What is the Average Cost of Website Design for an Edmonton Small Business?
by Aaron Janes, Founder
We both know you're an ambitious entrepreneur in Edmonton with a killer business idea and the drive to match. You also know you need a website, that online storefront that'll make you shine in our digital world.
But then it hits you – the big question: "How much is this website thing actually going to cost me?"
I get it. As a fellow business owner in this awesome city, I've been there. Navigating the world of website design can feel like trekking through the River Valley in the middle of winter – a bit daunting and probably a little pricey.
But let's take a moment to look at what you're actually dealing with. This guide is here to help you understand the average cost of website design for small businesses right here in Edmonton. All factors included.
Let's go.
Website Design Cost Factors in Edmonton
Here's the lowdown:
- Website type: First things first, what kind of online home are you building? A simple brochure website for your Edmonton bakery will be way more affordable than a full-blown eCommerce store for a trendy clothing boutique like Poppy Barley. And if you're dreaming of a complex web application like Jobber – well, that's a whole different ball game.
- Features & functionality: Want to add some bells and whistles to your site? Contact forms, online booking systems (perfect for Edmonton's many salons and spas!), membership areas – these awesome features add convenience for your customers, but they also add to the development cost.
- Design complexity: Are you envisioning a unique, custom-designed website that screams your brand (think of the striking visuals and dynamic features on the Edmonton Oilers website)? Or are you comfortable starting with a pre-designed template and customizing it? Custom design requires more time and expertise, so expect a higher price tag.
- Content creation: Don't forget about the words and pictures that bring your website to life! High-quality copywriting and professional photography can make a huge difference in how your business is perceived. But keep in mind, hiring talented folks like Edmonton's own photographers and copywriters will factor into your overall cost.
- Ongoing maintenance: Building a website is like planting a garden – it needs ongoing care to thrive! Hosting, domain registration, security updates, and fresh content are all essential for keeping your website healthy and secure. These ongoing costs are important to factor into your budget.
Understanding these factors will help you make informed decisions about your website investment and prioritize what's truly important for your Edmonton business.
Website Design Cost Breakdown: DIY vs. Agency vs. Website Builder
So, let's say you have an idea for the kind of website you want to build. Now, you have three options.
You can build the website yourself, from scratch, with code. You can use a website builder like WordPress, Wix, Squarespace, and so on. Or, you can hire an agency or website designer to handle everything for you.
There are pros and cons to each, and understanding them all can massively help you make the best decision.
DIY Website Design: The "I Can Do It Myself" Route
This path is tempting, right? You're a driven entrepreneur who is used to taking charge. Why not build your own website and save some cash? Well, hold your horses, friend. DIY website design comes with its own set of challenges and hidden costs.
- Time investment: Think about it – you'll need to research different platforms, learn design principles (maybe even some coding!), create content, and troubleshoot technical glitches. This can quickly eat up weeks, if not months, of your precious time. Time you could be spending on growing your business, serving customers, or, let's be honest, enjoying a craft beer at your favourite joint!
- Costs of tools and resources: Even if you're going DIY, you'll still need to invest in tools and resources. Website builders (or content management systems, CMS) like Wix or Squarespace have monthly fees; you'll need to pay for hosting and a domain name and maybe even purchase premium plugins or themes. These costs can add up quickly.
- Hidden costs: Here's the big one – the opportunity cost of your time. While you're busy wrestling with website code, you're not generating revenue or focusing on your core business activities. Let's say you spend 10 hours a week on DIY website design for two months. If your hourly rate is $50, that's a whopping $4,000 in potential revenue lost! Ouch.
Hiring a Website Design Agency in Edmonton: The "Leave it to the Pros" Approach
Now, let's talk about bringing in the experts. Edmonton has a vibrant web design scene, with agencies ranging from solo freelancers to established firms. But what can you expect to pay for their expertise?
- Average cost ranges: This can vary widely depending on the agency's size, experience, and the complexity of your project. A freelance web developer might charge anywhere from $50 to $150 per hour, while a full-service agency could quote you a project fee between $5,000 and $20,000 or more.
Benefits of professional design: Think of it as an investment in your business's online success. A professional agency brings expertise, efficiency, and the ability to create a truly custom website that reflects your brand and achieves your goals. Plus, they often provide ongoing support and maintenance so you can focus on what you do best.
Using a Website Builder: The "Fast and Easy" Option
Website builders like Wix, Squarespace, and Shopify have made it easier than ever to create a website without coding knowledge. But are they the right fit for your Edmonton business?
- Pros and cons: Website builders offer user-friendly interfaces, pre-designed templates, and drag-and-drop functionality. However, they can also be limiting in terms of customization and design flexibility.
- Monthly costs and limitations: Most website builders have monthly subscription fees ranging from $15 to $50 or more. They might also have limitations on storage, bandwidth, or the number of products you can sell (if you're going the eCommerce route).
- Suitable for specific types of businesses: Website builders can be a good option for small businesses with basic needs, like a simple portfolio or online brochure. But if you need complex functionality or a truly unique design, you might outgrow them quickly.
Which is best for you? Well, cost-wise, there are a few things to think about.
How Much Should You Spend on Your Edmonton Business Website?
Okay, now to actually choose which option is best for you.
Let's start with building the website yourself because it comes across as pretty easy since there are so many builder options and because it's the most affordable.
But is it really?
Let's say you're opting for Squarespace. You'll want the Business package, which starts at $23 per month or $276 per year.
That's pretty good, but how long are you going to spend setting up your own website?
This means playing with themes and templates, designing them, adding visuals, writing and adding content, setting everything up, knowing what pages to put up, features to connect, and plugins to install.
If you're going to buy a premade theme, you're looking at $200+ for a professional one. If you're building your own, you'll want the skills and experience to do a good job that gives your customers what they want.
This, on average according to Wix's blog, a website takes about one to six months to build a launch.
So, my question to you is, what is six months' worth of time to you?
If you're starting out and making, say, $50,000 a year, six months is costing you $25,000. If you're splitting your time between running a full-time business and then building a proper website at the same time, a website could quickly end up costing you thousands of dollars in sales, product development, business growth, and so much more.
And that doesn't even begin to focus on how you may burn out and stress during the process and all the negative consequences of that.
Again, if you're making a simple website, maybe a one-page website just to highlight your business, sure, this could work.
But if you're looking for anything more, or you want to ensure it's actually set up for success from the start, professional development will always be worthwhile.
Tips for Getting the Best Value for Your Website Design Investment
Now you have a better grasp of the costs involved; I want to equip you with some insider tips to ensure you get the absolute best value for your website design investment.
Consider this your simple cheat sheet for navigating the world of web design like a pro.
- Clear communication is key: Whether you're working with a freelance designer or a full-blown agency, clear communication is paramount. Before a single line of code is written, make sure you have a crystal-clear understanding of the project scope, timelines, and deliverables. Don't be shy about asking questions and voicing your expectations. Remember, you're a partner in this process!
- Content first approach: Think of your website content as the foundation of your online home. Before diving into design elements, map out your website's structure and key pages. What message do you want to convey? What information do your customers need? A content-first approach will streamline the design process and ensure your website is both beautiful and functional.
- SEO optimization from the get-go: Want your Edmonton business to be found on Google? Of course you do! Make sure your website is built with search engine optimization (SEO) in mind from the very beginning. This includes things like keyword research, optimized content, and a mobile-friendly design. A good web designer or agency will be well-versed in SEO best practices.
- Ongoing maintenance is a must. Remember that garden analogy? Your website needs ongoing care and attention to thrive. Factor in the costs of regular updates, security patches, and fresh content. This will ensure your website remains secure, up-to-date, and continues to attract visitors.