Why Modern Website Development Can’t Be Cheap
Today, it might seem that creating a website is quick and easy. There are countless ready-made solutions - Tilda, Wix, Bitrix, and dozens of other platforms that let you assemble a website in just a few hours.
Hundreds of templates, visual editors, and plugins create the illusion that a website can be built quickly and for next to nothing.
But the truth is: high-quality website development can’t be cheap if you want a unique, fast, and effective product that brings in clients and makes your brand stand out.
Why Template Websites Don’t Work
Yes, you can make a site using a ready-made template. It will work - open pages, display text, switch sections.
But there are hundreds of thousands of such sites. They look the same, inspire no trust, and fail to reflect the uniqueness of your company.
To create a website that truly stands out, conveys brand values, and evokes emotion, it must be developed from scratch. That means involving a team of professionals.
Who Is Involved in Website Development
To build a unique and high-quality website, you need at least three specialists:
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Designer - creates the visual style, UX, and responsive layouts.
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Developer - implements the idea technically, builds site logic and integrations.
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Tester - ensures everything works correctly across devices and browsers.
And that’s the minimum team.
Larger projects often require additional roles:
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Project Manager - coordinates the process and monitors deadlines.
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Markup Developer - handles adaptive HTML/CSS coding.
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Frontend Developer - implements UI interactions, animations, and API integrations.
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Backend Developer - builds server logic, databases, authentication, and CMS systems.
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DevOps Engineer - sets up servers, deployment, performance, and security. After all, we want the website to load fast worldwide and stay protected from attacks.
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SEO Specialist - optimizes the site for search engines to increase visibility.
How Website Design Is Created
Good web design isn’t just about “looking pretty.” It’s a system of visual and functional decisions that helps users navigate easily and strengthens brand recognition.
The designer’s process includes:
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developing a brand identity (colors, fonts, icons);
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creating a logo;
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designing the homepage - which sets the visual tone for the entire project;
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approving and refining layouts;
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adapting the design for three versions:
- mobile,
- tablet,
- desktop.
What the Developer Does
After the design is approved, the technical phase begins.
The developer’s tasks include:
- building responsive pages for various devices;
- integrating the layout with a CMS or a custom backend;
- developing an admin panel;
- setting up forms, notifications, and CRM integrations;
- optimizing site speed and SEO performance;
- testing on different browsers and devices;
- configuring hosting and security.
Each of these steps takes time, skill, and attention. A single mistake can lead to bugs, lost traffic, or even site breaches.
Why Website Development Can’t Be Cheap
If you calculate the actual effort involved, the pricing becomes clear.
Even a small project requires at least:
3 specialists × 10 workdays × 8 hours = 240 man-hours of work.
Even at a modest rate of 1,000 RUB/hour per specialist, the total cost comes to around 240,000 RUB - and that’s just the base estimate, excluding project management, testing, revisions, and taxes.
Expecting a high-quality website for 20,000 RUB is simply unrealistic.
For that amount, you’ll get a template solution - one that looks like thousands of others, loads slowly, performs poorly on mobile, and delivers little to no business results.
Conclusion: A Website Is an Investment, Not an Expense
Cheap websites cost more - not in money, but in lost opportunities.
A high-quality website is an investment in your brand’s image, sales, and credibility.
Modern web development only appears simple. In reality, it’s become more complex, more technical, and more demanding than ever before.
FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions
Why is website development so expensive?
The cost includes the work of multiple specialists, dozens of hours of design, programming, testing, and infrastructure setup. Cheap websites often lack uniqueness, SEO optimization, and stability.
Is it possible to make a website quickly and cheaply?
Yes - using template builders like Tilda or Wix. But such websites are limited in functionality, look generic, and don’t scale well for business needs.
How much does a proper turnkey website cost?
The price depends on scope and complexity. The minimum cost of a custom, adaptive website typically starts at 250,000–300,000 RUB.
How long does it take to build a website?
On average, from two weeks to several months, depending on project size, number of pages, integrations, and design complexity.
