Key takeaways
- The biggest cost drivers are the number of page templates, integrations, who writes the content, Arabic and the platform.
- Compare written scopes, not totals: two quotes with the same price can cover very different work.
- Ask about running costs too: hosting, plans, plugins or apps, maintenance and support.
What drives the price?
| Factor | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Page templates | Each distinct layout needs design, build and testing; many pages on one template cost less than many different layouts. |
| Integrations | Booking, CRM, payments, listing feeds and ERP connections add build and testing time. |
| Content | Writing copy, photography and video cost more than working from material you supply. |
| Languages | An Arabic version needs native writing and right-to-left layouts. |
| Platform | Hosted platforms trade lower set-up effort for subscriptions; self-hosted ones need maintenance. |
| Custom features | Calculators, portals, filters and member areas are software, not pages. |
Why do templates matter more than page count?
Because most of the work is in designing and building each type of page once. A site with 50 service pages that share one well-designed template can cost less than a site with ten pages that all look different. When you brief an agency, think in page types: homepage, service page, area page, article, contact, and so on.
How much do integrations add?
It depends on how good the other system’s connection is. Linking a booking tool with a ready-made plugin is quick, but syncing listings from a CRM, stock from an ERP or prices from a custom system can take longer than the website itself. Ask any agency to name every integration in the written scope.
Who should write the content?
If you supply finished, approved text, the project is cheaper and faster. If the agency writes it, expect interviews, drafts and review rounds, which usually produce clearer pages that convert and rank better. The most expensive option is often hidden: a site that waits weeks for content that never quite arrives.
What does Arabic add?
More than translation. An Arabic version needs native writing, a layout that works right to left, fonts that read well, separate URLs for SEO and testing in both languages. Machine-translated Arabic is noticed quickly by customers here and can do more harm than good.
How do you compare quotes fairly?
Put the scopes side by side and check: the page types and number of pages included, who writes content and how many review rounds, which integrations are covered, what’s done for SEO and speed, what happens after launch, and what’s billed monthly. A low quote that leaves out content, SEO or support often costs more by the end.
What about running costs?
Domain, hosting, platform plans, paid plugins or apps, maintenance and support. Some are small; others, such as paid apps on an e-commerce store, add up every month. Ask for them in writing before you sign, and compare them with a website maintenance plan that covers updates, backups and monitoring together.
What are the common mistakes?
- Choosing on the total price without comparing what’s included.
- Leaving content until the end, which delays launch.
- Forgetting the redirect plan when replacing an existing site.
- Not asking who owns the domain, hosting and accounts after launch.