.99 |
| Hostinger | $8 to $140 |
| NameCheap | $5.99 to $185.99 |
| SSL.com | $36.75 to $319.20 |
But you may avoid the SSL charges by choosing a website host offering this service built in.
There are three main types of SSL certificates:
- Domain Validated (DV) Certificates: These certificates offer basic encryption and are typically the most affordable option, ranging from free to around $50 per year. They verify domain ownership but do not provide extensive validation of the organization or business behind the website.
- Organization Validated (OV) Certificates: These certificates offer a higher level of validation, verifying the legal existence and physical location of the organization. OV certificates usually range from $50 to $150 per year and provide more trust and security to visitors.
- Extended Validation (EV) Certificates: EV certificates provide the highest level of validation, displaying the organization’s name prominently in the address bar of modern browsers. They offer the strongest level of trust and security. EV certificates typically range from $150 to $350 per year.
The cost of SSL certificates can also be influenced by additional features such as warranty coverage, issuance time, and support. It’s important to choose a reputable SSL certificate provider and select the appropriate level of validation based on your website’s needs and the level of trust you want to establish with your visitors.
#4. Theme & Website Design ($0 – $1500/year or Lifetime)
WordPress has a library of over 10K free themes, and there are several other free and paid ones available in other third-party marketplaces like ThemeForest. These themes can completely overhaul the design and layout of your WordPress website. They include stylesheets, images, and PHP code that determine the layout, typography, color scheme and other aspects of a website.
When choosing the WordPress theme, make sure to consider factors like the website’s purpose, target audience, and budget.
| Theme Name | Pricing (/month, year, or lifetime) |
|---|---|
| Genesis WordPress (available with the WP Engine plan) | $360/year to $600/month (subscription for WP Engine) |
| Astra | $0 to $1249 (lifetime) |
| Divi | $89/year or $249 (lifetime) |
| SeedProd | $79 to $599 /year |
There are thousands of other themes on different outlets that may have lower or higher prices. You can also consult the best WordPress Theme and Design development company to know more about which ones to consider.
#5. Plugins & Extensions ($0 to $1000/year)
One of the top highlights of WordPress is the plugins to add a variety of features and functionalities to a website without the need for any coding know-how. Whether it’s about converting your normal website to an online store or just adding a form page, you can choose the best WordPress plugin or even get a custom Plugin from a reputable WordPress plugin development company. You have to select a suitable one according to the requirements on your website.
While there are free plugins available, you may opt for premium options that offer advanced features, customization options, and dedicated support available at third-party marketplaces like Envato. Premium plugins can range from $20 to $100 or more, depending on the functionality.
Moreover, several free plugins (like Elementor) in the WordPress library have their paid premium versions with more advanced features.
| Plugins | Pricing (/year) |
|---|---|
| Elementor | Free or $59 – $ 399 |
| WP Rocket | $59 – $299 |
| All-in-One SEO | Free or $249 – $749 |
| MonsterInsights | Free or $199 – $799 |
Like themes, there are thousands of other plugins (for the same purpose) on different outlets that may have lower or higher prices.
#6. WordPress Developers: Where They Are and What They Cost
This article provides an overview of where to find WordPress developers around the globe and an understanding of their pricing. Unveil the locations teeming with these experts and decode the factors contributing to their service costs.
The location of the WordPress developer or development company you choose to work with can depend on your preferences and requirements. Some clients prefer working with local developers for ease of communication, time zone compatibility, and potential face-to-face meetings. Others may opt for global talent, considering expertise, quality of work, and cost-effectiveness.
If you don’t have the required experience with WordPress to create a website, you’ll have two ways to proceed. You can either hire a freelance WordPress developer or a professional WordPress development company. They can create and customize your website right from scratch.
When it comes to hiring a freelance WordPress developer or development company, the primary factor of consideration is the location. The cost to hire WordPress developers or development companies varies based on their country of origin. But here’s a rough estimate based on their location (some of the more popular ones).
| Location | Hourly Cost (Freelancer) | Hourly Cost (Company) |
|---|---|---|
| USA | $60 – $200 | $50 – $150 |
| India | $10 – $50 | $20 – $50 |
| UAE | $80 – $300 | $40 – $100 |
| Canada | $80 – $200 | $40 – $120 |
| UK | $90 – $300 | $150 |
| Singapore | $80 – $500 | $50 – $120 |
| Europe | $70 – $300 | $50 – $130 |
The cost of hiring a WordPress freelance developer usually depends on factors like their skills and experience in the industry, your website requirements, their after-development support structure, and of course, the location. So consider these factors before hiring the best one.
As for the WordPress development company, the cost depends on the factors like their WordPress development services, overall experience, communication protocols, after-development support, and much more.
The costs mentioned above are a rough average based on a variety of sources like Upwork, Fiverr, WordPress Jobs, Stack Overflow Careers, etc.
It’s important to note that these are general estimates and the actual rates can vary based on factors such as the complexity of the project, the specific skills required, the reputation and experience of the freelancer or company, and the project timeline.
#7. Types of WordPress Website Development
One of the most significant factors controlling the cost of developing WordPress websites is the type. Quite obviously, the cost of a small business website will be much lower than a comprehensive eCommerce website.
Every website has a different number of pages depending on the number of company products and services offered by the company or according to the site owner. That also controls the cost of developing a WordPress website.
| Types of WordPress Websites | No.of Pages | Cost to Develop WordPress Websites | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blog | 4 to 10 | $5,000 – $20,000 | TED Blog |
| Small Business Website | 10 to 30 | $8,000 – $30,000 | Jack Rudy Cocktail Co. |
| eCommerce Store | 20 to >200 | $20,000 – $100,000 | HiNeon |
| Custom WordPress Website | 10 to 20 | $10,000 – $40,000 | WPWeb Infotech |
| Enterprise Website Development | >10 million | >$10M | The White House |
| News Website with Complex Features | >100 million | >$50M | New York Post |
Keep in mind that this estimate is a rough range and the actual cost can vary based on your specific requirements and goals. To get a more accurate estimate, it’s recommended to choose the best web development company or hire experienced web developers. Providing them with detailed specifications for your website will help them provide a more tailored quote based on your specific needs and desired features. So basically, the cost of developing a website through WordPress would depend on the type of website you want and the number of pages required in it.
#8. Content of the website (Content Writing Cost)
Now, you will need stuff like blogs, articles, case studies, product descriptions, and more on your website. Usually, the cost of writing these things depends on the required or written word count as well as the type of content.
So let’s see some of the most commonly-required content types on WordPress websites, along with the costs incurred.
| Types of Content | Word Count | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Blog | 800 to 2500 | $24 – $1,250 |
| Product Description | 100 to 300 | $3 – $150 |
| Website Service Page | 1500 to 2500 | $45 – $1,250 |
The WordPress website development costs aren’t as easy to comprehend as they may sound. A variety of factors are involved, chief among which are domain name, hosting, SSL, themes and plugins, location of the company or developer, and type of content. Although there are several underlying ones that may also affect the costs, that will only be known as you go along.
FAQs related to WordPress Website Development Cost
The choice between hiring a professional WordPress developer or doing it yourself depends on your website development skills and experience. WordPress offers simplicity and ease of use so that you can develop a website with little to no coding experience.
But still, some things can be better controlled by the WordPress developer or development company. They have a better understanding of the plugins and themes to add new functionalities and design elements to your website.
Moreover, they can choose the best possible hosting provider according to your website requirements. So ultimately, if you have the skills and understanding of WordPress website development, you can do it yourself. Otherwise, hire a professional WordPress development company.
Let’s take a look at the factors that can help you hire the best WordPress developer:
Other than that, make sure to brief the developer about the project and ask them a few basic questions about it. That will give you a better perspective on whether the developer is suitable for your website.
Yes, one of the highlighting features of WordPress is its user-friendliness. You can easily create a fully-functional website without any coding skills or experience, just using pre-designed themes and plugins. Plus, WordPress has a visual editor that allows you to view the live changes on your website as you make the customizations regarding its appearance and functionality.
However, for more complex customization or unique design or feature requirements, you may need to hire a professional WordPress developer.
Yes, your existing website can be easily migrated to WordPress. The cost of WordPress migration depends on factors like
Migrating to a larger, more complex site may require more time and investment compared to a smaller website. But it is recommended you consult with a WordPress development company to get an accurate cost estimate for website migration based on your specific situation.
The Bottom Line: How Much Does it Cost to Develop a WordPress Website?
One of the reasons WordPress is so popular is the core, and thousands of themes and plugins are free to use. You can begin with a budget-friendly website by utilizing free plugins and templates. As your website starts attracting visitors, you may consider incorporating premium features such as a premium template, email marketing tools, a paid backup plugin, a website firewall, a business email address, business phone services, live chat functionality, and more. These additional features can enhance the functionality and professionalism of your website as your business grows.
But still, if you want a fully-functional, attractive, feature-rich website for your business or self, there are some critical cost factors involved. These factors include the cost of a domain name, hosting provider, SSL certificates, and premium themes and plugins. But you may not have the required skills and experience for website development. In that case, you’ll need to hire a freelance developer or WordPress development services provider.
As mentioned earlier, this is just a rough estimate of the cost of WordPress website development. The true cost will depend on the requirements of your website. You can also contact our experts and provide us with the details of what you are looking for.
