Web Development and Total Cost of Ownership (TCO

Written By Matt Gillman

Most people think building a website is a one-time cost—pay a developer, get a domain, and boom, you're online. But the real cost of a website isn’t just the build; it’s the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO). If you don’t plan for the long game, your 'cheap' website might become a money pit.

At GRZZ, we’ve built plenty of websites across WordPress, Squarespace, Shopify, and Drupal, and we’ve seen it all—the good, the bad, and the budget nightmares. So, let’s break down the real cost of web development and how to keep things sustainable.

Looking beyond the upfront cost: The real price of a website is in the long game

The Breakdown of Website TCO

1. Upfront Costs

Sure, these are the ones you expect:

  • Design & Development: Custom layouts, branding, and functionality.

  • Domain & Hosting: Needs to be renewed annually, and good hosting matters.

  • Platform Choice: WordPress, Squarespace, Shopify, and Drupal all have different pricing models—some more predictable than others.

2. Ongoing Costs (The Ones People Forget About)

This is where the ‘real’ costs start creeping in:

  • Hosting & Domain Renewals: The yearly bill that sneaks up on you.

  • Software & Plugin Updates: WordPress and Drupal need more love; Shopify and Squarespace handle it for you.

  • Security & Compliance: SSL certificates, GDPR updates, and general peace of mind.

  • Support & Fixes: Something always breaks when you least expect it.

3. The Sneaky Hidden Costs

The little things no one tells you about until they hit:

  • Security Issues: If your site gets hacked, the fix isn’t free.

  • Speed Optimisation: Slow websites lose customers (and Google rankings).

  • Third-Party Integrations: Email tools, payment gateways, analytics—most aren’t free.

  • Content & SEO Tweaks: Regular updates keep your site relevant and ranking.

The Cost of Going Cheap

Going for the cheapest option often means:

  • Messy Code: Future developers will curse whoever built it.

  • Scaling Problems: Need a new feature? That'll be extra $$$.

  • Downtime & Lost Revenue: If your site’s unreliable, so is your business.

Comparing Web Development Platforms

Each platform has its strengths (and costs):

  • WordPress: Flexible and open-source, but needs maintenance.

  • Squarespace: Predictable costs and managed hosting.

  • Shopify: Perfect for eCommerce, with built-in security.

  • Drupal: Powerful but requires experienced developers.

The right choice depends on your business goals.

How to Keep Costs Down Without Cutting Corners

  • Pick a Scalable Platform: Future-proof from the start.

  • Invest in a Solid Build: A well-built site saves money in the long run.

  • Use Managed Hosting: Offload maintenance where possible.

  • Stay Secure: Regular updates prevent expensive disasters.

  • Plan for Growth: Budget for content updates and SEO improvements.

Final Thoughts: Think Long-Term, Not Just Launch Day

A website isn’t just a project—it’s an ongoing investment. The upfront price is just the beginning, and smart planning can save you thousands in the long run. Whether you're building from scratch or fine-tuning an existing site, keeping TCO in mind will help you avoid financial surprises.

At GRZZ, we make sure our clients know exactly what they’re in for—no hidden costs, no nasty surprises. Thinking about a website? Let’s chat about the long game.

Matt Gillman
Next

GRZZ featured in Squarespace Project Spotlight