Website management is a range of activities performed either programmatically or by a website manager with the goal of keeping a website up and running. These activities can include host migrations, data migrations, domain migrations, certificate and domain renewals, content updates, website backups, database backups, software management, hosting management, but can also vary based on the category of website you manage. This guide examines website management and its cost with input from an expert.
Here's the overview:
The owner of WPCharger, a service for WordPress site management, defines the essence of website management succinctly:
"I define website management as the actions necessary to keep a website functional, relevant, and secure. The desired outcome is to maximize the achievement of the website's goal."
This perspective highlights the importance of a proactive and goal-oriented approach to website management, making sure that your site stays up and continues to serve its purpose.
Before understanding the cost of website management, we need to understand the range of websites that exist. Knowing this helps you see where your website falls in terms of required maintenance and the approximate cost associated.
Here's a breakdown of the types of websites that exist:
Website Category | Website Examples | Maintenance Activity | Maintenance Cost |
---|---|---|---|
Pure Static Website | Personal blogs, portfolios, small business landing pages with little to no content production. Technologies: HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Frontend Frameworks, Static Site Generators. | Domain renewal, TLS/SSL certificate renewal, occasional content update, basic SEO optimization. | Low |
Static Website with Backend Services | Websites using APIs for email, CMS via headless CMS platforms, basic e-commerce with payment gateways. Libraries: Axios, Fetch API. | API management, security updates for third-party services, content updates. | Low to Moderate |
Managed Website Platforms | Websites and e-commerce platforms on Squarespace, Wix, Carrd, Weebly, Shopify. Features: Templated designs, drag-and-drop interface, comprehensive store management, no coding needed. | Platform-specific updates (handled by provider), content updates, utilizing new features/tools offered by the platform. | Low to Moderate |
Customizable Platforms (Semi-custom CMS) | Drupal, Joomla, Magento, advanced WordPress development with custom themes and plugins. | Plugin/theme updates, security patches, content management. | Moderate |
Dynamic Website (i.e., Web Application) | Social networks, online forums, real-time applications. Frameworks: Ruby on Rails, Django, ASP.NET, PHP/Laravel, React/Angular with backend APIs. | Server management, database maintenance, continuous integration/continuous deployment (CI/CD), regular feature updates, security measures. | Moderate to High |
Note on Maintenance Cost:
There is a distinction between the initial cost of a website and the cost of ongoing maintenance. While both are of course important, ongoing maintenance cost is often overlooked. Let's review both then focus on the ongoing maintenance cost.
The initial setup of a website involves all the upfront costs in time and/or money to get your site accessible online. Let's break it down by the required and optional:
Required cost across all website categories:
index.html
file for the most basic websites. The extent and complexity of content creation will impact the cost, but having some form of content is essential.Optional:
While listed as "optional," some of these expenses may be essential for your specific website, depending on its goals. For instance, e-commerce sites will find investment in advanced SEO, marketing, and premium e-commerce functionality not just beneficial but critical. Similarly, websites aimed at providing a rich user experience might require investment in custom functionality, professional content creation, and premium design elements. It's important to evaluate these costs in the context of your website's specific needs.
Now let's focus on the cost of ongoing maintenance. From the set of costs for the initial setup there are a few that persist as long as the website is accessible online. Let's break down these costs:
Absolutely Required Maintenance Costs:
Expense | Annual Cost | Cost Note |
---|---|---|
Domain Renewal | $10 - $20 | Varies by registrar and domain extension. |
Basic Hosting | $0 - $300 | Depends on the hosting package/provider and the type of website you run. Purely static webpages are known for their low cost to host most likely close to $0 while complex web applications that depend on a database can be more expensive. |
SSL/TLS Certificate Renewal | $0 - $250 | Free options like LetsEncrypt are available and generally the most recommended; premium certificates cost more but some registrars or hosts will charge for what amounts to time savings and additional advanced features. |
Total Estimated Cost | $10 - $570 per year |
Strongly Recommended Maintenance Costs:
Service | Annual Cost | Cost Note |
---|---|---|
Software Updates, Licenses | $0 - $1,000 | Costs depend on the website type, and number of paid third-party services it depends on. |
Third-Party Services | $0 - $1,000 | These are the services that your website directly depends on as part of its essential functionality. |
Backup and Security Services | $50 - $300 | Choice of tools and level of service affects cost. |
Technical Support and Troubleshooting | $300 - $2,000 | Varies with the complexity of issues and response time required. |
Total Estimated Cost | $350 - $3,300 per year |
Optional Maintenance Costs:
Enhancement | Annual Cost | Cost Note |
---|---|---|
Advanced SEO Tools | $300 - $1,200 | Depends on the selected tools and scale of SEO efforts. |
Professional Content Creation | $500 - $2,000 | Varies based on the volume and type of content produced. |
Email Marketing Services | $120 - $1,200 | Cost influenced by the size of your email list and the features required. |
Total Estimated Cost | $920 - $3,400+ per year |
All Maintenance Costs:
Category | Total Estimated Annual Cost |
---|---|
Absolutely Required Maintenance Costs | $10 - $570 |
Strongly Recommended Maintenance Costs | $350 - $3,300 |
Optional Maintenance Costs | $920 - $3,400+ |
Grand Total Estimated Annual Maintenance Cost | $1,280 - $7,270+ |
The price ranges provided in this guide are intended to be informative. For those who are new to managing websites, it's important to understand that your expenses will largely depend on the scale and complexity of your site, as well as its traffic. In the beginning, when your site likely has minimal traffic and requires less in terms of resources and functionality, you should expect to pay closer to the lower end of these estimates. As your site grows and its needs evolve, your maintenance costs may increase accordingly.
The aim is to give you a clear picture of potential expenses so you can plan effectively, not to deter you with the prospect of high costs. Many websites operate efficiently with minimal expenses, especially when they leverage free resources such as Let's Encrypt for SSL/TLS certificates, opt for basic hosting packages suitable for their current traffic levels, and use open-source software that doesn't require expensive licenses.
Let's look at ways to save on money and time without sacrificing website quality:
Ultimately, finding the right balance between time and money will depend on your specific circumstances, skills, and website needs. While DIY can be a cost-effective approach, ensure it doesn't lead to over-committing time you may not have. Sometimes, investing in certain services or tools can free up your time to focus on what matters.
Keep in mind, effective website management involves periodically reviewing and adjusting your strategy to align with your site's evolving needs and the changing costs. Embrace flexibility in your approach and consider consulting professionals for tailored advice when necessary.