Typical price ranges in Switzerland
These ranges are typical for Switzerland, but they depend heavily on scope. Use them as a guide: they do not replace a quote.
Website builder you set up yourself: a monthly subscription costs roughly CHF 10 to 50. Add your own time for the set-up, text and images, which is easy to underestimate. Simple business website with a few pages, built by an agency: about CHF 3,000 to 10,000.
Website with an admin panel (CMS) and more pages, where you edit the content yourself: more like CHF 8,000 to 20,000. Online shop: often from CHF 10,000, with no fixed upper limit, depending on the payment methods, the number of products and the integrations.
What drives the price
Scope is the biggest factor. Every extra page needs structure, text and images. Every extra language needs translating and maintaining, including the page titles and descriptions for Google.
Content is a major cost: if someone has to write the text and take the photos, you will pay more than if you supply finished material. A custom design costs more than an adapted template.
Features such as online booking, a members' area or a shop, and integrations with existing software such as accounting or inventory management, add considerably to the work. Search engine optimisation (SEO) also takes time: a clean structure, fast loading times and the right local search terms.
Running costs after launch
A website keeps costing money once it is live. Expect an annual fee for the .ch domain, hosting (the storage space on a server) and often email mailboxes.
Maintenance and updates matter, especially with systems such as WordPress: the software and its plugins must stay up to date so that no security gaps open up. Many agencies offer a maintenance contract for this. Also set aside time or budget for new content, such as offers, images or in-depth articles.
Website builder or agency
A website builder suits you if your budget is tight, you can put in your own time and your needs are simple. You are tied to the provider, though, and moving elsewhere later often takes a lot of work.
An agency is worth it if the website needs to win customers, work in several languages or connect to other systems. You get advice, a well-planned structure and text written for your target audience.
How to get a reliable quote
The more precise your brief, the more precise the quote. Note down the purpose of the website, the pages you want, the languages, any existing text and photos, the features you need and examples of websites you like.
Do not compare quotes on the total alone. Check what is included: text, images, admin panel, training, hosting, maintenance and the rights to the design and content.
After an initial call, Glavento prepares a written quote that sets out the exact scope. That way, you know before the project starts which services are included.
Frequently asked questions
Why do prices vary so much between agencies?
Agencies include different amounts of work. Some only deliver the technical build, while others also handle the concept, text, photos and SEO. So always compare the scope of services in the quote, not just the price.
Can I start with a small website and expand it later?
Yes, that often makes sense. What matters is that the system you choose allows for extensions such as more languages, an admin panel or a shop. Check this before you start, so that you do not have to rebuild later.
What costs come up every year?
Each year, you usually pay for the domain, hosting and, depending on the agreement, maintenance. There may also be licences for plugins or fonts, plus the work on new content. Ask for these items to be listed separately in the quote.