Lensoft“How much does a website cost in Kenya?” is one of the most commonly asked question we hear from our clients. We’re here to help you answer that question, and help you invest your money where it matters.
Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic reducing physical store visits, establishing an online presence for your business in Kenya has never been more crucial.
Whether you’re a first-time website creator or planning to revamp your existing site in Kenya, you might be uncertain about the associated costs. Whether you are creating your first website or looking to redo your existing website in Kenya, you will always encounter confusion over how much a website should cost. You may find yourself wondering if to spend thousands of shillings on a website or develop one yourself.
To help you understand the costs to expect when designing a website in Kenya, we will explore all the factors considered when building a website.
Website Cost Factors
The cost of building a website is influenced by several key factors. Firstly, the type of website plays a significant role, as a simple static site will generally cost less than a dynamic e-commerce platform with complex functionalities. The design complexity, number of pages, and the need for a responsive design to cater to various devices can also impact the overall cost. Additionally, the choice of content management system (CMS) and the inclusion of e-commerce functionality or custom features will affect the development expenses. Integrating third-party services, creating high-quality content, and implementing SEO and marketing strategies add further to the costs. Ongoing expenses such as hosting, domain renewal, maintenance, and updates should also be considered. The timeline for development may influence resource allocation and, consequently, the final cost.
1. Domain
A domain is an address used to identify a website on the internet. It serves as the web address that people can type into their browsers to access a specific website. For example, “www.example.com” is a domain name. When creating a website, the first thing to do is purchase a domain name. This can be a .net .com, .co.ke, .org and so on depending on your preference.
For you to buy a domain, you need to visit web hosting companies in Kenya like Lensoft, HostPoa, TrueHost, Hostraha among others.
To register, you will need to find a name that is not used by anyone else and pay for it annually in order to own it. You can follow this steps:
- Choose a reliable domain company
- Using a domain availability checker, conduct domain name search
- Choose the best available option
- Complete the domain registration by finalizing your order
- Verify your new domain’s availability
A domain name is your online identity, so it is essential to do proper research. Ensure its easy to remember and eye-catching. If you can’t get exactly what you are looking for, look for related alternatives.
A domain name costs between Ksh 950 and Ksh 10,000 depending on your preference.
2. Web Hosting
Web hosting makes your website to be available for viewing online. Hosting fees differ depending on hosting companies. The domain registrar companies give you an option to choose between the shared hosting option or the dedicated hosting.
Shared hosting is relatively cheaper, with a cost range of Ksh 2,100 – Ksh 14,100 per year.
The dedicated hosting is much costly, with a price range of Ksh 5,100 – Ksh 25,100 per year.
There are, however, different options to choose from the above options which are customer friendly and convenient.
3. Content
When creating website content, it’s crucial to keep the audience in mind and deliver valuable, engaging, and relevant information. Start with a clear and compelling headline to grab visitors’ attention and convey the website’s purpose. Organize the content with headings, subheadings, and bullet points for easy readability. Use a conversational tone and avoid jargon to connect better with the audience. Incorporate visually appealing elements such as images and videos to enhance the content’s impact. Ensure that the content is error-free, concise, and to the point, conveying the message effectively. Remember to include a strong call-to-action to prompt visitors to take the desired actions, whether it’s making a purchase, subscribing, or contacting you. Regularly update and refresh the content to keep it relevant and engaging for your website visitors. You may need to hire a freelance writer to help with your website at a cost ranging from Ksh 200 – Ksh 500 per 100 words.
What type of website do you need?
Before determining the cost of a website in Kenya, its important to consider and decide on what type of website you need thats relevant to your business or venture. The common types of websites you can consider include Basic websites (brochure-type), Small business websites, eCommerce websites, and Corporate websites.
| Type of Website | Features | Website Cost in Kenya |
|---|---|---|
| Landing Page Website | • 1 – 3 responsive pages • Contact page • Landing Page | Ksh 10,000 – Ksh 20,000 |
| Small Business Website | • Several pages • Social Media Integration • Google My Business Page • Google Analytics | Ksh 20,000 – Ksh 30,000 |
| Ecommerce Website | • Ecommerce Tools • Order Management System • Live Chat • Delivery Solutions • Payment Integration | Ksh 35,000 – Ksh 70,000 |
| Corporate Website | • Advanced functionality • Unlimited Subpages • Bespoke design • Database Population • CRM Integration | Ksh 45,000 – Ksh 90,000 |
Ways of Building a Website in Kenya
To create a website, you can decide to build it yourself using web builders or you can hire a professional web designer in Kenya to do it for you. Each of the options has both advantages and disadvantages as we shall discuss below:
- a) Do Everything Yourself Using Web Builders
Utilizing a web builder to create your website offers cost-effective advantages, eliminating the need to hire a professional web designer. These platforms provide a range of tools that facilitate the swift and efficient construction of an appealing website. Within a matter of hours, your website can be up and running. All the intricate technical aspects are handled for you, sparing the necessity to acquire coding skills. With a simple drag-and-drop interface, you can easily craft and customize your desired elements.
Website builders are highly affordable, with the majority offering a free version of their product. The free versions enable users to create simple, basic websites. However, for those seeking a more polished and professional online presence, upgrading to a premium plan is recommended. Premium plans provide enhanced customization options and access to a wide range of features, empowering users to craft a truly professional-looking website.
- b) Hire A Web Designer in Kenya
Experienced and dependable, professional web designers possess the expertise to craft impeccable websites tailored to your specific requirements. Engaging the services of a web designer in Kenya becomes the ideal choice when you lack the necessary skills or time to create a website on your own.
In Kenya, you have the option to choose between an agency or an individual freelancer when selecting a web designer. Opting for a freelancer grants you a more personalized approach, though it may require some online research to find the right fit. On the other hand, an agency offers a wealth of collective experience and can provide a comprehensive quote for the entire project.
Cost of A Landing Page Website in Kenya
A Landing page website is designed to be simple, requiring minimal functionality, typically consisting of 1-3 pages with a ‘brochure style’ appearance. It is crucial for these websites to be mobile responsive, ensuring they adapt seamlessly to different devices. For those seeking a straightforward online presence to showcase their business and receive inquiries, opting for a simple website is the ideal choice. Such a website serves as an effective tool to introduce your business to the online world and engage potential customers.
If you are considering building a Landing page Website in Kenya, the cost of website design typically falls in the range of Ksh. 10,000 to Ksh. 20,000. The exact price will largely hinge on the complexity of your desired website.
Below is an illustrative breakdown of the total cost for a landing page website in Kenya, encompassing any subscriptions or supplementary expenses:
Cost of a Landing Page Website in Kenya
| Cost of a Landing Page Website in Kenya | |
|---|---|
Upfront Costs | |
| Design | Ksh 10,000 – Ksh 20,000 |
| Domain | Ksh 1,000 – Ksh 2,000/ year |
| Total Upfront Cost | Ksh 11,000 – Ksh 22,000 |
Ongoing Costs | |
| Hosting | Ksh 2,000 – Ksh 3,500/ year |
| Content Updates | Ksh 0 – Ksh 6,000/ year |
| Total Ongoing Costs | Ksh 2,000 – Ksh 9,500/ year |
Small Business Website Cost in Kenya
Similar to basic websites, small business websites follow a brochure-style layout, but they offer more extensive features. These websites are an excellent choice for businesses looking to elevate their online presence beyond the basic level. Among their additional features are integrated social media functionalities, Google analytics for insights, responsive design for optimal display on various devices, content management systems for easy updates, and the integration of Google maps for location-based information. Moreover, small business websites typically encompass multiple pages and ensure mobile responsiveness for enhanced user experience.
Small business websites cater to businesses, especially startups and freelancers, who have a need for frequent content updates.
For those interested in creating a Small Business Website in Kenya, the website design cost typically ranges between Ksh 20,000 and Ksh 30,000.
Here is an itemized breakdown of the total cost for a Small Business website in Kenya, inclusive of any subscriptions or additional expenses:
Small Business Website Cost in Kenya
| Small Business Website Cost in Kenya | |
|---|---|
Upfront Costs | |
| Design | Ksh 20,000 – Ksh 30,000 |
| Domain | Ksh 1,000 – Ksh 2,000/ year |
| Total Upfront Cost | Ksh 21,000 – Ksh 32,000 |
Ongoing Costs | |
| Hosting | Ksh 2,000 – Ksh 3,500 |
| Content Updates | Ksh 0 – Ksh 6,000/ year |
| Total Ongoing Costs | Ksh 2,000 – Ksh 9,500/ year |
Ecommerce Website Cost in Kenya
In today’s digital age, consumers increasingly rely on online product reviews before making purchase decisions. Having your products visible online significantly enhances the chances of potential customers finding them and placing orders. Thus, it becomes imperative for your business to have an ecommerce website.
The cost of an ecommerce website can vary significantly, contingent on factors like the number of items you intend to stock and the variety of products you wish to offer. Additionally, the inclusion of extra features, such as a live chat facility, order management system, and delivery tracking functionality, can also influence the overall price.
When you place an order for the development of your ecommerce website, it’s crucial to consider your specific expectations from it. Is the website intended to serve as your primary brand presence tool? Do you envision incorporating a blog section? Are you looking to encourage reader engagement with your social media platforms? Taking these factors into account will help ensure that your ecommerce website meets your desired objectives effectively.
To guarantee the security of your ecommerce website, it’s essential to incorporate an SSL certificate. This step not only instills confidence in your customers but also gains the trust of search engines like Google, which takes website security seriously.
If you plan to build an eCommerce Website in Kenya, you can expect the website design cost to fall within the range of Ksh 40,000 to Ksh 70,000.
Here is a detailed breakdown of the total cost for an eCommerce Website, encompassing any subscriptions or additional expenses:
eCommerce Website cost in Kenya
| eCommerce Website cost in Kenya | |
|---|---|
Upfront Costs | |
| Design | Ksh 40,000 – Ksh 70,000 |
| Domain | Ksh 1,000 – Ksh 2,000/ year |
| Total Upfront Cost | Ksh 41,000 – Ksh 72,000 |
Ongoing Costs | |
| Hosting | Ksh 3,500 – Ksh 6,500/ year |
| Content Updates | Ksh 0 – Ksh 6,000/ year |
| Total Ongoing Costs | Ksh 2,000 – Ksh 9,500/ year |
Corporate Website Cost in Kenya
Corporate websites, also known as bespoke websites, are tailored to meet the needs of larger companies seeking advanced functionality. These websites are essential for large corporations with high visitor traffic or extensive information to share. Unlike pre-designed templates, corporate websites are built from scratch, ensuring they are unique and customized to the specific requirements of the company.
Corporate websites stand out for their data-driven approach, offering advanced functionality and the flexibility of unlimited subpages. These websites are particularly essential for businesses operating in specific industries such as property companies, financial services, architects, recruitment, health and fitness, among others. Notably, corporate websites boast a high level of mobile responsiveness, ensuring optimal user experience across devices.
If you are considering building a Corporate Website in Kenya, you can anticipate the website design cost to range from Ksh 90,000 to Ksh 150,000.
Below is a detailed breakdown of the total cost for a Corporate Website, encompassing any subscriptions or additional expenses:
Corporate Website cost in Kenya
| Corporate Website cost in Kenya | |
|---|---|
Upfront Costs | |
| Design | Ksh 90,000 – Ksh 150,000 |
| Domain | Ksh 1,000 – Ksh 2,000/ year |
| Total Upfront Cost | Ksh 91,000 – Ksh 152,000 |
Ongoing Costs | |
| Hosting | Ksh 3,500 – Ksh 6,500/ year |
| Content Updates | Ksh 0 – Ksh 20,000 / year |
| Total Ongoing Costs | Ksh 3,500 – Ksh 26,500 / year |
Additional Website Costs to Keep In Mind
- Web & Email Hosting: The costs for web and email hosting will depend on the expected website traffic. You have the option to be charged monthly or annually for these services.
- SSL Certificates: To enhance the security of your website and instill customer confidence, an SSL certificate is crucial. It ensures the privacy of information exchanged between your website and its visitors. Depending on the hosting company you choose, you can either purchase or obtain a free SSL certificate. Make sure to inquire about this to accurately factor in the costs.
- Copywriting: The importance of copywriting should be emphasized right from the beginning of the website design process. A well-crafted copy can significantly contribute to higher search engine rankings, making it easier for potential customers to find your products or services. If the website designer offers copywriting services, inquire about the associated charges. Alternatively, you may consider hiring a dedicated copywriter to handle this aspect.
- Training: Managing a website, especially if it uses an ecommerce platform, can be challenging, especially for those unfamiliar with the system. To effectively manage your website, it is advisable to undergo training and acquire proper documentation. These resources will provide you with the knowledge and skills to handle tasks such as website management, product additions, content editing, and other daily operations more efficiently.
- Photography: Compelling images are essential for your website. If you aim to establish a strong brand identity, consider enlisting the services of a professional photographer to curate a collection of high-quality images. Additionally, you have the option to purchase stock images from platforms like Shutterstock or access free images from sites like Unsplash. These resources will enable you to enhance the visual appeal of your website and effectively convey your brand’s message.
Tips for Getting an Accurate Website Cost in Kenya
1. Obtain Comprehensive Functionality Documents
When hiring a web designer for your website, it’s essential to request a comprehensive document outlining all the desired features and functionalities. This ensures that no crucial elements are overlooked or forgotten during the development process. By documenting everything and checking off each item as it is completed, you can ensure that your website is built according to your specifications. Additionally, these functionality documents serve as crucial references to prevent any disagreements or unexpected charges for services not previously agreed upon.
2. Explore Your Choices
When you’re prepared to start building your website, reach out to 3-4 different designers to gather insights into how they would approach your project. Take note of their process, expertise, and attention to detail. Additionally, observe how they handle your inquiries and questions, as this will give you an indication of their communication style and responsiveness. Don’t forget to request quotes from each designer and compare them to make an informed decision. By researching your options thoroughly, you can find the best fit for your website development needs.
Value Over Cost: Think Beyond Price
When it comes to website development, various designers offer different price points. However, opting for the cheapest option may not always yield the best results and can lead to significant issues. On the other hand, assuming that an expensive web designer guarantees high-quality work is not necessarily true.
To make an informed decision, look beyond the price and examine a web designer’s past results. Talk to some of their previous clients to gain insights into their work quality and professionalism. This approach will help you determine the most suitable web designer for your project.
Remember, this collaboration is the beginning of a potentially long-lasting partnership. Agree on favorable working terms that align with your goals and expectations to ensure a successful and productive relationship. Prioritizing value over cost will ultimately lead to a more satisfying and effective website development process.
Require assistance with your upcoming website project?
The cost of a website in Kenya can be influenced by numerous factors. Whether you seek guidance, have inquiries, or intend to start a new website or revamp an existing one, we are here to support you. Feel free to reach out to us through our contact page, and we’ll be delighted to assist you.
