In today's digital landscape, having a website is crucial for businesses and individuals alike. Wix, a popular website builder, offers a user-friendly platform for creating stunning websites. However, maintaining a website on Wix involves various costs that many might not initially consider. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the costs associated with Wix website maintenance, from basic upkeep to advanced features, ensuring you have a clear understanding of what to expect.
Understanding the Basics of Wix
Before diving into maintenance costs, it's essential to understand what Wix offers. Wix is a cloud-based website builder that provides a range of tools and templates for creating professional websites. It is known for its drag-and-drop interface, making it accessible to users with little to no technical skills.
Wix offers several plans, including free and premium options. The free plan comes with Wix branding and a subdomain, while premium plans offer custom domains, increased storage, and other advanced features. The choice of plan significantly impacts the overall cost of maintaining a Wix website.
Initial Setup Costs
1. Domain Name Registration
A custom domain is essential for a professional website. Wix offers domain registration services, with costs typically ranging from £10 to £25 per year. Alternatively, you can purchase a domain from third-party providers and connect it to your Wix site.
2. Premium Plans
Wix's premium plans vary in price and features. The most basic plan starts at around £9 per month, while the top-tier plans can go up to £25 per month or more. Each plan includes different levels of storage, bandwidth, and additional features like e-commerce capabilities or VIP support.
3. Website Design
While Wix provides free templates, many users opt for custom designs to stand out. Hiring a professional designer can cost anywhere from £200 to several thousand pounds, depending on the complexity of the design and the designer's expertise.
Ongoing Maintenance Costs
Maintaining a website involves more than just the initial setup. Let's explore the various ongoing costs associated with keeping your Wix website running smoothly.
1. Hosting Fees
Wix includes hosting in its premium plans, so you won't have separate hosting fees. However, it's essential to factor in the monthly or annual subscription costs of your chosen plan.
2. Domain Renewal
Domain names need to be renewed annually. If you've purchased your domain through Wix, this will be part of your ongoing costs, typically between £10 to £25 per year.
3. Content Updates
Regularly updating your website's content is crucial for SEO and user engagement. If you choose to hire a content writer or a marketing agency, this could add to your maintenance costs. Freelance writers charge between £50 to £200 per article, depending on the length and expertise required.
4. Design Tweaks and Updates
As your business grows, you might need to update your website's design. Minor tweaks can be done in-house, but significant changes might require a designer's help, costing between £150 to £500 or more per update. Here at Smoogles design we offer support for minor tweaks and updates. The Power Hour service might suit if you want to collaborate live with us over Zoom video. Or perhaps you would prefer to work with us offline. Get in touch to find out which works best for your business.
5. SEO and Marketing
Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) is vital for driving traffic to your website. You can use Wix's SEO tools, but for optimal results, hiring an SEO specialist or agency might be necessary. SEO services can range from £150 to £2,000 per month. Book a discovery call with Smoogles Design to discuss your business success.
6. Apps and Integrations
Wix offers various apps and integrations to enhance your website's functionality. Some are free, but premium apps come with additional costs, typically ranging from £5 to £50 per month per app.
Advanced Maintenance Costs
For businesses with more complex needs, additional costs might arise.
1. E-commerce Functionality
If you're running an online store on the classic editor, you'll need a Core plan, which starts at £16 per month. If it's a Wix Studio online store, you'll need a Standard plan, which starts at £14 per month. Additional costs include transaction fees (if using Wix Payments), payment gateway fees, and any premium e-commerce apps.
2. Security and Backup
Wix provides basic security, but you might want to invest in additional security measures or backup solutions. Third-party security tools or services can cost between £50 to £200 per year.
3. Custom Development
For highly customised features or functionalities not available through Wix's standard tools, hiring a developer might be necessary. Custom development costs can range from £1,000 to £10,000 or more, depending on the complexity of the project. Book a discovery call with Smoogles Design to discuss your bespoke project today!
4. Professional Support
While Wix offers customer support, you might prefer personalised assistance. Hiring a professional for website management is a great option. Here at Smoogles Design you can book a Power Hour with us for £200. We edit your website live over Zoom video. This can be a combination of live design, training, updates, SEO, mobile design, app installation, etc.
Tips to Reduce Wix Website Maintenance Costs
1. Utilize Free Resources
Wix offers numerous free tools and resources, including templates, SEO guides, and customer support. Make the most of these to reduce reliance on paid services. Check out some support videos from Wix.
2. Regularly Review Your Plan
Ensure you're on the right plan for your needs. Upgrading or downgrading your plan can help manage costs effectively.
3. DIY Content Updates
Learning how to update your website's content can save significant costs. Wix's intuitive interface makes it easy to manage content without professional help.
4. Invest in Training
Consider investing in training for yourself or your team to handle basic maintenance tasks. This can reduce the need for external support. Here at Smoogles Design you can book a Power Hour with us for £200 which covers Wix training live over Zoom video.
5. Bundle Services
Some providers offer bundled services for domains, hosting, and email. Look for such packages to save on individual service costs.
Next Steps
Maintaining a Wix website involves various costs, from the initial setup to ongoing maintenance and advanced features. By understanding these costs and planning accordingly, you can ensure your website remains a valuable asset for your business. While there are expenses involved, the flexibility and ease of use that Wix offers make it a worthwhile investment for many users.
Whether you're a small business owner, a freelancer, or an individual looking to establish an online presence, being aware of these costs will help you make informed decisions and manage your budget effectively. Remember, a well-maintained website is crucial for attracting and retaining visitors, ultimately contributing to your online success.
In conclusion, exploring the cost of Wix website maintenance reveals that while there are various expenses to consider, there are also numerous ways to manage and optimise these costs. By leveraging free resources, regularly reviewing your plan, and investing in the right tools and training, you can maintain a professional and effective website without breaking the bank.
If you need help optimising your website, we can help, book a power hour with Rory by clicking below.