What does a website cost?
A business website ranges from a few hundred kronor a month to well over a hundred thousand. Here is what the ranges mean and what drives them.
Four ways to buy a website
There are essentially four routes, and for a small business they differ more in how the work is done than in the end result.
Site builders (Wix, Squarespace, One.com and similar) cost roughly SEK 100 to 400 per month. You build it yourself from a template. Cheap to start, but the time is yours and the site stays locked to the provider.
Freelancers often charge SEK 5,000 to 25,000 for a simple site. The price depends on how much writing, design and review is involved. Usually hourly, so the final sum is hard to know in advance.
Agencies typically start at SEK 25,000 and often exceed SEK 100,000. You are buying strategy, workshops and several people’s time. For a company with one service and a local customer base it is rarely the right size.
Fixed-price packages with a defined scope typically cost between SEK 1,500 and 10,000. You get a defined delivery at a defined price. It works when you know what you need and the need is simple.
The ranges are approximate and change. Always check current prices with the provider.
What drives the price
Three things matter more than anything else:
- Number of pages and features. One page with five sections costs a fraction of ten subpages with booking and a shop.
- How much copy and imagery must be produced. Ready text and photos lower the price. Having the provider write and photograph raises it.
- Number of review rounds. Every meeting and change round costs time. Fixed packages therefore usually include one round and charge per extra round.
Costs that come on top, whoever you choose
- Domain, roughly SEK 100 to 300 a year for a .se address.
- Hosting, from around SEK 20 a month for your own web host to a few hundred a month when the provider handles everything.
- Changes after delivery. Ask what a text change costs. It is the most common hidden cost.
Questions to ask before you buy
- Is the price fixed, or an estimate in hours?
- What exactly is included, and what does the rest cost?
- Do I own the website and can I move it?
- What will a small change cost a year from now?
- Do I get to see something before I pay?
If the provider can answer all five briefly and clearly, that is a good sign.