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Website Maintenance Costs: What to Expect and How to Save Money + Hiring a Professional vs Self-Maintenance

 

Website maintenance costsHow Much Does Website Maintenance Cost? 

Website maintenance costs can range from as low as $5 to a staggering $5,000 per month. However, it’s important to note that the upkeep of exceedingly extensive and widely visited websites such as Amazon or Netflix can surpass these figures. Website maintenance is sometimes referred to as web maintenance costs.

 

A Quick Overview

Web Design Maintenance Cost

Web Maintenance Services

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Des Moines Web Design, Development & Marketing | Rhonda Cosgriff Designs

Ecommerce website design graphic.Now, let’s delve into a comprehensive overview of the typical website maintenance costs aka web mainenance costs.

When it comes to the realm of website maintenance costs, the precise expenses can fluctuate significantly based on the scale and intricacy of your digital domain. It’s worth noting that a personal website, characterized by its modest dimensions and minimal requirements, necessitates a lesser degree of features and storage as compared to the multifaceted landscape of an eCommerce platform.

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9 Essential Website Maintenance Costs

How to choose your domain name graphic

1. Domain Name

  • Average costs: around $1100/year for the registration and $10129/year for the renewals
  • Level of necessity: necessary

In the realm of website ownership, every online presence requires a unique domain, which typically incurs an annual renewal fee ranging from $20 to $129.

When it comes to the pricing of a domain name, its cost is primarily influenced by the chosen extension. The landscape of domain extensions encompasses a wide range of options, but the three most widely recognized and popular top-level domains (TLDs) are as follows:

    • Generic top-level domain (gTLD) – any website can use a gTLD, such as .com.net, and .org. The cost varies depending on its popularity.
    • Country code top-level domain (ccTLD) – extensions for country-specific websites, such as .us for the United States or .jp for Japan.
    • Sponsored top-level domain (sTLD) – extensions for websites with specific owners or purposes, like .edu for educational institutions.

Each of these TLDs carries its own pricing structure, and the cost may vary based on factors such as demand and availability. It’s important to consider these factors when selecting the most suitable TLD for your website.

In the typical domain name acquisition process, purchasing a domain entails registering it for a minimum duration of one year. To ensure uninterrupted usage, it is incumbent upon the website owner to renew the domain name prior to its expiration. By staying proactive in the renewal process, website owners can maintain continuous access and utilization of their chosen domain. And most registrars have a domain hold for 30-90 days after purchase before it can be transferred so keep that in mind.

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2. Web Hosting

  • Average costs: around $280/month, depending on the web hosting provider, type, and subscription length
  • Level of necessity: necessary

Web hosting serves as a vital service facilitating the online publication of websites. The expenses associated with hosting a website are subject to variation based on the chosen provider and specific plan. Making an informed decision regarding the hosting provider is crucial in managing the overall cost of website maintenance. Notably, different web hosting providers often levy distinct fees for comparable plans, highlighting the importance of thorough comparison. When considering a web hosting plan, it is prudent to assess the long-term hosting expenses. The total cost of web hosting maintenance primarily hinges on the selected subscription period. Opting for shorter subscription durations, such as monthly payments, typically results in higher cumulative costs over time.

Here are some of the most popular types of web hosting services:

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1. Shared Hosting

Shared hosting is ideal for small- to medium-sized websites like simple portfolios and blogs. This web hosting option keeps monthly costs to a minimum, as you share the server’s resources with other sites and users.

2. VPS Hosting

VPS hosting emerges as a highly advantageous choice for medium-sized websites, providing users with dedicated resources while operating within a shared server environment. Notably, it bestows greater control over server settings, rendering it a more suitable option for individuals with technical expertise. With VPS hosting, website owners can enjoy the benefits of enhanced performance and scalability, ensuring an optimal online experience for their visitors. By offering a balance between affordability and flexibility, VPS hosting stands as a compelling solution for those seeking reliable and customizable hosting solutions.

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3. Cloud Hosting

Cloud hosting revolutionizes the storage of website data by utilizing a cluster of servers, guaranteeing exceptional website uptime. This makes cloud hosting an ideal choice for websites that experience high volumes of traffic and possess substantial growth potential. Notably, cloud hosting also offers user-friendliness as the web hosting provider assumes the responsibility for technical maintenance. This empowers website owners to focus on their core operations without the burden of managing intricate server configurations. With the seamless scalability and robust reliability of cloud hosting, businesses can confidently establish a strong online presence while enjoying the convenience of hassle-free maintenance.

4. Dedicated Hosting

Dedicated hosting proves to be an ideal solution for well-established businesses that prioritize superior performance and are willing to invest more in their hosting infrastructure. This hosting type ensures that each website is allocated its own dedicated server, providing users with full control over server files and settings. With dedicated hosting, businesses can enjoy enhanced privacy, security, and scalability, catering to their specific needs and requirements. The comprehensive control offered by dedicated hosting empowers businesses to optimize their server resources, tailor configurations, and implement robust measures for improved performance and reliability. By investing in dedicated hosting, businesses can unlock the full potential of their online operations and deliver a seamless experience to their customers.

5. WordPress Hosting

This type of hosting is optimized for WordPress websites, offering additional tools and maintenance features. This option is excellent for beginners since no advanced technical knowledge is necessary to manage it.

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3. SSL Certificate

  • Average costs: $0-80/year
  • Level of necessity: necessary

Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) serves as a vital data transfer protocol facilitating encrypted communication between a server and a browser. The presence of an SSL certificate brings forth a multitude of benefits, including heightened security, enhanced data privacy, and improved search engine performance. It is imperative for all websites that handle sensitive user information, such as passwords or credit card details, to have SSL certificates in place. By implementing SSL certificates, websites can establish a secure environment for their users, safeguarding their data from potential threats. Moreover, SSL certificates contribute to better search engine rankings, as search engines prioritize websites with encrypted connections. Embracing SSL certificates not only ensures a safer browsing experience but also bolsters the reputation and credibility of websites in the digital landscape.

4. Email Services

  • Average costs: $16/user/month
  • Level of necessity: important

Professional email hosting lets website owners create custom email addresses with their domain names, such as username@yourdomain.com. In addition, a custom email helps businesses promote their brand, convey professionalism, and gain customer trust.

Google Workspace offers a popular premium email service for $6/month/mailbox.

Another element influencing the maintenance costs of email services is the number of mailboxes. Adding more mailboxes to your purchase will add to the total cost.

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5. Tech Support

  • Average costs: $2-300/month
  • Level of necessity: important

Having access to a dedicated customer service team can make a significant difference when facing challenges such as website crashes, broken contact forms, or security breaches. Regardless of whether you are a beginner or an advanced user, reliable tech support plays a crucial role in promptly resolving issues before they adversely affect website traffic and customer experience.

A responsive and knowledgeable customer service team provides invaluable assistance in troubleshooting technical difficulties, ensuring that any disruptions are swiftly addressed. This proactive approach prevents prolonged downtimes, minimizes the impact on website performance, and safeguards the satisfaction of your visitors.

For beginners, a reliable support team offers guidance and clarity, helping them navigate through technical hurdles with ease. Advanced users also benefit from expert assistance in resolving complex issues and optimizing their website’s performance. With dependable tech support by your side, you can maintain a smooth-running website, mitigate potential disruptions, and deliver a seamless experience to your users.

Tech support is available in various forms to cater to diverse needs:

  1. Live Chat Support: This real-time assistance allows users to communicate directly with support representatives through a chat interface. It offers quick responses and immediate solutions to resolve issues.
  2. Phone Support: A traditional yet effective method, phone support enables users to connect with support agents via phone calls. It allows for detailed discussions and troubleshooting steps, ensuring effective problem resolution.
  3. Email Support: This form of support involves sending queries or issues via email to the support team. It provides a convenient way to seek assistance and allows for thorough documentation of the communication for reference.
  4. Ticketing System: With a ticketing system, users can submit support requests or issues through a dedicated platform. Each ticket is assigned a unique identifier, enabling efficient tracking and timely responses from the support team.
  5. Knowledge Base and FAQs: These self-help resources contain a repository of articles, guides, and frequently asked questions that provide users with step-by-step instructions and solutions to common issues. They offer a convenient way to troubleshoot problems independently.

The availability of various tech support options ensures that users can choose the most suitable method for their preferences and urgency of the situation. These diverse avenues of support facilitate efficient problem-solving and contribute to a positive user experience.

website design6. Website Design Maintenance Cost

Website Design 

Website design serves as the visual embodiment of a brand in the digital realm. It holds immense importance as it is often the initial impression that site visitors encounter, influencing their decision to explore further. A well-executed web design not only captivates users but also has a positive impact on search engine optimization (SEO), resulting in increased website traffic.

The web design maintenance costs vary based on the chosen approach: self-designing or hiring a professional.

  1. Self-Designing: Opting to design the website oneself can be a cost-effective approach, especially for those with design skills or utilizing website builders. However, it requires a significant investment of time and effort to create a visually appealing and functional website.
  2. Hiring a Professional: Engaging the expertise of a professional web designer ensures a polished and customized result that aligns with the brand’s vision. The cost of professional web design varies depending on factors such as complexity, features, and the experience of the designer or agency.

TwelveOneProjectsWebsiteTour+Iowa-Web-DesignerWhen considering web design, it is essential to strike a balance between the available budget, desired outcome, and the impact it will have on attracting and retaining visitors. A well-designed website not only enhances the user experience but also contributes to the success and credibility of the brand in the online landscape.

Designing the Website Yourself- DIY 

Self-designing proves to be an excellent choice for small-sized websites, such as personal blogs. It offers the opportunity to create a website from scratch using a variety of free or premium tools. For beginners seeking more freedom and flexibility, utilizing a content management system (CMS) like WordPress can be advantageous for both building and designing the site.

With WordPress, users have the ability to choose from thousands of website themes, allowing for personalized customization. Installing a WordPress theme is a straightforward process that enables individuals to select a design that best suits their vision and objectives. In fact, the official WordPress theme gallery offers a wide range of over 10,000 free themes to choose from, providing ample options for users to find the perfect match for their website.

By leveraging the capabilities of WordPress and its extensive theme selection, beginners can enjoy the benefits of user-friendly website development while still having the flexibility to tailor the design to their specific needs. This empowers them to create a visually appealing and engaging website that resonates with their target audience.

City of Mitchellville website design mockup

 

 

Hiring a Professional Web Designer

Professional web developers are expertise in current design trends and have the skill to code websites tailored to your unique specifications. Their proficiency allows them to create captivating and customized websites using scripting languages like JavaScript. Additionally, many developers offer comprehensive website maintenance services, including software updates, technical support, and functionality optimization.

However, it’s important to note that hiring a professional web designer can lead to increased website maintenance costs. Their specialized skills and ongoing support come at a price. Moreover, considering a yearly maintenance contract is crucial to ensure the longevity and smooth functioning of your website. Find out more about our website maintenance cost

E-commerce website design for orchids and ivoryBy investing in professional web development services, you benefit from the advantage of having a website crafted by experts who stay updated with the latest design practices. Their ability to code a unique and engaging website tailored to your requirements can elevate your online presence. However, it’s essential to carefully weigh the costs and benefits to make an informed decision that aligns with your budget and long-term goals.

Is my website design cost a tax deduction? Yes, your website design is a tax deduction aka a tax write-off.

Website design costs vary depending on your website type, averaging around $6,000 for a basic project. The website maintenance cost can be $5001,000/year. Due to its high cost, this option is more suitable for large websites with heavy traffic.

7. Plugins and Extensions

  • Average costs: $049/month
  • Level of necessity: optional

Plugins serve as valuable tools to expand the functionality of a website. The official library of WordPress offers an extensive selection, with over 59,000 plugins currently available. While there are numerous free plugins to choose from, it’s important to note that premium options can significantly contribute to your website maintenance costs.

As a recommendation, it is advisable to begin with free WordPress plugins when initially setting up your website. These plugins can fulfill various needs and requirements without any additional financial burden. They provide a cost-effective solution to enhance your website’s functionality and performance.

Once your website has grown and requires more advanced features or specialized functionalities, investing in premium plugins becomes a viable option. Premium plugins often offer advanced features, dedicated support, and regular updates, ensuring the optimal performance of your website. The WordPress maintenance costs associated with paid plugins can vary, ranging from $0 to $49 per month, depending on the specific plugin and its level of sophistication.

When choosing plugins, it is essential to carefully evaluate your website’s needs, the reputation and reviews of the plugin developers, and your budget. By employing a strategic approach, you can leverage the power of plugins to enhance your website while managing the associated costs effectively.

8. eCommerce Features (E-Commerce, e-Commerce)

eCommerce websites entail additional maintenance costs due to the inclusion of features such as payment gateways and inventory management. Moreover, optional eCommerce functionalities like dedicated support and email marketing can further contribute to higher maintenance expenses.

The total cost of a custom eCommerce website is dependent on the specific features required. For instance, if you primarily sell digital products such as eBooks or online courses, an inventory management tool may not be necessary. Conversely, if you operate a physical product-based store, robust inventory management becomes essential.

eCommerce website design exampleIt’s crucial to carefully assess and prioritize the necessary features for your eCommerce site to align with your business requirements and budget. While optional functionalities can enhance the overall shopping experience and marketing efforts, they should be considered in terms of their contribution to revenue generation and customer satisfaction.

By conducting a thorough analysis of the required eCommerce features and their corresponding maintenance costs, you can create a customized online store that strikes the right balance between functionality, performance, and cost-effectiveness.

9. Marketing and SEO

Budgeting for marketing and SEO strategies is essential to drive traffic to your website. It involves implementing various digital marketing tactics to promote your brand and attract your target audience. Here are some strategies to consider when budgeting for your website maintenance fees:

  1. Content Marketing: Allocate funds for creating and publishing high-quality, up-to-date content such as articles, blog posts, videos, and photos. Engaging and valuable content helps attract and retain visitors, build brand credibility, and improve search engine rankings.
  2. Search Engine Optimization (SEO): Invest in optimizing your website for search engines to improve its visibility in search results. This includes keyword research, on-page optimization, technical SEO, and link building. SEO helps increase organic traffic and enhance your website’s online presence.
  3. Pay-Per-Click (PPC) Advertising: Consider setting aside a budget for PPC campaigns, such as Google Ads or social media advertising. PPC allows you to target specific keywords or demographics and pay for clicks to drive immediate traffic to your website.
  4. Social Media Marketing: Allocate resources to create and manage engaging social media profiles on platforms relevant to your target audience. Social media marketing helps you connect with your audience, promote your content, and drive traffic to your website.
  5. Email Marketing: Set aside funds for building an email list and implementing email marketing campaigns. Email marketing is a cost-effective way to nurture leads, promote new products or services, and drive traffic to specific landing pages on your website.
  6. Influencer Marketing: Consider partnering with influencers in your industry to promote your brand and drive traffic to your website. This strategy can help increase your reach and credibility among your target audience.
  7. Online Advertising: Allocate a budget for online display advertising or banner ads on relevant websites. Display ads can help increase brand visibility and drive targeted traffic to your website.
  8. Analytics and Tracking: Invest in analytics tools to track and analyze the performance of your website and marketing efforts. Monitoring key metrics allows you to make data-driven decisions and optimize your strategies for better results.

SEOIt’s important to tailor your digital marketing strategies based on your specific goals, target audience, and industry. By budgeting for these strategies, you can effectively promote your brand, drive traffic to your website, and achieve your business objectives.

 

  • Content Marketing: Allocate a portion of your budget to content marketing, which involves creating relevant and trendy content to attract, engage, and retain your audience. You can choose to produce content in-house or outsource it to digital marketing agencies or freelancers. Rates for content creation may vary depending on the type of content, but typically expect to spend around $1 per word for an article or $50 to $3,000 per project at agencies but you can save by finding a freelancer. 
  • Email Marketing: Set aside a budget for email marketing to keep your audience informed about your business activities. Two popular email marketing tools to consider are Mailchimp, which offers plans ranging from free to $1,510 per month, and Constant Contact, with plans ranging from $9.99 to $300 per month. Additionally, there are free email newsletter plugins available for WordPress that can help you get started.
  • Social Media Marketing: Allocate funds for social media marketing to target a broader audience and promote your brand. On average, companies spend between $6,000 and $10,500 per month on digital marketing tools, ads, and a social media manager. This budget will cover the costs associated with running social media campaigns, creating engaging content, and managing your social media presence effectively.By allocating resources to these digital marketing strategies, you can effectively promote your brand, engage with your audience, and drive traffic to your website. It’s important to regularly evaluate the performance of your marketing efforts and adjust your budget allocation based on the results and your business goals.

You don’t have to implement all of these marketing strategies simultaneously. For smaller websites, it’s often more feasible to start with simpler strategies like SEO, email marketing, and content marketing. These tactics can still yield significant results and help you establish a strong online presence.

Search Engine Marketing SEMShould I Maintain the Website Myself or Hire a Developer/ Administrator

Yes, you should do both in my expert opinion. Have the initial design launched then the owner can just add new content and edit things from templates the designer set up then you don’t have the learning curve required to build a website you fully own(You have root access atleast) yourself. Hiring a professional or conducting website maintenance yourself each come with their own advantages and disadvantages. Additionally, the pricing for website maintenance varies depending on the approach you choose. Here’s an overview of the pros and cons and the associated pricing:

Pros and Cons of Hiring a Professional:

Pros:

  1. Expertise: Professionals possess the necessary skills and expertise to handle various aspects of website maintenance, including design, development, and technical support.
  2. Time-saving: Outsourcing website maintenance frees up your time to focus on other core aspects of your business.
  3. Customization: Professionals can tailor the maintenance services to your specific needs and provide a personalized approach.
  4. Comprehensive support: They often offer ongoing support, including software updates, security monitoring, and resolving technical issues.
  5. Professional look and functionality: Hiring a professional can result in a well-designed website with advanced features and seamless functionality.

Cons:

  1. Higher costs: Hiring a professional typically involves higher costs as you are paying for their expertise and time. Prices can range from $500 to $1,000 per year for regular maintenance contracts.
  2. Dependency: You rely on the availability and responsiveness of the professional for updates and technical support.
  3. Communication challenges: Miscommunication or delays in communication can occur when working with external professionals.

Pros and Cons of Self-Maintaining a Website:

Pros:

  1. Cost-saving: Performing website maintenance yourself eliminates the cost of hiring a professional.
  2. Control and flexibility: You have full control over the maintenance process and can make changes according to your preferences.
  3. Learning opportunity: Managing website maintenance yourself allows you to gain valuable knowledge and skills in website management and troubleshooting.
  4. Immediate action: You have the freedom to address issues or make updates immediately without relying on external support.

Cons:

  1. Time-consuming: Website maintenance can be time-consuming, especially if you lack experience or technical knowledge.
  2. Learning curve: If you are not familiar with website management, you may need to invest time in learning the necessary skills or using website builders and CMS platforms.
  3. Limited expertise: Conducting maintenance yourself may result in limited expertise in areas such as design, development, or security.
  4. Higher risk: Mistakes or improper handling of maintenance tasks can lead to website issues or vulnerabilities.

When it comes to pricing, conducting website maintenance yourself usually involves minimal costs, primarily limited to domain registration and web hosting fees. On the other hand, hiring a professional can range from $500 to $1,000 or more per year, depending on the scope of services and the level of expertise required.

Consider your budget, time availability, technical skills, and the complexity of your website when deciding whether to hire a professional or conduct website maintenance yourself. It’s important to find a balance that suits your needs and ensures your website remains functional, secure, and up-to-date.

small business website designHow Often Is Website Maintenance Required

There are no strict rules regarding the frequency of website maintenance procedures as it can vary depending on the specific task. Different aspects of website maintenance follow different timelines.

For instance, domain name and hosting require annual maintenance to ensure their renewal. On the other hand, marketing and SEO strategies typically benefit from quarterly website maintenance to assess their effectiveness and make necessary adjustments.

To ensure smooth operations and keep everything up to date, it is advisable to have a monthly website maintenance checklist. This checklist can include routine tasks to be performed regularly, such as checking for broken links, updating plugins and themes, reviewing website analytics, and conducting security scans.

Regular maintenance helps prevent errors and security breaches. For instance, regularly updating the WordPress platform allows you to address any bugs or vulnerabilities promptly, thereby safeguarding website performance.

If your budget allows, it is worth considering professional website maintenance services. These services can assist with various technical aspects, including backups, firewalls, core updates, and troubleshooting. They bring expertise and experience to ensure your website functions optimally and remains secure.

By implementing a consistent maintenance routine and, if feasible, seeking professional assistance, you can maintain the performance, security, and functionality of your website over time.

23 Website Maintenance tasks

So, how much does it cost to maintain a website?

The cost of maintaining a website typically ranges from $5 to $5,000 per month or $60 to $60,000 per year. However, the exact maintenance costs vary depending on factors such as the type of website and specific needs.

So far this article has discussed several crucial aspects of website maintenance pricing, including domain registration, web hosting providers, and SSL certificates. These elements often have established costs associated with them.

On the other hand, pricing for other website maintenance components like design and marketing strategies tends to be more flexible. These aspects can vary greatly depending on the complexity of the design or the extent of the marketing efforts involved.

It’s important to note that the mentioned cost range is a general estimate, and actual website maintenance expenses may differ based on individual circumstances and requirements. Evaluating your specific website needs and considering factors such as the scale of your website, the desired level of functionality, and the marketing strategies you plan to implement will help you determine a more accurate cost estimation for maintaining your website.

Let’s dig more into the in’s and outs of what website maintenance entails

In today’s digital age, having a website is a must for businesses of all sizes and you have to consider website maintenance costs also. A website serves as a digital storefront, allowing potential customers to learn more about your business, products, and services. However, owning a website comes with certain responsibilities, one of which is website maintenance. In this article, we’ll explore what website maintenance is, why it’s important, and how much you can expect to pay for it. We’ll also share some tips on how to save money on website maintenance without compromising on quality. If you want to go deeper into exactly what the scope of some of the most common tasks is then check out my blog post here.

What is Website Maintenance?

Website maintenance refers to the regular tasks required to keep a website functioning properly. These tasks can include updating software, fixing broken links, monitoring website performance, and backing up data. Website maintenance is important because it ensures that your website is always up-to-date, secure, and running smoothly. Failure to maintain your website can result in security breaches, downtime, and a poor user experience for your visitors.

eCommerce Website design for The Iron Lady ShopTypes of Website Maintenance Costs

There are several types of website maintenance that you may need to consider. These include:

Content Updates

Content updates involve adding new content to your website, updating existing content, and removing outdated content. This is important to keep your website fresh, engaging, and relevant to your audience.

Technical Website Maintenance

Technical maintenance involves updating your website’s software, fixing broken links, and monitoring website performance. This ensures that your website is always functioning properly and is secure from potential cyber threats.

Website Design Updates

Design updates involve refreshing the look and feel of your website to keep up with current design trends and improve the user experience.

Backup and Recovery

Backups and recovery involve backing up your website’s data to ensure that you can quickly recover from any data loss due to cyber attacks, hardware failures, or human error.

 

 

How to Save Money on Website Maintenance

While website maintenance is an important investment, there are ways to save money without compromising on quality. Here are some tips:

Choose a Reliable Web Hosting Provider

Choosing a reliable web hosting provider is crucial to website maintenance. A good web hosting provider will ensure that your website is always up-to-date, secure, and running smoothly. This can save you money in the long run by preventing potential downtime and security breaches.

Regularly Update Your Website

Regularly updating your website’s software and plugins can prevent security breaches and improve website performance. This can save you money in the long run by preventing potential downtime and cyber attacks.

Outsource Website Maintenance

Outsourcing website maintenance to a professional can be a cost-effective solution, especially for small businesses that don’t have the resources to hire a full-time web developer. Outsourcing website maintenance can save you time and money while ensuring that your website is always up-to-date and secure.

Do It Yourself

For small websites with minimal maintenance requirements, doing it yourself can be a cost-effective solution. There are many online resources and tutorials available that can help you learn how to maintain your website. Just make sure you do it correctly but buying your own hosting account, buying your domain and then you can decide to use a site builder there or you can hire a professional web designer.

Conclusion

In conclusion, website maintenance is an important investment for any business that owns a website. It ensures that your website is always up-to-date, secure, and running smoothly. While website maintenance costs can vary depending on several factors, there are ways to save money without compromising on quality. But website maintenance cost often runs around $5$5,000/month or $60-$60,000/year. The exact number in your case will depend on your website type and needs.

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