Cost of Web Portal Development: What does it cost to develop a web portal?

Today, we undoubtedly live in a digitalized world where more and more tasks are carried out online. For this reason, having your own website is indispensable, especially for companies. But more and more individuals are opting for an online presence to showcase their skills or pursue a hobby. However, developing a website is labor-intensive and requires expertise that many webmasters do not possess. As a result, websites usually need to be professionally developed by an expert.

But what does the development of a web portal cost in 2018? What expenses should you expect? Find out more about the topic in the following text.

The Essentials at a Glance

Which Online Platform Would You Like to Create?

The Advantages of a Web Portal

Having your own website offers the webmaster many possibilities. A simple web portal can, for example, be used to showcase a resume or certain skills publicly. Furthermore, a homepage can also provide information on a specific topic. But a web portal can do much more than that. It can, for example, function as an online shop or forum. However, creating an online shop is complex and requires professional expertise, particularly in terms of search engine optimization. It facilitates interaction and contact with visitors or helps in finding specific services or products. In any case, a website is required. However, the functionality and scope of the online presence—and thus the costs—vary considerably depending on its purpose.

The Possibilities for Creating Web Portals

First of all, you must ask yourself how you want to develop your new web portal. Essentially, there are three different options available: you can use a website builder or a corresponding builder site. Alternatively, you can choose one of the many Content Management Systems (CMS). As a final option, you can have a website custom-built from scratch or have it developed by a professional. Each option has its own advantages and disadvantages, and each also affects the costs of creating a web portal in 2018.

Website Builders

Website builders (such as Wix) offer the simplest way to create a web portal.A website builder, or such a builder site, is the easiest way to get your own website. No special experience is required here. Using the drag & drop principle, with mouse clicks and simple text editor input forms, you can create your own website quickly and within minutes. At first glance, this sounds particularly convenient, and indeed some great websites can be created with such builders. On the other hand, while the builders are free, they offer only a few features. To access all features, expensive monthly or annual subscriptions are usually required. There are various options that vary depending on the required features and security requirements. But even then, the functionalities and possibilities of the builders are limited. You can only do with the builder what has been programmed into it. If you want to use or modify functions that are not available in the builder, this is generally not possible. For example, you have to choose a design from one of the available templates. Creating a custom theme for the website is usually not possible. Furthermore, a website built with a builder usually uses a subdomain. You have to pay extra for your own domain, even if you already have your own URL. Website builders run exclusively on the host’s servers – which can sometimes be a problem in terms of security and data protection.The website builder is practical for an initial provisional (free) website. But even here, there are now simple solutions with CMS software that work just as well, although they require a bit more effort.

Content Management Systems

WordPress is the most popular solution for CMS development.Content Management Systems, or CMS, are software applications installed on your own server or webspace. Once installed, the CMS provides a fully functional website that you can use immediately. All you have to do is add content such as videos, photos, and text. Again, you do not need knowledge of HTML or CSS, although it can be beneficial. Compared to a website builder, a CMS also offers many possibilities for customization and personalization. You can customize, expand, and utilize virtually all functions of your website. A Content Management System from many well-known providers, such as WordPress or Joomla, is completely free. However, in some cases, high costs for personalization may apply. If you, for example, want a custom design or your own extensions and integrations, you must either purchase them or have them developed by a professional if they are not available. Content Management Systems, however, offer an extremely high level of flexibility. A solid concept is crucial to optimally utilize the flexibility of a CMS and develop a successful website. The downside is that you have to work with what the software provides. You can extend, customize, and personalize the CMS, but if you require more complex functions that the Content Management System does not offer, you might run into problems. Nevertheless, in most cases and for most websites, a CMS is completely sufficient and provides everything you need for an online presence. Compared to a website builder, a CMS is generally the better solution, as it is more cost-effective and offers many more possibilities. Because Content Management Systems are widely used, they may pose a security risk. Some hackers have even specialized in attacking CMS such as WordPress or Joomla. Since it is open-source software, the code is usually publicly available. However, the developers counteract this with regular updates, so a CMS website can be very secure.

A Custom Development

A custom programming is generally labor-intensive but also very flexible and is best suited for complex projects.If a CMS does not provide the desired capabilities or if you want a website that is specifically created for you, then you must have the website built from scratch. In this case, you will need an agency experienced in web design and website development. Today, websites are mostly written in HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Additionally, either PHP and MySQL or ASP.net are used for server interaction. In some new websites, PHP and MySQL are occasionally replaced by Ruby on Rails. With this option, you have the highest degree of freedom and flexibility. You can determine every detail yourself. However, programming a website is also the most labor-intensive and demanding option. It requires a lot of time and can be quite expensive. Furthermore, you can also have your own website developed as a custom CMS. This way, you benefit from the advantages of a Content Management System, such as easy management, while still having a custom system that meets your requirements. A self-programmed website, on the other hand, has no other disadvantages. If high costs are not an issue for you, then this option is certainly the best choice. It offers you the most possibilities and the highest degree of flexibility.

Things to Consider When Developing Web Portals

If you decide to have a web portal developed, you should definitely pay attention to a few things. It is important to ask the right questions to clarify customer requirements and technical aspects. Particularly important are the issues of security and data protection. This is especially true if your server or webspace is rented and is not located within your own company. Furthermore, this applies to cloud software as well, where your confidential data is stored on the servers of other companies. Also important is the security of the software. If you choose a CMS, it should be current and secure to protect you from hacker attacks. If you opt for a website builder, then you should select a provider that is secure and has good reviews. Ideally, the provider—whether for websites or webspace—is always certified and verified. Moreover, it should ideally be located in Germany or at least within the EU. This gives you the assurance that the company is bound by EU regulations and laws. This is a particularly important factor regarding data protection. For most providers of webspace, servers, and software, you can also find a range of reviews and customer testimonials online. You should definitely review these beforehand. Additionally, you should carefully compare the prices and performance of hardware and software. In some cases, there may be hidden costs or limitations on services. Keyword: unlimited traffic! When choosing an agency, you should also exercise caution and conduct thorough research. Unfortunately, there are still some black sheep who call themselves web developers but instead rely on simple standard solutions like basic CMS software, modify them, and sell them as their own website.

What Does It Cost to Develop a Web Portal?

As you can infer from the examples above, the costs for developing a web portal vary greatly and depend on the chosen option. It also depends on which functions or extensions you wish to use and your own level of expertise. With a website builder, you should expect costs of around 50 euros per month. However, this option is generally not recommended. If you choose to use a CMS, it is free. You only pay for a custom design as well as for the purchase or development of extensions. Typically, the costs here are in the mid-three-figure range. For elaborate websites, costs can also be in the low four-figure range. However, this only applies to large websites.

On the other hand, if you decide to have a custom website developed, you must expect high expenses. Depending on the features and scope of the site, the costs can be in the mid to high four-figure range and may even reach the five-figure range. Before hiring an agency for the development of a website (whether as a CMS or custom-coded), you should definitely obtain a cost estimate to avoid unpleasant surprises. It is important that you clearly and precisely communicate your requirements, so that the agency knows what costs and workload to expect. A detailed proposal helps you to better understand the different pricing options and services, and to find the right offer for your individual needs. The development of a complex web portal like the Daimler Supplier Webportal is associated with high expenses.
The development of a complex web portal like the Daimler Supplier Webportal is associated with high expenses.

Additional Costs You Need to Consider

The website is, of course, only part of the expenses. There are also a number of additional costs. For example, you have to pay the rental fee for the server or webspace. This ranges between 10 and 300 euros per month, depending on the package and performance. Additionally, there are costs for your own domain. Depending on the software you want to use, you must also account for license fees and acquisition costs. While the acquisition costs are a one-time expense, the license fees are usually charged monthly, quarterly, or annually.

Developing a corporate website entails specific requirements and additional costs, as aspects such as uniqueness and multilingual support must be taken into account.

Here too, you can save money by thoroughly comparing software and providers. Many software solutions are now available for free or very inexpensively (at least with limited functionality).
How to Save on the Development of a Web Portal

Developing a web portal can, in some cases, be an expensive endeavor. However, you have the opportunity to save a lot of money with a few tips and tricks. Here’s how to do it: Opt for a CMS. A Content Management System is completely sufficient for most websites. Moreover, it is free. You should only invest in a custom website if a Content Management System does not offer the capabilities you need. Website development involves various services and costs, such as web design, CMS integration, security, performance, and SEO. These aspects should be taken into account when planning and budgeting.

You can also save a lot on software and extensions. Here, you should first look for free solutions. Many programs are now available for free. Furthermore, many developers offer their software free in smaller packages. These are particularly suitable for testing the software or for small businesses that do not require extensive resources. In any case, you should thoroughly test any software before purchasing! Every reputable developer offers a free trial version. With this, you can test the program in full for seven to 30 days.

The same applies to designs and templates. There is a wide variety of free styles available for CMS online. In addition, there is a large selection of premium styles. Although these do cost money, they are generally cheaper than having templates fully developed for your website by an agency. You should compare them thoroughly. Commission development work and get cost estimates from several agencies. Compare not only the price but also the services included. There can be significant differences here. For example, some developers offer service even after the website is completed, or even training and seminars. You can also potentially save on hardware. Instead of paying between 100 and 300 euros per month for server rental, you might consider buying your own server. This, of course, requires some technical knowledge, but it can be acquired. Alternatively, you can have your server managed by someone else. Many agencies that develop websites offer what is known as a Managed Service. In this case, you only pay for the management (which might already be included in your web development and administration package). You do not have to pay for server rental, however. In addition, you have physical access to the server. That means you can upgrade, repair, and modify the hardware and software as needed. Homepage Builder for an initial, free website. • Limited functionality

• On the host’s servers: Content Management Systems offer more possibilities than builder systems. • Installed on your own servers: Custom Development for maximum flexibility and scalability. • The highest degree of freedom and flexibility

• Labor-intensive and demanding

Summary and Conclusion

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