When people compare web design quotes, one line is often missing: what the site costs every year once it's online. These costs are modest, but they come as a surprise when nobody mentioned them. Here's the full list so you can budget with peace of mind.
The domain name
This is your address (mycompany.ma or .com), and it renews every year. One simple rule: the domain should be registered in your name, not your provider's. Otherwise, switching providers becomes a real headache.
Hosting
Hosting is where the site's files live. A small business website doesn't need an expensive plan, but a busy online store deserves sturdier hosting. Very cheap introductory offers often jump sharply at renewal, so always check the second-year price.
Professional email addresses
An address like contact@yourcompany.ma inspires more trust than a Gmail one. Some hosting plans include mailboxes; others charge per user.
Maintenance and security
A WordPress site needs regular updates, or it becomes an easy target for hackers. Maintenance covers those updates, backups and monitoring. If you'd rather not deal with it, I offer ongoing support as your webmaster.
Small improvements
Adding a page, swapping photos, announcing a promotion… Set aside a small yearly budget to keep the site alive: a website that never changes eventually slips down Google.
My advice
Before signing, ask for a two-column table: the build price, and the predictable yearly costs. You'll find my starting prices on the pricing page, and project details on the website design page.
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Written by YassineGraphic designer and web / SEO consultant in Casablanca.
