One of the most commonly misunderstood fees in any website project is the monthly hosting fee. Often, it’s the primary cost debated by clients who may believe it’s unnecessary. Agencies sometimes fail to explain why this fee exists, leading clients to think it’s merely a way for the agency to maintain residual income post-project.
What Do Hosting and Maintenance Fees Include?
When searching for a professional website provider, it’s crucial to understand what their services include. Purchasing a package without examining the deliverables can result in wasted money and unwanted commitments.
7 Core Website Maintenance Costs
To understand your website maintenance costs, consider these key factors:
- Domain Name Registration A unique domain name is essential for your business. Renewing it annually prevents others from taking it. Never let an agency control your domain name entirely; you should always have access.
- Cost: $1 – $2 per month or $12 – $24 per year.
- Plugin Registration Plugins are software apps that perform specific functions on your website, such as contact forms. They require yearly licensing, which covers usage, support, and updates.
- Cost: Varies based on the number and complexity of plugins.
- Website Server Hosting Hosting is essential for website accessibility. Choosing a cheap hosting option can lead to slow load times, which can deter visitors.
- Cost: Depends on the hosting provider and plan.
- SSL Certificate An SSL certificate secures data transfer and reassures visitors by displaying a padlock symbol in the browser.
- Cost: Included in many hosting plans or purchased separately.
- General Website Upkeep Regular updates keep your site secure and functional. This includes installing software updates and maintaining site elements like content and navigation.
- Cost: Included in hosting and maintenance plans, with additional maintenance available at extra cost.
- Content Management System (CMS) A CMS allows you to manage website content. Regular maintenance and updates are necessary to keep the CMS secure and functional.
- Cost: May include subscription or service fees.
- E-Commerce System Upkeep For E-Commerce sites, maintaining the payment system is crucial. This includes security, updates, and support for any issues.
- Cost: Varies based on the E-Commerce platform and support plan.
Why Do Hosting & Maintenance Costs Vary?
Prices vary due to factors like website size, complexity, provider experience, and service selection. While cost is important, it shouldn’t be the sole deciding factor. Choosing a provider should be based on service quality and customer experience, not just price.
Partnering With Vibrandt Websites
When you choose Vibrandt Websites, a hosting and maintenance plan is required. We tailor affordable plans to fit your needs and budget. Contact us today to get started!
