Launching an e-commerce website in 2025 requires careful consideration of costs, as these depend on the size of the project, the type of platform used, the required features, and a range of other factors that influence the final cost. To succeed in this field, it is essential for the merchant to understand every element that affects costs and to make informed decisions that meet their needs and customer expectations. In this article, we outline the total cost of building an e-commerce website: the 2025 guide.
The Importance of Understanding the Total Cost of Building an E-commerce Website
Understanding the total cost of building an e-commerce website is crucial, as knowing the expected expenses helps in preparing an effective budget and allocating resources appropriately without exceeding the set budget.
By understanding the costs, a perfect balance can be achieved between affordability and advanced features, contributing to the creation of an effective and user-friendly online store that reflects the success of your brand in the digital market.
Factors That Determine the Total Cost of Building an E-commerce Website
Several factors determine the cost of building an e-commerce website, so it is important to understand them well to effectively assess the total cost according to your budget.
Domain Name Factor in the Total Cost of Building an E-commerce Website
The domain name is the URL that users enter into their browsers to access your site, such as www.example.com. Each website must have a unique domain name that cannot be repeated with another site, ensuring the site’s uniqueness on the network. A successful online store should have a domain name that is simple and easy to remember. The cost of registering a domain name typically ranges from $10 to $20 per year.
Prominent companies offering domain name registration services include GoDaddy and Domain, known for competitive and affordable prices.
Hosting Factor in the Total Cost of Building an E-commerce Website
Hosting is the foundation on which the website operates online, where your site’s data, including images, videos, and files, are stored. Once the site connects to the internet, it becomes available to visitors around the clock.
There are different types of hosting services, and the type of hosting depends on the budget allocated for building the online store. Some well-known hosting companies include BlueHost, which is suitable for WordPress sites and offers features at a low and affordable annual hosting price for beginner projects.
Another option is Hostinger, which provides a number of features including cPanel control panel, SSL security certificate, and free email. The hosting price for the first year is also suitable for building a new website.
Before choosing a hosting service, ensure you understand your site’s requirements precisely. If your site contains a large amount of data, using limited capacity hosting may negatively impact it. Therefore, check the security and strength of the hosting service before booking, and avoid relying on low-priced and unknown companies, as it may be better to avoid the risk of theft or hacking of your website.
Choosing the Right Platform Factor in the Total Cost of Building an E-commerce Website
Choosing the right platform is the most critical step when building an e-commerce website. These platforms include features that facilitate store creation without requiring technical skills or programming knowledge. Some platforms offer hosting for the online store, connecting the domain name and security certificate to encrypt financial transactions and protect your customers’ personal data.
When building the online store, it is preferable to choose a platform that offers a package of advanced features at competitive and reasonable prices, allowing you to closely monitor your store’s performance and manage your budget.
Design and Development Within the Total Cost of Building an E-commerce Website
The design and development of the site is another significant expense, depending on the complexity of the design and the required functions. This is based on several factors:
- Ready-made Templates: Prices range from $0 to $200. These templates offer a quick and low-cost solution, but may lack uniqueness and custom functions.
- Custom Design: The cost of custom design starts at $1,000 and can reach $10,000 or more, depending on project requirements. This includes user interface (UI) and user experience (UX) design.
Therefore, the cost of building an e-commerce website can range from $200 to $5,000, with the price increasing based on the designs that meet customer needs.
The Total Cost of Building an E-commerce Website in Saudi Arabia
Several platforms make it easier for you to create an online store in Saudi Arabia while reducing the total cost of building an e-commerce website, offering all the features at competitive prices, such as:
- Salla Platform
Salla is one of the most popular and widely used e-commerce platforms in Saudi Arabia, allowing all merchants to utilize it as it provides the tools needed for e-commerce. It offers a free package with the ability to upgrade for additional tools in line with your budget and goals. The advanced package is priced at 99 SAR per month, and the professional package at 299 SAR per month, including all platform features, including payment methods.
- Zid Platform
Zid is another popular e-commerce platform known for its ease of use, allowing merchants to easily create their stores. It offers various packages to meet different needs, such as the monthly “Lite” package for 99 SAR and the “Growth” package for 399 SAR per month. The professional package is designed for building a complete professional store and is offered on an annual basis.
In conclusion, building an e-commerce website requires a well-planned financial investment that includes several aspects, such as design, development, and marketing. It is important to accurately estimate costs and to be flexible with your budget to adapt to future changes. Additionally, consider maintenance and update costs to ensure the site’s continued operation and success. With proper planning and wise investment, you can create an e-commerce site that achieves your business goals and provides a unique experience for customers.
Get ready to elevate your business! Jawwez offers its expertise to support your e-commerce with customized solutions. Contact us now to get started!
