1. Freelancers

Budget-Friendly, But Beware of Limits

Freelancers often charge between $1,500 to $5,000 AUD for a basic website, depending on their experience and expertise. While this option is more affordable, you may encounter limitations in service, responsiveness, and support.

Pricing: $1,500 - $5,000 AUD

Maintenance Costs: Ongoing updates may cost between $50 to $200 AUD per hour, depending on the complexity of the changes required.

TL;DR: Freelancers are great for budget projects but might delay delivery or miss essential services.

Pro Tip: When working with freelancers, ensure they're available for post-launch support.

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2. DIY Platforms

Affordable and Fast, but at a Price

Platforms like Wix, Squarespace, and Shopify allow you to build a website quickly for $20 to $50 AUD per month. While these options save you money upfront, they often come with limitations on customisation and scalability.

‍Pricing: $20 - $50/month

Hidden Cost: Your Time – Building and maintaining the site yourself can be time-consuming, especially if you’re new to the platform. Expect to invest hours in learning, troubleshooting, and customizing, which can quickly add up as your website needs grow.

‍Maintenance Costs: You may face costs for updates and additional features, typically around $10 to $100 AUD per update, depending on what changes you want to make.

‍TL;DR: DIY platforms save you money upfront but can’t handle more complex needs as you scale.

‍Pro Tip: Use DIY platforms for quick landing pages or temporary sites, but plan to switch to a more scalable solution later.

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3. Boutique Agencies

Personalised Service with a Unique Touch

Boutique agencies, like Woven Studio, typically charge between $5,000 to $15,000 AUD for a custom website. This price reflects the tailored approach and the quality of design and service you’ll receive. We specialise in creating unique websites that resonate with your brand.

‍Pricing: $5,000 - $15,000 AUD

‍Maintenance Costs: Regular updates and enhancements can cost between $100 to $500 AUD per month, depending on your site’s needs and complexity.

‍TL;DR: Boutique agencies offer tailored, creative solutions but they cost more than freelancers or DIY.

‍Pro Tip: Opt for boutique agencies if your brand requires a unique digital experience and custom features.

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4. Mid-Large Agencies

Full-Service, Full Price

Larger agencies can charge upwards of $15,000 AUD, depending on the project's complexity. While they have extensive resources and can manage large-scale projects, you often sacrifice a personal touch for comprehensive service.

‍Pricing: From $15,000 AUD

‍Maintenance Costs: Updates and support typically start at $500 AUD per month, rising with the complexity and scale of your website.

‍TL;DR: Big agencies are ideal for enterprise-level sites but come with a high price tag and less personalised service.

‍Pro Tip: Choose big agencies when you need robust, multi-functional websites, but be prepared for a significant investment.

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What to Be Aware Of When Building a Website

When deciding on how to build your website, consider these common factors that can impact your project:

• ‍Freelancers: Be mindful of potential communication delays and project timelines due to a freelancer's workload.
• DIY Platforms: While you may save money, be prepared to invest time in learning the platform and building the site yourself, which can be a significant commitment.
• ‍Boutique Agencies: Some clients underestimate the value of ongoing support and updates that boutique agencies often provide as part of their service.
• ‍Big Agencies: With larger teams, communication can become complex, which may lead to misunderstandings about project goals or timelines.
• Templated Sites: Many agencies offer outdated platforms or templated sites that may not meet modern performance and design standards, resulting in potential long-term costs.

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Additional Considerations

When budgeting for a website, keep these often-overlooked costs in mind:

• Hidden Costs: Don’t forget about domain registration, hosting fees, and SSL certificates, which can add to your initial setup costs.
• SEO: Investing in SEO during and after website development is crucial for visibility. Initial setups can range from $500 to $5,000 AUD.
• E-commerce: If you're planning to sell online, consider payment processing fees and additional platform costs.
• Content Management: Regularly updating content is essential for SEO and engagement. Factor in costs for ongoing content creation and management.
• User Experience and Accessibility: Good UX design and compliance with accessibility standards can increase upfront costs but pay off in user satisfaction and conversions.
• Ongoing Support: Training staff and retaining support services can ensure your site runs smoothly, adding to your long-term costs.

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Final Thoughts

Understanding the True Cost of Your Website

Building a website involves more than just the initial price tag. Whether you choose to work with a freelancer, use a DIY platform, partner with a boutique agency like Woven Studio, or engage a large agency, it’s essential to align your website goals with the right approach.

Keep in mind the various costs associated with each pathway, including ongoing maintenance, hidden fees, SEO investments, e-commerce functionality, content updates, and user experience considerations. By being aware of these factors, you can make informed decisions that align with your budget and business objectives.

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Quick Recap

• Freelancers: Budget-friendly ($1,500 - $5,000 AUD) but may offer limited service.
• DIY Platforms: Cost-effective ($20 - $50/month) but often constrained in customization.
• Boutique Agencies: Creative and tailored solutions ($5,000 - $15,000 AUD) with ongoing support.
• Big Agencies: Comprehensive service but with higher costs (from $15,000 AUD).‍