If you’re a business owner looking to establish an online presence, you’ve probably wondered for quite some time about the costs and logistics of creating a website. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about building a website for your business, from the types of websites available to the cost of development with a focus on Frequently Asked Questions by our customers at TekByte Ventures.
Is it free to have a business website?
While it is possible to create a website for free using platforms like Wix or WordPress.com, it’s important to remember that these free options often come with limitations. For example, you may not have access to certain features, such as a custom domain name, or you may have to display ads on your site as a trade-off for the cheap or free domain the given platform gave you. And the last thing you want for your business is losing control over the brand narrative. If you want a more professional-looking website with more control over its design and functionality, it’s worth investing in a paid option.
How do I get a website?
To get a website for your business, you’ll need to follow a few basic steps:
Choose a domain name: This is the web address where your site will be located (e.g., www.bisharayangu.co.ke). Choose something that’s memorable, easy to spell, and relevant to your business.
Find a web host: A web host is a company that will provide you with the space and services to store and run your website. Look for a reputable host that offers reliable uptime, good customer support, and the features you need.
Build your website: You can build your website from scratch using HTML and CSS, or you can use a website builder or content management system (CMS) like WordPress to create your site.
Launch your site: Once your site is built, it’s time to launch it! Make sure everything is working properly, and then start promoting your site to attract visitors.
How do I find the right website for my business?
The type of website you choose will depend on your business needs and goals. Here are three common types of websites:
Brochure websites: These sites are like digital brochures for your business. They provide basic information about your products and services, and are a good choice if you don’t need a lot of interactivity on your site.
E-commerce websites: If you plan to sell products or services online, you’ll need an e-commerce website. These sites allow you to display and sell your products, process payments, and manage your inventory.
Blogging websites: If you want to create content and engage with your audience, a blogging website might be a good choice. These sites allow you to create and publish blog posts, and can help you build a loyal following.
How can I create a website for my business?
There are a few different ways to create a website for your business:
Hire a web designer: If you want a custom-designed website, you can hire a professional web designer to create it for you. This can be a more expensive option, but it ensures that you’ll get a unique site that’s tailored to your needs.
Use a website builder: Website builders like Wix, Squarespace, and Weebly allow you to create a website using pre-made templates and drag-and-drop tools. This is a good option if you want to create a site quickly and easily.
Use a Content Management System (CMS): CMSs like WordPress, Drupal, and Joomla are powerful platforms that allow you to create and manage your website’s content. They offer more flexibility than website builders, but require a bit more technical knowledge to set up.
How much does it cost to create a website?
The cost of creating a website for your business in Kenya will depend on a variety of factors, such as the type of website you want, the complexity of its design, and the features you need. Here are some general cost estimates:
Brochure websites: If you use a website builder or CMS to create a brochure website, you can expect to spend anywhere from KES.30,000 to KES.500,000, depending on the complexity of the site.
E-commerce websites: E-commerce websites are typically more expensive to develop, as they require features like payment processing, inventory management, and shipping integration. You can expect to spend anywhere from KES.100,000 to KES.1,500,000 or even more to create an e-commerce site.
Blogging websites: Blogging websites can be relatively inexpensive to create, as they don’t require as many features as other types of sites. You can expect to spend anywhere from kes.20,000/- to KES.60,000 to create a blogging website.
In addition to the initial development costs, you’ll also need to consider ongoing costs like hosting fees, domain name registration, and website maintenance. These costs can range from a few hundred Kenya Shillings per month to several thousands per year, depending on the services you choose.
Creating a website for your business can be a great way to establish an online presence and attract new customers. By understanding the different types of websites available, the costs involved, and the steps involved in building a site, you can make an informed decision about how to proceed.
Whether you choose to build your site yourself using a website builder or CMS, or hire a professional web designer to create a custom site, having a strong online presence can really help your business thrive.