Taking your first steps into the UK ecommerce market, either as a small business stepping into the online arena or as a well-established firm enhancing your digital footprint, is a significant step in today’s digital business presence. The first important question is, “What will an ecommerce website cost?”. An ecommerce website costs you around £2000 to £400,000 as per your business needs. The UK eCommerce market is expected to expand by 7.77% in 2023-2027.
This blog post is designed to offer you that clarity. We’ve tailored it specifically for our British audience, providing a thorough analysis of the costs involved in setting up an ecommerce website.
We will first examine the costs of creating small, medium, and large ecommerce websites. Then, we’ll discuss the factors influencing these costs, such as the ecommerce platform, domain and hosting, web design, custom development, extensions, and marketing.
We will also outline additional costs that you may encounter. This includes advanced features and integrations, security measures, and professional services like legal and accounting help. We will provide cost-saving tips that could reduce your expenses without compromising the performance of your ecommerce website.
Ultimately, you will have a comprehensive understanding of ecommerce website development costs. Let’s get started.
Small Ecommerce Website : You’re starting small, selling a limited range of products with few extra features. You will pay £2000 to £5000 for this type of website. This will cover basic costs like setting up your website and adding simple features.
Medium-Size Ecommerce Website : Ready to expand? As your product range expands, the cost is likely to increase. If you desire extra features, such as personal accounts for your customers, the price can typically fall between £5,000 and £20,000. This includes more advanced design and development work.
Large Ecommerce Website : Large businesses often sell various products and may require many advanced features and customisation options for their ecommerce websites. Because of their complexity, these advanced features and customisations may increase the costs. The starting price for this kind of website varies from £20000 to £40000. You’ll need a bigger budget for professional design, complex features, and extensive customisation.
These prices are just rough guesses. The real cost will change based on different things. Having a clear plan and getting a quote from a website development company is always best to understand your expenses better. We’ll explore the factors affecting the cost in the next part of our guide.
Building an ecommerce website involves many pieces. Each piece can change how much your website costs. Here are some of the main things that can affect the cost:
ECommerce Platform : The platform is like the foundation of your ecommerce website. Some common platforms are Shopify, WooCommerce, and Magento. Each one has different prices. Some may require a monthly fee. Others may need more custom work which can make costs go up.
Web Domain & Hosting : A domain is your website’s name online, and hosting is where your website lives. You need to pay for both each year.
Web Design : You could hire a professional designer to make your website stand out. They can tailor your website according to your preferences, but personalisation can come with an added expense.
Custom Development : Suppose your store needs advanced features not included in the basic platform. In this case, a developer will have to build them for you. This can add to the cost.
Extensions : Extensions are like little apps adding more website features. Some are free, but others cost money.
Marketing : Once your website is ready, you must inform people about it. Advertising and search engine optimisation are crucial parts of online marketing. Good marketing can help more people find your website but also add to the overall cost.
Remember, the cost depends on the complexity of the website. So, planning which features to include before building your website is a good idea. This could help you in managing expenses and avoiding unnecessary costs.
Apart from the basic costs discussed, a few more items may require your financial attention. There could be more items that necessitate extra financial allocation. These extra costs can be worth it because they make your website better and more secure.
Advanced Features and Integrations : Sometimes, you may need more complex features. In case you’re dealing in apparel, you might consider adding a feature for customers to visualise various clothing combinations. Or, if you’re selling food, you might need a booking system for people to reserve tables. These features must be made just for your website, which can add to the cost. Also, if you want to connect your website to other software like your stock or accounting system, this will cost extra.
Security Measures : Keeping online stores safe is essential to protect customers’ details and money. This means you’ll need to invest in strong security systems. This includes secure payment systems and protection against hackers. Remember, if your site is secure, you could retain customers and avoid legal problems.
Professional Services : An online shop involves more than simply peddling items. Adherence to a multitude of governmental regulations is necessary. Hiring a lawyer to ensure you’re not breaking any laws. It’s also important to watch your earnings and what you spend. This might mean hiring an accountant. Even though these services cost money, they can save you from big problems down the line.
Just remember, these costs aren’t unnecessary. They’re investments in the success of your online store. Paying more at the start for things like special features, making sure your website is safe, and hiring professionals might mean you earn more money later. You can still follow some strategies to save on your ecommerce website costs. In the next part, we’ll talk about effective ways to save money.
Crafting your ecommerce website need not be a drain on your resources. Let’s discuss a few strategies to help economise your website creation without compromising quality.
Choosing the Right Ecommerce Platform :
Streamlining Business Operations :
Above are ways which help you reduce your cost without compromising the store’s quality.
To wrap it up, building an ecommerce website is an investment that varies in cost. Factors like your choice of platform, design, custom features, and marketing can all affect the final price. Extra charges for advanced features, security, or professional services may pop up. But don’t worry! There are ways to save, like picking the right platform, using smart marketing, and streamlining operations. It’s crucial to consider these elements and carefully plan your expenditure. Doing so maximises your budget utility and lays a solid foundation for your ecommerce website’s success.
Looking for your ecommerce dreams come true? Spacestem, a renowned ecommerce website development company in London, is at your service. We bring together expert developers and innovative solutions to create a bespoke online platform for your business. Let us help you navigate the ecommerce journey successfully.
