Structure

Tag: Web Development

  • What Does a Custom WordPress Website Cost in 2025?

    What Does a Custom WordPress Website Cost in 2025?

    You need a new website, and you’re considering the cost of a custom WordPress website. Let’s talk about that a bit more.

    If you own a business, you know the drill: you look over your website and sweat because it is less than great. Not only that, but you can tell without a doubt that it is hard for customers to use—it’s even hard for you to use! What can you possibly do about it?

    Hiring a web designer or web design agency is a significant step and typically one that makes you gulp at the expense of the investment. However, if your website is a significant factor in bringing in leads and sales, it is something you don’t want to mess up and should consider investing in.

    Pricing your custom WordPress website shouldn’t be a mystery

    Cost is the most significant fear factor for most of us in investing in a custom WordPress website. It can sometimes be unclear what factors play into the website cost and if it is worth the investment—or if you should do it yourself.

    Two of the biggest mistakes people make when building a website are paying too much or not nearly enough—either overpaying or underpaying.

    Over the years, we’ve seen many great companies get taken in by a less-than-professional agency that promises the world but doesn’t deliver. Or sometimes, a company doesn’t want to spend much money, so they hire a freelancer or obscure web developer who stops replying to emails halfway through the process. The company is out of the amount of its deposit, and the site never gets launched.

    So, how do you avoid the two traps of either overpaying or underpaying? How much is the right amount? What’s the right price?

    What factors affect the cost of a custom WordPress website?

    Three main factors will affect the cost of your custom WordPress website.

    1. What are your specific needs?

    Every business and individual is different and will look for different things on their company’s website. Are you looking for an extensive website with pages of products and lots of team bios? That will factor into how much the final cost will be: more web pages means more design time, which means more cost.

    2. What platform do you want to use?

    Some platforms are more second nature to Structure than others. We work primarily with WordPress and WooCommerce.

    Some platforms cost more than others, so consider the cost differences as you plan your website.

    If you use a hosted solution like Shopify or Squarespace, you won’t pay an initial cost, but you will have monthly fees between $30 and $300/month. That fee includes upgrades and security updates, which you would need to pay someone else to do on a self-hosted solution.

    WordPress is open-source, so it is free to download and install. However, it would be best if you hosted it, which costs between $5 and $500/month.

    Magento has open-source and enterprise versions with a license fee of around $15k/year. You would need to host this platform, as well.

    3. What expert help is available for you?

    Make sure you research the best website designers in your field. There is a difference between a freelancer, an in-house web designer, and a web agency.

    They will incur small to high costs, respectively. Be aware of what you are looking for and who will do the most professional job for your needs.

    Additional factors that affect custom WordPress website cost

    These questions are all things to remember as you plan a conversation with your designer and what questions they will ask. All of these factors will affect the final price of a custom WordPress website.

    Is your website new or a redesign?

    A website redesign is like a house remodel—you have an existing website that’s outdated or doesn’t function properly. A new website is like a new house build—you’ve identified some land and want to build a house.

    When building a new house, you must establish the infrastructure (water, sewer, power, etc.) The same thing to a website; you need web hosting, a website domain, and possibly even a CDN. These are upfront costs that only need to be done once.

    With a website redesign, you’ll use the existing infrastructure to remodel, revamp, or rebrand the templates. In this case, you’ll save on some infrastructure costs.

    How many page templates do you need?

    Templates are the building blocks of standard web pages; sometimes, the same template will be used as the basis for a few different web pages. For example, on an ecommerce website, a product display page (PDP) is a standard template to communicate everything about the product being sold. This template is one design but can be used for multiple products.

    Other standard page templates are Home, About, Contact, and Blog. For an ecommerce website, you have additional page templates such as Cart, Checkout, and Order Confirmation. That’s one of the main reasons ecommerce websites are more expensive.

    The number of page templates you will need will vary according to your website and could affect the cost if many templates are required.

    How many pages does your website have?

    The number of pages needed for your website will depend on what information needs to be available to your customers. Extensive information on your website may require additional pages and could increase the total cost.

    Note that more pages don’t necessarily mean more page templates. However, since each page has unique content, you’ll need to consider the creation and population of that content on your website. Think copywriting, images, icons, illustrations, etc.

    Does your website have a blog?

    Blogs are beneficial for getting information to your potential clients or customers. Not to mention the foundation for SEO (Search Engine Optimization)! However, they will slightly increase the amount you should budget for the website project as you’ll need at least two templates for a standard blog: Category Archive and Post templates.

    The Category Archive template is the main blog feed to filter and see the most recent posts. The Post template is the actual blog post itself. You see it when you click on a blog post in the main blog feed.

    Advanced blogs or media sites will have additional page templates, such as Tag and Taxonomy templates. However, these aren’t common for most businesses.

    Do you already have media content?

    If you already have a supply of stock photos, sourcing or creating new images may not be something you need to factor into the cost. However, if you need your web designer to come up with illustrations, photographs, or video content, it will increase the overall price tag of your site.

    Does your website need e-commerce and payment processing?

    Using Stripe or other payment processors in conjunction with your site will bump up the detail that goes into the design and ultimately cost a bit more.

    Additionally, as mentioned above in the templates selection, an ecommerce site has additional page templates that will increase the cost.

    Will your website require any specialized features?

    Including unique features such as a quoting system, maps, payment processing, user accounts, integration with a CRM, etc., will inevitably increase the budget you should set aside to ensure your entire site can do exactly what you want to do.

    Ballpark custom WordPress website costs

    Small business website

    An informational or small business website with 8-16 pages will probably run between $10,000 and $15,000.

    Medium-to-large business website

    A large corporate website with 25-75 pages will be between $15,000 and $35,000.

    Ecommerce website

    An e-commerce website featuring 10 to 1000 products will cost $20,000 to $55,000.

    Complex website or application

    A database-driven website or application with 20-2000 pages will run between $25,000 and $75,000.

    As you can see, the size and complexity of the site are the primary factors in the final cost.

    Main costs of a custom WordPress website

    So, what elements of the web design process are the main factors in the cost?

    A website is not just composed of pretty pages. It takes intention to ensure that each piece of the website is crafted most effectively to get the business results you’re looking for. It’s an investment, and your custom WordPress website investment should have a direct return.

    Strategy

    A website needs to be carefully thought through. You must plan and define the pages you need and map out how they will work together for a smooth transition into a sale—or at the very least, an excellent impression.

    Content

    Your website logo, copywriting, images, video, illustrations, and more need to communicate to your potential customers how you will transform their lives.

    Design

    Your website blueprint is one of the critical parts of the process. Each page’s layout must be carefully created and its usability detailed.

    Development

    The bones of your website will need to be built so that your custom website will function and work in the way you and your customers or clients expect. This is called website development.

    Additional custom WordPress website costs to consider

    Hosting

    Web hosting is simply the service that allows you to post a unique website online. Server space for your custom WordPress website will be an additional cost. Expect $150–500 per year. And remember: you get what you pay for when it comes to hosting. We recommend WP Engine for all our client sites, which runs about $300/yr for fast, reliable hosting.

    SEO

    Search engine optimization is optimizing the content of your website, so it’s easy for search engines and customers to find. Doing okay takes research, planning, and implementation—and thus typically incurs extra fees.

    Data or content migration

    If you’re moving from one host to another (e.g., HostGator to WP Engine), or one platform to another (e.g., Squarespace to WordPress), part of the process will need to include moving data or content from your old site to your new website—and ensuring you don’t lose anything in the process. Depending on your website’s size and technical setup, this can be simple or complex.

    Integrations

    Your new website will possibly also need to be connected with other data sources, such as your CRM (Customer Relationship Management System) like Salesforce or Hubspot, ERP (Enterprise Resource Planner), and ESP (Email Service Provider) like MailChimp or ActiveCampaign.

    Internal costs of a custom WordPress website

    Strategy and planning

    Your web designer will need to have several conversations to capture your vision for the website design and run ideas or details past you.

    Content creation

    There will most certainly be photo and video creation necessary in your website design and copywriting. Sometimes, companies have these assets ready to use or want their in-house team to capture them. Either way, your web designer will have to review the material and decide what and how to use it on your custom website.

    Review and feedback

    Your website designer wants you to be happy with the result! This will include video calls, screen sharing, phone calls, and emails back and forth. We believe that the best work comes out of the best relationships. Therefore, clear, thorough communication is essential to a successful project.

    Opportunity costs of a custom WordPress website

    How many leads or sales would you generate in a year if your website worked?

    A website can create a significant increase in sales. You should be willing to spend a portion of that amount, as long as it is reasonable, to have a website that works and drives sales.

    If your website is old, broken, or confusing, it costs you money every day that it stays up. But it doesn’t have to! Your website could be your company’s best sales tool. It could produce leads and increase income at all hours of the day and night. However, when your website is sloppy and hard to understand and navigate, potential customers will tune you out and take their money elsewhere.

    Should you DIY or hire a freelancer or web design agency?

    So, what is the best way to build a website? Should you try to tackle it yourself? Hire a freelancer who does independent work. Or should we go with a more professional design agency? Each of these is an option with differing advantages, disadvantages, and prices. In most cases, businesses will partner with either a freelance web designer or a web design agency to create a professional website.

    DIY website cost

    A DIY site is the cheapest option upfront—but in the long run, it might cost you more than even what you would pay to hire a freelancer ($500–$5000 for a custom site) or a web design agency ($3,000–$100,000 for a custom site.).

    Freelancer website cost

    A freelancer is generally an experienced web designer who is not entirely as low-cost upfront as a DIY site but is not wholly as professional as a web design agency. A freelancer is excellent if you want a more budget-friendly option but lack the experience to build it yourself. Freelancers operate independently of larger agencies and may have more flexibility than established web design agencies.

    Web design agency custom WordPress website cost

    A web design agency will also have the necessary experience to create a website with a third-party builder. An agency is different from a freelancer, however, in that agencies have an entire team working on your site’s various components.

    The main reason to go with a freelancer or agency is the experience necessary when using a third-party website builder (such as Wix or Squarespace). Even though these website builders are made to be easy to learn and could help you create an attractive website, they don’t ensure that the result is user-friendly along with being good-looking. A user-friendly site is critical—if none of your site visitors understand where to learn more or purchase, they will close it as fast as they can, and you will lose the sale and the potential of a good impression.

    How to pay for a custom WordPress website

    The upfront cost of hiring an experienced designer to build a custom website can look daunting—and understandably so. You could take out a loan, of course, but that can be a lot of headaches and is not always necessary.

    Payment arrangements

    Arrangements can be made for you to make the payment process more feasible. Two or three payments are the most common method for a custom design. Some agencies are also open to dividing the cost of the website out over several months and having you pay a flat monthly fee.

    Pay upfront

    A final option could be to pay the total amount upfront and ask for a discount. Many agencies are glad to knock a bit off the price if they know they can receive the entire payment simultaneously.

    What does a custom WordPress website cost from Structure?

    Here at Structure, we aren’t the do-it-cheap or the do-it-yourself option; we are the do-it-right-option. We work hard to ensure that your final design reflects your business’ style and values.

    Base fees

    The standard fee per page template here at Structure is $1,500.

    Additional fees

    On top of the base fees, you can also expect the following:

    • $750+ per page for Copywriting
    • $1,500+ for Foundational SEO
    • $250+ per integration with CRM, ERP, ESP
    • $1,500+ for data migration or re-platforming

    Payment options

    We offer two main options for ways you can pay. One option is at milestones—you pay part of the amount when the strategy is complete, another part when the first draft is done, and so forth.

    You also could opt for the monthly flat fee option: we spread the work out over a certain amount of months, and you pay the same price every month until the website is complete.

    It’s time for a custom WordPress website that works

    Your website could be making money for your business. Watch our free website training 5 Reasons Your Website Doesn’t Create Sales, and you’ll know how to increase sales, create fans for your business, and stop losing to the competition.

  • How To Launch A New Website Successfully: 5 Steps For Guaranteed Success

    How To Launch A New Website Successfully: 5 Steps For Guaranteed Success

    You’re here because you want to launch a new website successfully, without a hitch. Good news, you’ve come to the right place! We have the perfect website launch plan for you. 

    Launching a website is a big deal. I’m sure you know that already.

    You also understand that it’s your company’s most visible asset and is where most customers will connect with you.

    Your website is more than a brochure, a billboard, or a logo. It’s what we call the “flywheel” that digitally connects the company and moves it forward. 

    Unfortunately, the problem you’re likely facing is that websites are complex. And yours is no exception.

    If you’re building a new website, you must ensure you’ve covered your bases. If you’re redesigning a website, you probably have a few additional things you’re already concerned about, like traffic, SEO rankings, brand reputation, conversion rates, and more.

    You know that during your website project, many things could go wrong. It’s true, and research backs it up. 80% of website launches fail, and these failed launches cost an average of $55,000 plus an additional $115,000 over the next 12 months to fix.

    If you follow this website launch plan, that won’t happen to you.

    Get a FREE Customized Digital Growth Plan

    Take our 10-minute Digital Maturity Assessment and receive a FREE, personalized digital growth score that uncovers gaps and drives your business forward.

    Take the Free Assessment →

    Why you’ll love this website launch plan 

    Most website launch plan how-to’s, guides, and checklists are written for designers or developers.

    They’re not actionable enough, and they get too deep into the weeds regarding technical items that you, as the marketing manager or business leader, aren’t thinking about… nor want to think about.

    Marketing Manager Popping Champagne Cork After Website Launch

    This guide was written with leaders in mind so that you could plan and manage a successful website launch, ensuring that you don’t miss any vital pieces along the way.

    Keep reading to learn how to launch smoothly and accomplish your team’s goals. 

    It’s worth noting that this guide is non-technical, and everything is explained in plain English. So don’t worry if you are unfamiliar with domains, hosting, CMS, etc. I’ve included clear, strategic guidance for every step along the way.

    7 website launch best practices for marketing and business leaders

    Launching a website is a pivotal moment for your business. As a marketing or business leader, you understand its unique challenges.

    To help you navigate this crucial process, let’s delve into seven best practices tailored to your needs.

    By implementing these best practices, you’re well on your way to a successful website launch. Every step you take, from meticulous planning to post-launch management, plays a pivotal role in shaping your online presence and achieving your business objectives.

    1. Slow down and take time to make a plan

    Before you rush into the website launch, it’s essential to pause and create a comprehensive plan.

    As a leader, you understand the significance of setting clear objectives and strategies. A well-structured plan, like the one you’re about to create, sets the stage for a successful launch.

    2. Focus on how it works, not just how it looks

    If you haven’t already, you must recognize that aesthetics alone won’t guarantee the success of your website.

    Ensure that the website’s functionality is seamless. Prioritize the user experience (UX) by considering how visitors will interact with your site. User-centric design goes beyond vision into function, leading to higher satisfaction and conversion rates.

    3. Build a team of technical experts

    You can’t build your website alone.

    Building a website requires technical expertise, which is why, as a leader, assembling the right team is crucial. Consider hiring skilled developers, designers, and digital marketing specialists to ensure your website is robust, secure, and high-performing. 

    4. Invite your target audience to test your website

    Engaging your target audience in testing is a strategic move to get honest user feedback.

    Before the official launch, involve a select group from your audience to uncover hidden or overlooked issues, ensuring that your website meets their expectations.

    5. Keep an easy-to-access backup of your current site

    When your new website goes live, you’ll realize that your customers aren’t the only ones who have to learn a new layout.

    That’s why you’ll love having a readily accessible backup of your current website to reference.

    This precautionary step ensures you can find the information or regularly reference—and quickly revert to the previous version if unforeseen issues arise during the launch.

    6. Line up post-launch support

    In the same way, a marriage is much more than a wedding; it’s essential to plan beyond launch.

    Retain your team long enough, or bring in some extra support for the week or two after launch to monitor website performance and address unforeseen problems (God forbid there are any!).

    Have a dedicated support plan in place to handle these post-launch responsibilities effectively. Your proactive approach ensures a smoother transition and ongoing success.

    7. Outsource website management

    Recognizing your time is valuable, consider outsourcing website management after the launch.

    Delegate security updates, content updates, and performance optimization tasks to experts who can handle these technical aspects efficiently.

    This decision will save you 2-3 hours per week and allow you to focus on your core business objectives while experts manage the intricacies of website maintenance.

    Get a FREE Customized Digital Growth Plan

    Take our 10-minute Digital Maturity Assessment and receive a FREE, personalized digital growth score that uncovers gaps and drives your business forward.

    Take the Free Assessment →

    5 stages of a successful website launch plan

    As a marketing or business leader, you’re acutely aware that the success of a website launch hinges on addressing specific challenges. Let’s dive into the five stages of a successful website launch plan to assist you in this endeavor.

    Each stage builds on the previous stage to accomplish your plan.

    Marketing Leader Planning Website Launch with Team

    1. Define – Plan a website strategy

    The first step to creating a successful website launch plan is defining a website strategy that aligns with your unique business goals and objectives.

    Consider your target audience, market trends, and the competitive landscape. Doing so will create a roadmap tailored to your needs, setting the stage for a successful launch.

    At the core, your website strategy should include the following information:

    1. Basic company information
    2. Who is on your team
    3. The vision for your website
    4. A competitive analysis
    5. Brand documentation
    6. Your buyer’s journey
    7. A sitemap of your pages
    8. Content plans for each page
    9. Technology requirements
    10. Website build budget

    At Structure, all website projects start with a strategy. Our clients can bring an existing strategy to the table for us to implement or work together on a strategy in our Website Workshops.

    In the Website Workshops, we walk our clients through a detailed worksheet for each of the 10 pieces of information listed above so they hit the ground running. It’s incredible how much confidence a documented Website Plan can give your team.

    2. Design – Mockup your website for all devices

    Putting yourself in your audience’s shoes is crucial in the design stage.

    Craft mockups of your website that cater to all devices, ensuring a seamless user experience for your visitors. Consider the challenges and preferences of your target market and design with them in mind: this user-centric approach, which you’re adopting, results in a visually appealing and functional website.

    Depending on your budget, you’ll want to hire a freelance designer or a web design agency like Structure to help with this step. The goal is to lay out a design that follows your Website Strategy.

    3. Develop – Build your website pages and functionality

    When developing your website, you’ll build the site to match the designs completed in the previous step.

    Furthermore, this is where you ensure your website functions seamlessly to meet your goals, technology, and users’ needs documented in the Website Plan. You’ll have a website that works harmoniously with your business goals if you can accomplish these things.

    Like Step 2: Design, you’ll also want to hire a freelance designer or a web design agency here. Depending on your website plan, website development can get pretty complicated, no matter what industry you serve or your business type.

    4. Manage – Ensure your website runs smoothly

    The post-launch phase requires vigilant management.

    As a leader, you understand the importance of a smoothly running website. Devote resources to ongoing maintenance, security updates, and performance optimization.

    Establish processes that address the issues you’re concerned about, ensuring your website meets your high standards consistently.

    Specifically, you’ll want to have a system to cover your bases:

    • Daily site backups
    • Weekly testing of forms and conversion funnels
    • Monthly plugin and software updates
    • Performance reporting and monitoring
    • Quarterly review of website content for accuracy
    • Test device and browser compatibility
    • Review and optimize the UX
    • Annual performance optimization
    • Annual technical SEO optimization

    5. Grow – Drive traffic, leads, and sales

    Ultimately, the success of your website launch is measured by its ability to drive traffic, leads, and sales.

    But you can’t do that if your website doesn’t work. In this last stage, you’ll implement marketing campaigns that resonate with your target audience.

    Then, you’ll continuously refine your approach based on your unique challenges and opportunities. The growth phase is where your website fulfills its potential.

    Get a FREE Customized Digital Growth Plan

    Take our 10-minute Digital Maturity Assessment and receive a FREE, personalized digital growth score that uncovers gaps and drives your business forward.

    Take the Free Assessment →

    Follow this checklist when you launch your website

    When it comes to the actual launch of your website, pressure can build.

    The worst thing to do is get there and need help figuring out what to do with yourself. That’s why we put together this no-nonsense website launch checklist—so you know exactly what actions you need to take to direct and manage your team.

    Marketing Team Smiling with Website Launch Plan

    It’s not exhaustive; we did that intentionally so you could focus on the essentials. The checklist comprises two launch phases: pre-launch and post-launch. It starts when you’re ready to launch your new website and ends after you’ve verified the site works as intended.

    Pre-launch website checklist

    • Make sure the text is accurate and error-free
    • Replace all placeholder images with final images and designs
    • Check that all styling preferences have been implemented
    • Ensure that rights to images, fonts, and other content have been appropriately licensed or cited
    • Test the site on desktop, mobile, and tablet devices
    • Test the site on Chrome, Safari, and Firefox browsers
    • Test all forms, entries, checkout processes, and integrations thoroughly
    • Create an easy-to-access backup of your website
    • Ensure regular backups are scheduled
    • Pause marketing communications and digital ads

    Post-launch website checklist

    • Visit your URL
    • Ensure your website Privacy Settings allow search engine indexing
    • Search and Replace DEV or STG URLs with new PRD URLs
    • Run a Technical SEO site audit to quickly identify any significant issues preventing customers from accessing your site
    • Make sure the text is accurate and error-free
    • Check that all styling preferences have migrated correctly
    • Test the site on desktop, mobile, and tablet devices
    • Test the site on Chrome, Safari, and Firefox browsers
    • Test all forms, entries, checkout processes, and integrations thoroughly
    • Make sure all links work correctly
    • Resume marketing communications and digital ads

    Successful website launch examples from Structure

    The proof is in the pudding. This website launch plan has worked for hundreds of Structure web design clients and will work for you, too. While every website is different, the process is the same.

    1. Western Interlock

    The Western Interlock website needed a new look to align with its brand and accommodate high-traffic DIY blog content while ensuring easy navigation. 

    The solution involved a brand refresh and a streamlined information architecture for user-friendly navigation. 

    The outcome is a visually appealing and fast website optimized for mobile and engagement. Shortly after launch, estimate requests and traffic more than doubled, making it a successful transformation. Specifically, a 65% increase in users and a 2.9% decreased bounce rate.

    western interlock — Before
    western interlock manufacturing website
    western interlock — After

    They are the only vendor that I’ve ever met that gets down and dirty to make sure work gets done well and on time.

    NATHAN, DIRECTOR OF MARKETING

    2. Totem Mats

    Totem Mats faced the challenge of an outdated and underperforming website that needed redesigning and additional features without losing organic search traction. They also required lead integration with Salesforce. 

    The solution involved a complete website overhaul, including visual enhancements, product page restructuring, and performance optimization. 

    The result was a seamless website launch with no traffic losses, a 69% increase in SEO traffic, improved lead generation, streamlined business processes, and increased confidence in the website’s appearance and functionality.

    Totem Mats — before
    totem mats — after

    Their continued efforts on everything we threw and their abilities to overcome challenging problems were incredible.

    Trevor Sarazin, CEO

    3. Shasta Power

    Shasta Power faced the challenge of needing a professional website but encountering design firms that didn’t consider their unique business needs. 

    The solution involved a comprehensive website process, starting with understanding goals, then a brand refresh, and creating a custom, responsive WordPress website with integrated business systems. 

    The results were impressive, with a significant increase in awareness metrics, including a 600% rise in new followers and a 200% increase in site visitors. Despite a tight timeline, the brand’s quality was maintained, showcasing the project’s success.

    Shasta Power — before
    Shasta Power — after

    I get a sense of honesty and quality from them; they take their work seriously.

    MAX, co-FOUNDER

    Pro tools and resources for developing a website launch plan

    Developing a comprehensive website launch plan requires access to various tools and resources. Here are some valuable tools and resources we use regularly and will assist you in creating a successful website launch plan.

    1. Free website planning guide PDF

    If you haven’t yet, download our free Website Design Planner to streamline your web design planning process and ensure a clear roadmap for your project.

    Most website planners are just dressed-up spreadsheets that are boring and analytical. The Structure Website Planner is fun and helps you organize your goals and tasks to ensure you create your desired website.

    2. Virtual website workshop

    Register for your team’s private on-site (or virtual) website strategy workshop.

    In our fun and productive workshop with Structure, you’ll get coaching, feedback, and plans from website experts so you know you’re doing it right.

    3. Slickplan website planning tool

    If you’re semi-technical and detailed regarding digital strategy, Slickplan offers a low-cost digital website planning tool that covers much of the in-the-weeds planning.

    It’s a great tool to complement the Structure Website Planning Guide PDF if you’re doing it yourself.

    4. Structure web design, development, and management services

    If you’re not looking to do any work yourself but are just looking to hand the website project off to a team of experts, that’s okay!

    Structure can manage and complete the entire website launch planning and implementation process from start to finish.

    We’ve streamlined the sub-standard web design experience you get from most local agencies, so you’re in safe hands.

    5. WordPress & WP Engine

    If you’re looking for a fail-proof CMS + Host combo, go no further than WordPress and WP Engine.

    They’re industry-leading platforms that are the ones to beat. Being the most familiar platform + managed hosting, you will make your work easier regarding website launch plan implementation. 

    Common questions about how to launch a new website

    How do you announce a new website launch?

    When launching a new website, think of it like a food product label update in the grocery store.

    Customers care if it still meets their needs, not just the look. So, introduce your website as an improvement for them, not just a design change. And just like the food label, skip shouting it on external channels; instead, focus on welcoming users with a video or announcement bar on your site.

    What are the steps to launch a website?

    The steps to launching a website, from beginning to end, are:

    1. Define your goals
    2. Design your pages
    3. Develop your CMS
    4. Manage your website
    5. Grow your business

    For more detailed information, scroll back to the 5 Stages of a Successful Website Launch Plan section.

    How do I launch and promote my website?

    If you’re launching a new or redesigned website and need to promote it, here are the three next steps:

    1. Write blog articles about your product or service
    2. Run Paid Search ads to help people find you right away
    3. Create a free offer to generate leads and provide value to your customers

    What is the best day of the week to launch a website?

    Your buyer’s needs in this area are unpredictable. However, website launch timing matters for your business.

    For that reason, Tuesday is ideal.

    Mondays are for final preparations, and launching after Thursday risks a weekend workload. Tuesday offers a buffer with Wednesday and sets you up for a smooth week ahead.

    How long should it take to launch a website?

    3-6 months, on average. Most simple websites launch within three months, and websites with a standard level of complexity launch within six months.

    However, as you know, websites are complex. Therefore, there’s no definitive way to pinpoint a boilerplate website launch timeline. At Structure, we’ve launched websites in as little as 30 days and as long as two years. It all depends on the complexity, team, goals, and budget. 

  • What Should Be in a Website Design Brief? (Free Template)

    What Should Be in a Website Design Brief? (Free Template)

    A website design brief is like a unique plan for making a website. Imagine you want to build a five-bedroom house. Before you start, you need a program that describes what it will look like, how big it will be, and what finishes it will have. A five-page website is the same—you need a plan that details your wants.

    Your web design brief explains what the website is for, who will use it, and what it should do. It also talks about the website’s colors, pictures, and words. Just like when you plan a home build, the design brief helps anyone helping make the website understand what it should look like and how it should work.

    Free Website Design Brief Template

    Download our FREE Website Design Planner and use it to plan your website!

    This type of plan is essential because it ensures everyone is on the same page and knows what to do. In other words, it serves as a foundational roadmap for the project’s designers, developers, and other stakeholders to ensure everyone is on the same page and working towards a shared vision. 

    If you do not use a design brief, you’ll lack the essential information to guide the entire design process, from the initial concept to the final implementation.

    First, what is a web design brief for?

    At the core of a successful website design project is a clear and comprehensive design brief—a crucial roadmap outlining goals, requirements, and preferences. This document goes beyond documentation, acting as a bridge between stakeholders, aligning visions, and avoiding pitfalls.

    Portrait of a cheerful female student studying at home, looking at camera.

    Why writing a website design brief sucks—but it doesn’t have to

    Nobody likes planning, which is why so many websites fail to work. They don’t get enough traffic, they don’t get enough leads, and they don’t get enough sales.

    That’s why John Wooden, the Legendary UCLA Basketball Coach, famously said:

    If you don’t have time to do it right, when will you have time to do it over?

    John Wooden

    You don’t want confused customers or a frustrated team struggling with your website. Here’s why writing a website design brief can be frustrating and how we’ve devised a better solution to make it easier.

    1. Web design planning is boring

    When people think about website design, they usually focus on its appearance—the logo, colors, and images. But what many don’t realize is that a website is mostly science, not just art. It’s like an iceberg—the visible part is the art, but a lot is happening behind the scenes. We tell our clients that successful websites are more like a formula than they might think—and our Website Planner is a proven formula that works if you use it.

    2. Planning a website design takes a lot of time

    Designing a website takes time, and busy business leaders often prioritize quick tasks over planning. Even though planning is crucial for clarity, finding time can be tricky. That’s why website builders like Wix and Squarespace let you start without a plan. Oof! The great news is, planning a website doesn’t have to be super time-consuming. Follow our steps and use our guide to save time while knowing what to do.

    3. Website planning takes specific knowledge

    Website planning requires a basic grasp of how websites function and their business role. When planning a website, you might not know where to start, which is why our Website Design Planner can assist!

    If you’re uncertain, watch our (free) training on your website’s business impact and its role in marketing. This will help you grasp your website’s significance before you start planning.

    4. A great website plan requires alignment

    Here’s the challenge: the team must agree and decide when planning a website. This can be hard, whether for website design or almost anything. The agreement is why organizations often struggle to define their website; even if they do, it’s tough. Our Website Design Planning Brief helps organizations align. It’s a clear, structured process that takes only a few brief meetings.

    5. Most website planning templates are technical

    Most website planning tools are like fancy spreadsheets – they’re boring and numbers-focused. The Structure Website Planner is different. It’s designed to be enjoyable, acting like a creative guide that excitingly helps you organize your ideas, goals, and tasks. It makes website planning fun.

    Plus, it’s not just about fun. The Structure Website Planner increases your chances of creating the website you want. It provides a clear path, ensuring you don’t miss the necessary steps. So, it’s enjoyable and handy for achieving your website goals.

    Free Website Design Brief Template

    Download our FREE Website Design Planner and use it to plan your website!

    Ten benefits of writing a web design brief

    The benefits of a design brief go beyond a checklist of to-do’s and information for designers to work from. It also reduces misunderstandings, aligns expectations, and optimizes resource use internally. Here are ten benefits you’ll experience by starting your web design project with a design brief.

    1. Minimize misunderstandings 

    When you have a well-thought-out design brief, it’s like having a crystal-clear picture of the project. This helps avoid any confusion between the people involved, whether they’re the stakeholders, designers, or developers. In simple terms, it ensures that everyone is on the same page.

    2. Align expectations 

    Think of the design brief as a map that lays out what the project aims to achieve, how it should look, and what it needs to do. When everyone agrees on this map, it’s like having a team on the same page. This way, there are fewer chances of arguments or surprises down the road.

    3. Save time and money 

    When you’ve got a thorough design brief, it’s like having a well-organized plan that keeps things moving along smoothly. Designers and developers can get things done quicker because they know exactly where they’re going. This cuts down on many back-and-forth talks and changes, making the whole process work like a charm.

    4. Enhance collaboration 

    Imagine the design brief as a meeting point for everyone on the team—the designers, developers, content folks, and all stakeholders. It’s a go-to spot where everyone can gather and figure things out together. This helps keep conversations and decisions organized as the project moves along.

    5. Guide ideation

    Think of the design brief as the frame of a painting. It gives a structure to the project, but inside that frame, designers get to unleash their creativity. They can develop cool, exciting ideas within the frame’s boundaries. This leads to a design that’s one-of-a-kind and works well.

    6. Manage expectations 

    By detailing the scope, features, and functionalities in the design brief, clients can have a realistic expectation of what the final website will offer. Picture this: the design brief is like a menu that shows precisely what dishes a restaurant serves. You’ll know what to expect when you see all the details about the website—like what it can do and how it’ll look. This way, there’s no over-promising and under-delivering. And when you get what you expected, you’re pretty happy!

    7. Reduce revisions 

    Having clear instructions in the design brief is like giving web designers a map that guides them to what the client wants. This means fewer times going back and forth to make changes. Both you and the designer save time and effort, making the whole process smoother and more efficient.

    8. Improve your customer’s experience

    A well-written design brief reveals who will use the website and what they like. Armed with this info, designers can create a user-centered design that caters to the needs and expectations of the intended users.

    9. Make decisions a piece of cake

    As the design takes shape, you have a roadmap to follow and a source of truth to know where you started. It’s like having a map that shows the best route to take. This makes deciding what looks great happen faster and with less hassle.

    10. Know if the project was a success

    The design brief acts like a yardstick to measure how well the final design turned out. You can check if the completed website matches the goals and things you wanted, and that’s how you figure out if the project aced its goals.

    Free Website Design Brief Template

    Download our FREE Website Design Planner and use it to plan your website!

    What your design brief should include

    These essential elements should be included in every design brief.

    1. Vision

    Start at the end. Provide a high-level view of the website you want to exist for your company. Your vision is influenced by a combination of factors that shape its purpose, design, and overall direction. You’ll want to ensure you note these specific things:

    • Website type
    • Design wishlist
    • Target audience
    • Start and end dates
    • Budget minimum and maximum
    • Feelings about your current website

    Some key influences on a website’s vision include what you sell, who you sell it to, design trends, and timeline or budget ideals. A successful website vision emerges from a thoughtful blend of these factors, creating a cohesive and purpose-driven online presence that resonates with the target audience and achieves the company’s goals.

    2. Goals

    Think about it this way: different companies have different goals for their websites. What they want to achieve with their website depends on what kind of business they’re in, who they’re trying to reach, and what they’re aiming for overall.

    • Goal name
    • Goal deadline
    • Goal description
    • Why the goal matters
    • Milestones
    • Key performance indicators

    Some common types of website goals relate to lead generation, user engagement, or community building. Not all websites set out to achieve the same thing, which is why there’s no one-size-fits-all. Ensure you get clear and list what specific things you want to accomplish with your website.

    3. Team

    You’ll also want to document your team members and what they will be responsible for. This can be done in many ways, but we use the DARCI method (or DARCI framework) to ensure someone owns all tasks.

    • Decider: who has the final approval
    • Accountant: who ensures tasks are completed
    • Responsible: who will do the work
    • Consultant: who will provide input
    • Informed: who will be updated on the progress
    • Tasks and responsibilities

    Your website team should include everyone involved in the project at some point. This includes your agency, freelancers, friends, advisors, and internal team members if you have them.

    4. Brand guidelines

    Your company’s visual identity, including logos, colors, typography, and brand voice, influences the design and aesthetics of the website to ensure consistency and reinforce brand recognition. What you document in your Website Design Brief is also known as shared information—don’t leave anything out!

    • Who has access to our logo and guidelines?
    • What is their contact information?
    • Which colors are you using?
    • Which fonts are you using?
    • What are the brand’s personality or characteristics?
    • Do you use images or illustrations more?

    5. Pages 

    Just like a house is made up of its rooms, so is a website. Website pages play a fundamental role in a website design plan, serving as the building blocks that structure and organize the content and functionality of the site. 

    This is where you’ll specify each room you need in the house.

    • Website URL
    • Call-to-action text
    • Header navigation items
    • Footer navigation items
    • Page templates

    Your website pages contribute to the overall design plan because they serve as the canvas upon which the design plan is executed. Each page has a specific role in delivering information, guiding user interactions, and achieving the website’s objectives. A well-thought-out arrangement of pages ensures a coherent, user-friendly, and effective website design.

    Don’t forget to factor in contact pages, paid landing pages, a 404 template, and your legal pages!

    6. User journey

    Each part of your web design brief builds on the other part. After we have a vision, goals, brand, and pages, you can plan how a customer goes from prospect to purchase. This includes effective call-to-actions, landing pages, and content guiding visitors toward desired actions, such as purchasing or signing up.

    Document the Customer Actions and Content to support each stage in the buyer’s journey. We often refer to the AIDA marketing framework to help remember the main steps of the journey:

    • Attention
    • Interest
    • Desire
    • Action

    Use the Customer Actions portion to define a user’s actions to get to the next step. Then outline the types of content (text, images, videos) that will be included on the website to aid in that process.

    7. Inspiration 

    Highlight key competitors and mention aspects you’d like to emulate or differentiate from them. Share design examples, websites, or styles that resonate with the desired look and feel.

    • Things we like
    • Things we dislike
    • Things we want to do better

    Both inspiration and competitive analysis play crucial roles in the process of website design planning. 

    Inspiration serves as a creative spark that ignites the design process. It involves seeking new ideas, design trends, and innovative approaches to elevate the website’s aesthetics and user experience. Here’s how inspiration impacts website design planning.

    The competitive analysis involves studying similar websites in the same industry to understand their strengths, weaknesses, and strategies. 

    Incorporating both inspiration and competitive analysis in website design planning strikes a balance between creativity and strategic decision-making. It empowers designers to create visually appealing, user-friendly websites that are aligned with industry trends while ensuring the website’s unique identity and competitive advantage.

    8. Technology

    Technology and integrations are significant and evolving in a website design plan. They determine the functionality, performance, and user experience of the website. 

    Today, many technology types, functions, and roles impact things like Functionality, content management (CMS), e-commerce, data collection, security, accessibility, and so much more. We’re barely at the tip of the iceberg.

    For your website brief, you’ll want to document each main piece of technology you need to work with your website to run your business. This includes the following information to start:

    • Technology name
    • Cost
    • Technology type
    • Users & roles
    • Tech description
    • Why the technology matters to you
    • How the tech is connected to your website  

    In essence, technology and integrations provide the foundation and capabilities for the website’s design. Choosing the right technologies and seamlessly integrating them into the design plan enhances the website’s functionality, user experience, and overall effectiveness in achieving its goals.

    Be sure to address any technical constraints, platforms, and hosting preferences.

    9. Budget

    I get it; talking about budgets isn’t the most thrilling part. But trust me; it’s super important. Your budget is like a roadmap that shows you what can happen, what can’t, and the decisions you’ll need to make for your website design project.

    Many companies look at the money they’re spending and see it as a problem. But here’s a more brilliant way: treat your website like an investment that brings you back something good. Think about the money you can make and save and what you spend. That way, you can determine how much your website could make for you in the long run.

    Your website budget should include the following elements:

    • Expected revenue
    • Expected savings
    • Expected costs
    • Return on investment

    Clearly defining the budget in the website brief helps set realistic expectations and ensures the project aligns with the available resources and desired outcomes.

    Free Website Design Brief Template

    Download our FREE Website Design Planner and use it to plan your website!

    Five expert tips for writing your design brief

    At Structure, we’ve done everything – planning, designing, building, managing, and growing websites. We’ve got loads of experience and even crafted a Website Planner based on it. Here’s what we’ve figured out from working with websites of all sizes and budgets.

    1. Don’t aim for perfection

    While perfection might seem tempting in a web design plan, it slows things down. Embracing an iterative approach for continuous improvement within your project’s limits is more efficient and effective.

    2. Use clear and descriptive language

    Using clear language in a web design plan makes things smooth. It avoids confusion, errors, and delays, leading to a successful website.

    3. Take your time and sleep on it

    Taking your time and giving yourself a chance to sleep on a web design plan is a wise strategy. It promotes better decision-making, reduces stress, enhances creativity, and contributes to a more thoughtful and effective plan.

    4. Focus on results

    A results-focused website design plan ensures every detail drives excellent outcomes. Users love your site, you gain maximum value, and your website becomes a business superhero.

    5. Set SMART goals

    Using SMART goals in a web design plan is like having a smart strategy. It sets up a clear path to success, gets everyone working together, and boosts the chances of reaching your goals exactly as you want.

    Free Website Design Brief Template

    Download our FREE Website Design Planner and use it to plan your website!

    Common questions about creating and using a design brief effectively

    People have some common questions about creating and using a design brief effectively. Remember, a well-crafted design brief is a valuable tool that streamlines the design process fosters collaboration, and sets your project up for success.

    Why do I need a web design brief?

    A design brief acts as a roadmap for your project. It clarifies goals, expectations, and requirements, ensuring everyone is on the same page.

    What should be included in a web design brief?

    At a minimum, your design brief should include project objectives, target audience, design preferences, functionalities, branding guidelines, and technical specifications. Download our free Website Design Brief Template to ensure you don’t miss anything.

    How detailed should a web design brief be?

    The level of detail depends on the complexity of your project. It should be clear enough to guide designers and developers but not overly complex.

    How long should a web design brief be?

    Think of it this way: you’ve got to talk about your vision, goals, and what you want to achieve. Our Web Design Planner has nine worksheets, but some, like the Goals and Technology Worksheets, can be copied for all your goals and techie stuff. So, your web design brief could be anywhere from two to thirty pages, depending on how big and fancy your website is.

    What is a typical format for a web design brief?

    Typically, people write a web design brief in a digital format like Google Docs, Microsoft Word documents, or Pages documents. However, our Web Design Planner provides a guided format you don’t have to imagine from scratch! Just fill in the blanks, and you’re done.

    What is the difference between a project brief and a web design brief?

    A project brief is a broader document that covers the entire scope of a project, while a web design brief is a more specialized subset of a project brief that specifically addresses the requirements and goals of designing a website.

    What’s the difference between a website design brief and a website design proposal?

    A website design brief is a document that guides the design process, while a website design proposal is a document that outlines how a designer or agency plans to fulfill the project’s requirements and meet the client’s needs.

    How do you write requirements for a website design?

    In a web design brief! Luckily, we’ve got a sleek web design brief that you can print, punch holes in, and pop into a binder. Fill it out with your team or as an RFP for a web designer, and you’re good to roll.

    Who should be involved in creating a design brief?

    You, the project managers, the creative designers, the tech wizards, and sometimes even the clients all come together to cook up a top-notch design brief.

    Can a web design brief change during the project?

    Website design briefs are like clay that can be shaped as you go. If new ideas pop up or things change, that’s cool. Just keep everyone in the loop so we’re all on the same page.

    How does a design brief improve communication?

    A design brief eliminates ambiguity by providing clear guidelines. It ensures everyone understands the project’s direction and reduces misunderstandings.

    How can a design brief help avoid scope creep?

    Think of a design brief as your project’s rulebook. It lays out what’s expected. When someone suggests changes, you can compare them to the rulebook’s goals and see if they fit.

  • The Expositors Academy E-Course WordPress Website Design & Development

    The Expositors Academy E-Course WordPress Website Design & Development

    OnePassion Ministries, founded by Dr. Steven J. Lawson, came to Structure looking for a professional website to market, sell, and manage their new online course: The Expositors Academy. We came in on the ground floor to define the website strategy, provide a custom design that fits their goals, and develop an e-commerce and learning management system to create a seamless experience for their students.

    The Expositors Academy Website Home Page Mockup
    the expositors academy home page hero, desktop and mobile

    Challenge

    One Passion Ministries had never launched a digital product like The Expositors Academy, so they were looking to us for ideas and action. Particularly in coordinating marketing, e-commerce, learning management, and business systems to launch their new course successfully.

    Solution

    Starting with strategy, we took The Expositors Academy through an end-to-end website design and development process. We used a thoughtful platform combination of WordPress, WooCommerce, and LearnDash, to create a first-rate online course experience.

    Results

    Within six months after launch, The Expositors Academy had 125+ students interacting with their platform. Better yet, The Expositors Academy manages the website and the product with little effort—and without constant bugs, issues, and maintenance headaches.

    I have had the opportunity to work closely with Simon and the Structure Team, and I couldn’t recommend them higher. They truly care about the service they provide and ensure that any project they are a part of is delivered with excellence. From creative ideas to execution, they are a professional team that will serve your business well.

    Jackson, Marketing Director

    Website Strategy

    When The Expositors Academy came to us, they were unsure which platforms, systems, or processes they needed to create an online course. 

    As is usually the case, while a website may look simple on the surface, a lot is happening in the background. That’s why we started with a website strategy package to help them plan and define precisely what they needed the website to accomplish.

    They wanted three different payment options, including a subscription option and an option to purchase a course license for another student who couldn’t afford it.

    They also had a remote team of assignment graders who needed to keep track of submitted assignments, provide document markup, and communicate feedback directly to the student.

    Last but not least, they needed to automate email communication to students that weren’t keeping up with the schedule, missing assignment deadlines, or hadn’t logged on for a while.

    Our website strategy team researched the best learning management system to fit their needs. We evaluated different options like Teachable, Thinkific, Kajabi, and others. However, those options didn’t integrate easily with The Expositors Academy business systems and became cost-prohibitive when providing user accounts for dozens of graders to do their work.

    That’s when we landed on LearnDash because it fit their requirements and perfectly supported their sitemap and customer journey. 

    The Expositors Academy Website Custom WooCommerce Checkout Flow Mockup
    The Expositors Academy Website Custom WooCommerce Checkout

    Website Design

    Next, we began website design. The website design process resulted in 15 screens of ready-to-build, fully-responsive marketing, ecommerce, and online course designs.

    Marketing Website Design

    To keep the website simple and fees as low as possible, we designed a simple three-page marketing website to generate leads. The three pages were Home, Application, and Contact.

    • Prospective students could learn about the course and curriculum on the home page.
    • They could apply for the program on the application page and ensure they were the right fit.
    • On the contact page, users could ask questions or inquire about details they needed clarification on.

    E-commerce Design

    Furthermore, we designed a custom e-commerce experience that seamlessly guided students through Payment Options, Checkout, and Account Creation for the course. When they finished the checkout process, they were logged into the course and ready to start.

    Learning Management System Design

    Lastly, we customized the LearnDash course dashboard by combining The Expositors Academy brand styles with the default layouts provided by the plugin (including a few interface improvements, of course!).

    The Expositors Academy Website Mobile Mockups
    The Expositors Academy Mobile Mockups

    Website Development

    The Expositors Academy was already familiar with WordPress CMS since we used it to build OnePassion.org, one of the other websites. 

    Front-end Website Development

    We developed a custom theme for The Expositors Academy built according to the design spec. We included custom Javascript animations from the Animate On Scroll Library to enhance user experience.

    Additionally, the website design called for a few other features like a nested accordion to house the curriculum information, an on-page navigation to help the user navigate the landing page sections, and a dynamic testimonial carousel.

    Back-end Website development

    We used WordPress and the LearnDash LMS WordPress plugin as the learning management platform. It was a helpful integration, so they could keep their marketing site and learning management system in the same place (and not have to manage multiple platforms).

    Using Genesis Custom Blocks with embedded Custom Fields, we set up the backend so they could edit the website content independently without breaking any formatting.

    Then, we integrated WooCommerce with WordPress and LearnDash, which made product creation, payment processing, order tracking, and more a breeze. Not to mention keeping the entire customer journey under one roof, from awareness to advocacy.

    QA, Training, and Support

    After populating the content we’d written and doing a thorough quality assurance process, we trained The Expositors Academy on a recorded video call. They walked away from the call with a thorough understanding of how the site worked and a recording and documentation for future reference.

    Final Thoughts

    The Expositors Academy online course WordPress website design and website development project is one we’re proud to share. It took months of united planning and preparation, with an incredible result.

    Ultimately, the website platform we built allowed the OnePassion Ministries team to enter the market in a new way and further their vision of training new expositors—and helping them reform the church.

    For additional reading, we designed and developed the nonprofit website for OnePassion Ministries at OnePassion.org .

  • One Website, Six Budgets: What Does a 0 and Up Website Budget Look Like?

    One Website, Six Budgets: What Does a $500 and Up Website Budget Look Like?

    Structure’s mission is to deliver the most efficient yet human website design and build experience while being on budget. We ultimately improve our client’s businesses by helping them get better business results from their websites. 

    One of the ways we do this is by providing unbiased information about website design and development costs upfront. Hence, potential clients have a better idea of the budget they need for the project they envision. 

    We also go through a website project budgeting exercise with all new clients during onboarding and design their website to that budget. We have website designers and developers with many years of experience on staff. We have created countless website estimates over the years, so we share what we know from our firsthand experience around website design costs to help clients planhttps://wearestructure.com/website-budget-template/ a successful project. 

    What Do Most Websites Cost?

    Potential clients frequently ask us what different budgets will afford them: “Is $5,000 a good budget,” “What will $10,000 get me?” or “What does a $50,000 website even look like?”. 

    So, we devised a breakdown of one website with six different budgets, from $500 to $100,000. As you’ll see, a budget can be exhausted quickly in website design and development, but with smart choices and good planning, you can make the most out of any budget.

    Remember that these estimates are if the website is designed and built top-to-bottom. Most clients phase large projects so that payments (and development) are completed in manageable chunks over time.

    Any website design or budget exercise starts with the existing website. Gather all your website ideas and inspiration, then note what you’d like to keep, remove, or add. 

    Let’s assume the website we will redesign has the following five pages with no more than basic functionality. Think simple, local, small business website.

    1. Home page
    2. About page
    3. Products or Services page
    4. Blog page
    5. Contact page (with a basic contact form)

    A $500 Website Redesign: Personal

    Ultra-low budgets like a $500 website are only possible using a DIY platform, theme, or template. It’s doubtful that you’ll be able to hire anyone to help redesign the website unless they’re just starting and you’re one of their first clients.

    The best options are using WordPress with quality hosting and a premium theme. You’ll likely need to buy the theme and a few plugins to go along with it. You could start with Squarespace or Wix; however, if you’d like to grow shortly, you’ll want to migrate or replatform to WordPress—so you might as well start there if you’re able. It’ll save you time and money later!  

    • WordPress Hosting (through WP Engine): $250/yr
    • WordPress Theme: $200
    • Contact Form Plugin (through Gravity Forms): $50

    A $5,000 Website Redesign: Informational

    The $5,000 website budget stays very simple, but you no longer need to DIY and have room to find a website freelancer. Most freelancers would be thrilled to redesign a website on this budget.

    With this budget and someone helping with the work, you’ll get a website template that’s semi-customized and molded to your needs, with a few additional bells and whistles. 

    For example, the contact form might be more advanced with drop downs, radio buttons, or multi-page. The web designer might also include text animations or cleaner breakpoints for mobile devices.

    Lastly, you’ll likely be able to include some SEO and content creation or population help there. You’ll still be sourcing media and managing the project yourself.

    • WordPress Hosting (through WP Engine): $250/yr
    • WordPress Theme: $200
    • Contact Form Plugin (through Gravity Forms): $50
    • Freelance Template Customization & Build: $3,500
    • SEO & Copywriting: $1,000

    A $15,000 Website Redesign: Transformational

    The $15,000 website redesign makes a giant leap and allows you to hire help and add uniqueness to your website with a custom design. Additionally, you’re likely getting out of most freelancer territory here and will need to find and hire a professional website designer like Structure to design and build your website.

    At this budget, you’ll also get away from website themes, templates, and DIY platforms like Squarespace or Wix and will get a custom design unique to your business. 

    You’ll have the chance to consider your Website Strategy: how your company uses your website, how your customers are using your website, and how you can design and build your website to facilitate quicker purchases and simpler user flows. This is something that your website design team could facilitate with you.

    • WordPress Hosting (through WP Engine): $250/yr
    • WordPress Theme: $200
    • Contact Form Plugin (through Gravity Forms): $50
    • SEO & Copywriting: $2,500
    • Custom Design: $7,000
    • Development: $5,000

    Along with custom design will come professional copywriting and stock image sourcing. You’ll want to let someone else help clarify your message on your website.

    A $25,000 Website Redesign: Transactional

    At $25,000, your custom-designed website and professional content will get new functionality. At this price point, you’ll be able to add e-commerce functionality, payment processing, and integrations to your business systems, like your Customer Relationship Management (CRM) platform, Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) platform, your Email Service Provider (ESP), and others.

    • WordPress Hosting (through WP Engine): $250/yr
    • WordPress Theme: $200
    • Contact Form Plugin (through Gravity Forms): $50
    • SEO & Copywriting: $3,500
    • Custom Design: $10,000
    • Development: $5,000
    • Service E-Commerce Pages & Payment: $5,000
    • Business Systems Integrations (CRM, ERP, ESP): $1,000

    Your website has turned from personal to transactional. You can now use your website for more than just information and brand recognition; it’s a business tool that can take orders, support customers, and process data.

    A $50,000 Website Redesign: Growable

    The $50,000 website is entirely custom while still on a CMS like WordPress and built for processing transactions at scale.

    With the same 5-page structure, this budget invests beyond the website infrastructure into optimizing and growing the website operations. You’re investing in content development, Search Engine Optimization (SEO), Conversion Rate Optimization (CRO), and Content Marketing and advertising for growth—plus help with website management to keep it running smoothly.

    • WordPress Hosting (through WP Engine): $250/yr
    • WordPress Theme: $200
    • Contact Form Plugin (through Gravity Forms): $50
    • SEO & Copywriting: $5,000
    • Custom Design: $10,000
    • Development: $5,000
    • Service E-Commerce Pages & Payment: $5,000
    • Business Systems Integrations (CRM, ERP, ESP): $1,000
    • Content Marketing & Ads: $17,500
    • Website Management: $6,000

    A $100,000 Website Redesign: Scalable

    A $100,000 Website Redesign further expands the content into custom photography and video, increasing SEO, CRO, Content Marketing, Advertising, and Management budgets.

    • WordPress Hosting (through WP Engine): $250/yr
    • WordPress Theme: $200
    • Contact Form Plugin (through Gravity Forms): $50
    • Copywriting: $5,000
    • Custom Design: $10,000
    • Development: $5,000
    • Service E-Commerce Pages & Payment: $5,000
    • Business Systems Integrations (CRM, ERP, ESP): $1,000
    • Custom Photography & Videography: $18,000
    • SEO & CRO: 
    • Content Marketing & Ads: $37,500
    • Website Management: $6,000

    How to Design to Your Website Budget

    At Structure, we discuss your budget at the start of the website design process to minimize surprises when it comes to build. We want to ensure our design team can personalize your website, delivering a vision that includes what’s most important for business and industry—while keeping costs within range. 

    Ready to level up your website and grow your business with a professional website design? Schedule a Free Consult Call or explore our design packages today!

    Common Questions About Website Budgets & Cost

    What should I budget for a website in 2023?

    If you’re alive in 2022, you’ll notice that costs are going up around you. Your website will likely cost more next year than it does this year. However, the cost factors are the same.

    These factors can include the complexity and size of your website, the features you require, your industry and business goals, and the level of expertise of the website designer or agency you hire. Additionally, costs may be affected by market conditions and competition.

    However, some general estimates can help to provide a starting point. For example, according to Entrepreneur magazine, the average cost of building a simple website from scratch is between $3,000 and $15,000. Factors that impact this price range include the complexity of your design requirements, the number of pages, and the level of technical expertise involved.

    The costs may be much higher if you want to develop a more complex website with interactive features or ecommerce functionality. However, there are many ways to reduce your overall web design budget by working with an experienced agency like Structure that offers custom packages and flexible pricing models. 

    Ultimately, the best way to determine the cost of your website design is to take the Website Builder Quiz or Schedule a Consult Call and discuss your goals, design requirements, and budget constraints with Structure. With this information, our team can work with you to create a custom package that meets your needs and budget.

    Can I build a website for less than $500?

    You don’t have to delay building a website because you can’t afford a professional web designer or developer. Keep in mind that you may not get a full-blown e-commerce store; there are many things you can do (including selling products) for $500 or less.

    Most people who build a website for less than $500 do so for a specific reason. You might want to test a market or your web presence and determine what kind of customer base you will have once you get off the ground. 

    Or maybe you have a successful brick-and-mortar store and need to expand online to increase sales and business. You want to do it quickly and cheaply to ensure it’s even going to work before you pay $15,000 to $50,000 for a website. 

    Whatever your reason for building a website for less than $500, research and choose the right platform or template. We recommend WordPress if you’re looking to integrate into complex business systems or Shopify if you want an all-inclusive, simple platform. 

    Ultimately, whether you can build a website for $500 or less depends on your goal and skills, but it’s possible to create an online presence at a meager cost.

    What factors go into website cost?

    Several factors can impact the cost of website design, including the complexity and size of your site, the features you require, your industry and business goals, and the level of expertise of the designer or agency you work with. Additionally, costs may be affected by market conditions and competition.

    Some common examples of website features that can affect the total cost of your project include ecommerce functionality, custom design and development, SEO optimization, and integration with business systems like CRM and ERP. Other factors that can impact costs include the quality of your content, the level of personalization you require for your site visitors, and whether you need any ongoing support or maintenance services.

    That said, here’s a standard estimate of website cost factors for most websites annually.

    • Domain ($0.95 – $12 / DOMAIN)
    • SSL certificate ($0 – $1500 / CERTIFICATE)
    • Website hosting ($24 – $24,000 PER YEAR)
    • Style or theme ($2,000 – $15,000)
    • Responsive design ($3,000 – $25,000)
    • Website pages ($1,000 – $10,000)
    • Interactive media ($250 – $10,000)
    • Content management system ($2,000 – $25,000)
    • Ecommerce functionality ($2,000 – $25,000)
    • Database integration ($2,000 – $25,000)

    Can I get financing for my website design project?

    Yes, there are many options for financing your website design project. One popular option is to work with an agency that offers flexible payment plans and custom pricing models, such as Structure. This can help you spread your project’s cost over time while getting a high-quality website that meets your needs and budget.

    Other financing options may include working with a bank or other financial institution, taking out a personal loan, or using online platforms like Kickstarter or Indiegogo. 

    In our article: Website Budgeting: What to Spend, Where to Save, and How to Finance, you can learn more about our recommendations for financing a website design, redesign, or development project.

    How much should I budget for a website builder?

    Many website builders offer low-cost plans with basic templates that allow you to quickly get online at an affordable price.

    Website builders can be free or cost up to $500 monthly, with annual maintenance fees between $0 and $5,400. The cost of a website builder will depend on several factors, including the features and functionality you require, your budget constraints, and the level of support and maintenance services included in your package.

    However, we would be remiss if we didn’t mention the opportunity cost of a website builder. What you don’t pay for in money, you will pay for in time.  Building a website yourself or with the help of an agency requires extensive time and expertise, which can sometimes be just as expensive—if not more so—than working with a website builder.

    Suppose you consider using a website builder to develop your online presence. In that case, it is crucial to carefully evaluate what you’d be losing in time or sales if you try to build your website yourself because the opportunity cost may be higher than the custom website design package cost you were considering.

    How much should I budget for website maintenance? 

    Keeping your website up and running can range from $35 to $50,000 (or more) per month, depending on several factors. However, it’s important to note that prices vary monthly, so many service providers may request upfront payment for the entire year.

    Factors that can affect your monthly website maintenance costs include the size and complexity of your site, your industry, the level of customization required, and whether you need ongoing support or updates. Other considerations may include marketing services and marketing automation tools to help increase traffic, engagement, and conversions on your site.

    To get a more accurate picture of your website’s total costs, consider the upfront and ongoing expenses of developing, maintaining, and growing your online presence. 

    How much should I budget for website marketing?

    Companies spend anywhere from $2,500 to $12,000 monthly marketing their website. Some invest even more, depending on the marketing strategies they pursue.

    Services like SEO, Content Marketing, and Digital Advertising all fall under the umbrella of digital marketing. This is just a tiny sample of what’s included in the budget for marketing. Your company can decrease costs by cutting down on how many strategies it employs.

    If a company solely decides to focus on SEO rather than adding digital advertising into its marketing strategy, it will have lower costs. Revenue and sales numbers have improved for businesses that use digital marketing as part of their plan; however, this method’s success is contingent upon your website.

    For example, marketing tactics such as SEO and Digital Advertising bring users to your website. If you want these visitors to stay on your site, it’s essential to have a user-friendly design that is easy to navigate.

  • Website Budget Template: What to Spend, Where to Save, and How to Finance

    Website Budget Template: What to Spend, Where to Save, and How to Finance

    In this article, we’ll provide a free website budget template and go over a website budget in detail, including what to expect, what factors impact the cost of a website, and what your financing options are. 

    A professional WordPress website created specifically for your business might seem like an unnecessary expense when you’re on a tight or unknown marketing budget, but it can help increase your sales.

    Essentially, even though a custom website might cost you $25,000, you could make $2,500,000 with it in one or two years.

    Whether you’re a marketing leader, business leader, or entrepreneur, you’re here because you’re considering investing in a custom website for your company. After reading this article, we hope you’ll have the knowledge and power to build a profitable website that helps your business grow.

    Some questions we’ll be answering are:

    • Do I need a custom website, or can I use a template?
    • What are the costs of a custom website?
    • How can I plan and budget for the website project?
    • Are there ways to save money by cutting costs?
    • What should I spend more money on to get better results?
    • Do I have to pay upfront, or are there financing options?

    We’re ready to get started! But before we do, if you just came looking for a Free Website Budget Template, we’ve got one for you.

    Free Budget Template

    Use our website budget template to calculate your initial investments, benefits, and upkeep costs.

    Download Now

    The Problem with Budgeting for a Templated Website

    If you’re a leader with a tight website budget, little time, or insufficient resources, you can choose between spending most of your marketing budget on a unique, custom website or spending some of your website budget on a low-cost template.

    The only problem is that you think using a website template will save you money AND give you a high-converting website. That’s not how it works.

    Templates are generic. They work across many different businesses, locations, demographics, etc. If you don’t design your website for your company or customers, it will not work.

    I understand your desire to save time and money—and a template feels like a SHORTCUT. However, you’ll find it’s a TRAP.

    People often ask me, “Why should I get a custom website and not use just a template from Wix?” My answer is simple. If you have a new business with no revenue and no money in the bank, it makes sense to start with a template until the company is profitable. 

    A website template isn’t going to help you get there if:

    • You’re looking to increase revenue
    • You’re looking to beat the competition
    • You’re looking to break into a new market

    You should consider a budget plan for a custom website to accomplish one of these goals.

    Screenshot from our Website Budget Worksheet that you can copy for free

    5 Reasons to Budget for a Custom Website

    You know that having a well-designed website is crucial to success. You might even see that it sets you apart from the competition and can help increase sales by providing visitors with a great experience. But that’s not all. Here are some other groups that benefit from your website.

    1. Your Website Is for Branding

    Your website is for branding—but it’s also for much more! Most people think their website is ONLY for branding. They consider the logo, colors, and images when thinking about a website.

    There’s no doubt that your website introduces people to your brand. That’s why it should look professional and represent your company well. It should represent your products well. It should also represent your market well.

    Your website should leave a positive impression on visitors so they leave wanting to engage with your business.

    2. Your Website is for Marketing

    Marketing is the way you introduce people to your brand.  It’s how you raise awareness, build interest, and generate leads. 

    A website is one of your most essential marketing tools—if not THE most important. It’s a 24/7 marketing tool that can help increase brand awareness, provide information about your products and services, and generate leads.

    Think of your website as an investment in your marketing efforts. It’s a long-term investment that will continue to pay dividends over time. And like any good investment, you want to be thoughtful about spending your money to get the best return on investment (ROI).

    3. Your Website is for Sales

    You also know that prospects might have a bad experience and never become customers if you don’t have a great website. In this case, choosing NOT to invest in a professional website could cost you money. 

    A website is one of your most important sales tools. Think about it; if you sell products or services on your website, you want it to be the easiest to use so that nothing stands in the way of someone visiting your website and completing a purchase.

    Your website should cater to customer needs in every interaction. Does a website template accomplish that? If you don’t have customers or a sales process, then it might. However, if you have customers and a buyer journey, you’ll need a website that works for your customers—which, in turn, works for you.

    4. Your Website is for Customer Service

    Where do your customers go when they need help? To your website, of course! They’re either looking for a form to fill out, a live chat to start, or help documentation so they can serve themselves.

    Your website is a critical part of your customer service strategy. It must be easy to use so customers can find what they need quickly. 

    When you don’t have a great website, it can cost you, customers. They might get frustrated and take their business elsewhere. Or, even worse, they might not bother trying to reach out for help and leave—never to return.

    5. Your Website is for Your Team

    Do you know who else uses your website as a resource? Your team.  They might need to reference your product catalog, look up pricing, or find contact information for a customer. 

    Your website is also a great place to store company documents and files that anyone on your team can access. Remote teams love accessible company websites because they often need to access company resources anywhere.

    A poorly designed website can make it difficult for your team to do their jobs efficiently. This can lead to frustration and wasted time, ultimately costing you money.

    And just like employees need investment, training, and resources, so does your website. Like any other employee, your website needs investment to perform. 

    If you don’t invest in your website, you could miss out on thousands of potential customers. You could lose leads and sales. You could even damage your reputation and sink your business.

    Website Budget Worksheet Benefits
    A Website budget sets you up for success

    How Much Should You Budget for a Custom Website?

    There’s no doubt that your website is valuable—it will serve your customers, your team, and you’re business in various ways for many years. 

    Now that we’ve answered the question of “why should I care about the cost of my website,” let’s answer the question, “what is the cost of a custom website—and is it worth it? Let’s dig into the numbers. 

    Free Website Budgeting Template

    Use our website budget template to calculate your initial investments, benefits, and upkeep costs.

    Download Now

    Ballpark Website Budgets

    A website budget can range anywhere from a few thousand dollars to a few hundred thousand dollars. These numbers, however, are only broad ballpark ranges and will fluctuate based on the size and features included in your website. The table below displays approximate web design and maintenance costs according to businesses’ sizes.

    Website TypeDesign & BuildAnnual Maintenance
    Small business website
    (8 to 16 pages)    		$2,000 to $9,000$400–1,200
    Large business website
    (25 to 75 pages)    		$10,000 to $35,000$2,000 – $15,000
    E-commerce website
    (100 to 1,000 products)    		$5,000 to $55,000$15,000 – $30,000
    Database website
    (20 to 2,000 pages)    		$6,000 to $75,000$30,000 – $60,000
    average cost for website building and website maintenance, by business type

    If you’re a small-to-medium business (or bigger), consider working with an online website design firm like Structure or an experienced freelancer to design, build, and maintain your website. An expert will provide the simplest and most cost-effective solution for updating and maintaining your website.

    Website Budget Breakdown

    Here is a rough breakdown of the essential parts of a website budget. These are the basics to get your site up and running—and stay running like a well-oiled machine. 

    Free Budget Template

    Steal our website budget template to see standard figures for each point below.

    Download Now

    Benefits from Your Website

    • Direct sales
    • Incremental sales resulting from enhanced promotional/salesperson effectiveness
    • Incremental sales resulting from increased partner participation
    • Reduced travel costs
    • Reduced customer service costs
    • Reduced printing and shipping costs

    Initial Investment in Your Website

    • Hardware (e.g., servers)
    • Software (e.g., e-commerce catalog software)
    • Development (e.g., third-party site design and development)
    • Total Initial Investments

    Project Costs

    Ongoing Costs

    Success Metrics

    • Total revenue & cost savings
    • The total expense
    • Net return on investment

    Now that you are familiar with everything that goes into your website (enough to create a detailed budget), you’ll be able:

    • Outline key web design and development fixed costs
    • Increase the chances of budget approval
    • Get as much return on investment as possible

    Website Financing Options

    You might feel confident that you need a custom website for your business, but you don’t know how to pay for it or get the budget approved, don’t worry! All is not lost. 

    Consider financing your website. Best of all, there are options available for funding a website without paying a cent in interest. Here are some ideas from the simplest to the most complex.

    1. In-house financing

    You could discuss arranging a payment plan directly with your website designer. Some agencies currently offer financing options with competitive interest rates; this would let you avoid short-term lenders and save money.

    Most website designers will split up the project into payments (either monthly or milestone) that span the project’s duration. If you’re not in a rush and are willing to allow your website to take three to six months to complete, you’ll naturally spread out your payments and make the price tag much more doable.

    2: PayPal Credit

    Take advantage of special introductory interest rates from credit companies! With PayPal Credit, Any purchase of $99+ is interest-free when paid in full within six months. This offer lasts forever for any future purchase above $99. However, make sure to meet the deadline for repayment; if not, you’ll be charged an annual percentage rate (APR) of 25.99%.

    A credit card could accomplish the same objective. Plus, you might even be able to score some airline miles or 2–5% off.

    3. SBA Loan

    The United States Small Business Administration (SBA) backs loans from internet lenders and commercial banks. These loans have lower interest rates and longer repayment durations than short-term business loans but have a more time-consuming and difficult application procedure.

    The 7(a) loan program is the most common program that provides short- and long-term working capital, allows you to refinance current business debt and more. 

    The Microloan program provides loans up to $50,000 to help small businesses start and expand.

    4. Short-term business loan

    A short-term business loan can give you the fast capital you need to bridge cash-flow gaps, cover emergency expenses and pay for other immediate financing needs while you pay for your website — or use it for your website.

    You typically receive a lump sum of cash from a lender with short-term loans and repay it on a fixed schedule. Generally, these small-business loans have repayment terms of 12 months or less, although some may have terms that extend up to 24 months.

    E-commerce businesses with limited funds might feel torn between investing in a new site or paying for more inventory. Financing or an optimized website or expanded list can help your business scale quickly and efficiently.

    Website Budget Tips

    As we unpack the big question, let me first share three quick tips on doing the right website budget for your business.

    1. Prioritize Your Website Wishlist

    When deciding what to spend your money on for your website, prioritize the most important things. “Most important” could mean areas of high use, critical structural repairs, or essential features. It’s your call that matters most in the end.

    2. Identify Your Budget Limits

    What is the most you are willing to spend on your custom website? If you have a long list of features, you hope to include, separate them into must-haves and nice-to-haves. Doing justice to a shortlist of critical features is better than skimping across the board to accommodate for extra bells and whistles.

    3. Don’t Reinvent the Wheel

    Before jumping into your project head, take stock of what is working and what needs to go. Not everything needs to be new if you’re redesigning an existing website. More often than not, the most sustainable thing you can do from a financial perspective is to leave as many existing elements where they are as possible. 

    4. Allow for Plenty of Time

    The notion that “the devil is always in a hurry” applies here. Nothing beneficial can come from rushing an activity. Also, if you’re working with others and the deadline is tight, costs go up fast.

    That’s why emergency calls are widespread among electricians; they allow them to charge a premium. Most website experts follow suit since they must set aside other work to accommodate your project. You’ll keep your budget (and stress) low if you don’t rush and give plenty of time to complete your task.

    5. Budget with Management & Maintenance in Mind

    Every new homeowner understands this. Things break down if you have a busy house (or any other type of dwelling, for that matter). They wear down over time. A feature that you thought would be excellent turns out to be useless. As a result, you must repair, update, or remove it. A website is similar to a home in that if you want to keep it looking nice and functioning well, you must maintain it.

    At the very least, monthly software and plugin updates are required for custom WordPress website maintenance. It necessitates form and checkout testing. And often, there’s a few content updates since your company is evolving and changing daily.

    How Structure Simplifies Your Website Budget

    Structure’s custom website process is for leaders with large and small websites in all fifty U.S. and worldwide states. Our website design packages start under $10,000 and are approachable for startups to scaleups. 

    Every website design project starts with our information-gathering WebsiteBuilder quiz, which prompts you to share everything we need to know to recommend the right website design package for you.

    If you missed it, that’s the key right there. That is how we simplify your website budget. Instead of spending hours weeding through data and trying to make sense of a system you don’t understand, take our WebsiteBuilder quiz and get a package recommendation instantly for your custom website design project. 

    It takes five minutes (max), and at the end, you’ll know what it would cost to get a custom website design for your business. 

    Are you wondering how it works after you get a package recommendation? Once you purchase a package, we begin with planning—understanding your goals, business systems, and brand style—and discussing your budget and vision to minimize surprises when it comes time to build. 

    Our top-notch strategists and designers then create a website that matches your vision. Your design will capture the look, feel, and function you are hoping for, all while keeping costs within range. 

    Once your design is complete, we’ll provide a packaged website development quote to build your new design (if you don’t plan on a DIY build).