How much does it cost to build a web app today? Web apps or web applications are much different that websites that can be built with free tools like WordPress.
Web apps have taken over client server solutions and perform just as complex and secure a task as their legacy predecessors. Learning how much cost and effort it would take to build a business-tailored web application can be quite difficult, even with your internal IT team. Asking a custom software solutions provider like Intersog is an excellent method to understand what it would take to get an old application rewritten or a new concept produced. Intersog has produced hundreds of web, IoT, mobile and AI solutions. We can also recommend the best path and tech stack based on your existing investments, current state and internal skills.
This guide will help you estimate the average cost of building a web application in 2023, highlighting the main factors affecting it. We'll cover the basics of web app cost estimation—from the definition and types of web apps to team composition and skills and how to reduce your web app's costs with Intersog, giving quotes and examples.
Let's begin with the definition: what is a web application, and why do companies need it?
A web application is a computer software program that runs on a cloud or on-premise server and is accessible using a web browser on desktop and mobile devices.
Web apps are usually written in Java, PHP, Python, JavaScript, and other programming languages and are designed to work on multiple operating systems (such as Windows, Unix, Linux, iOS, and Android) on the server and client sides. Furthermore, please note that the cost to build and support a web application depends significantly on the selected technology stack.
Here are some examples of web applications:
The average cost of web application development depends on the type of apps you choose for your business. For instance, if you need a simple informational site with static content like landing pages, contact forms, and blogs, the cost to build this web app type would be around $3,000-$10,000. And you'll pay 3 to 6 times more when developing a full-fledged eCommerce platform.
Here are three common types of web applications:
Companies need functional web applications for various reasons. For example, eCommerce platforms like Etsy and Walmart need an online store to allow shoppers to browse, search, and place orders. Airlines need booking systems for passengers. Physicians need comprehensive web-based systems for patient health record management. Real estate agents need a web portal to manage listings and clients.
Unlike simple websites with static content, featured web apps allow users to interact with each other and the company's services in different ways: search for products, place orders, make secure payments, share and save information, give feedback, interact with various types of content like contact forms, quizzes, and sliders, and much more.
Here are the top three reasons companies build a web app or website.
The web is present in our everyday lives. People live and breathe on the web: we shop, communicate, work, learn and play online. So a company that wants to stay competitive and expand into new markets must have an online presence. A web app is a perfect tool to give your company a presence on the Internet.
A web app can house a company's all content (e.g., documents, emails, client profiles, web pages, etc.) and act as a secure access point for sharing information with customers, employees, vendors, or other stakeholders.
For example, Microsoft 365 delivers a full-fledged office package to create, store, and share documents and files from a single platform.
Some web apps need to be customized. That's why many companies build their applications from scratch or outsource app development tasks to a specialized IT company like Intersog.
Customizing a web app gives you more control over its functionality and design. Besides, customization can bring your company's business ideas to life faster than using 'off-the-shelf' solutions and make those ideas scalable. However, client-tailored apps entail a higher web app development cost.
So, how much does it cost to build a web app? Let's shed some light on the following factors to answer this question.
As mentioned above, different types of web apps require adequate work efforts, so the web app cost varies, too.
For instance, developing a traditional MPA, such as a corporate website or content-rich portal, would cost $5,000 to $10,000. On the other hand, a PWA app with animated screens and functional elements for eCommerce platforms could take $50,000 to $60,000 of the development cost. A nimble SPA app with rich graphics and a MongoDB backend database for multi-user content management, CMS tools, business intelligence tools, and various real-time services would cost $60,000 to $100,000.
As a rule of thumb, the more complex the web app is (i.e., the more functional pages, data integrations, and customizations), the more expensive it becomes. Thus, a custom web application development cost is usually higher than the average app cost.
Estimating the cost of building a web app for every technology stack takes work. However, most applications require similar technologies, including:
Another factor affecting web application development cost estimation is team composition. Most projects are estimated based on headcount and time, usually determined by the development team's experience and proficiency.
Here are a few roles you'll likely need to fill:
Finally, you'll have to decide on the delivery model, which is crucial in determining your web application cost. The delivery model defines how to build the actual web app.
You will have these three options:
Whichever option works best for you, you will have to choose between three delivery models, as follows:
When it comes to building high-quality custom web apps, Intersog provides all three delivery models.
So, after reviewing the factors affecting web app cost, you can get an idea of the average cost of building a web application.
Below is the average cost of building various web apps in the United States in 2023. Feel free to send us your RFQ or request an intro call to get your quote for your project.
Note that those are average website development costs across industries. The cost of your web project may vary depending on the factors described above, including:
Here are a few tips you should consider to reduce web app development costs:
The time, effort, and cost to create a web application for specific functionality will vary. Instead of developing a super functional, all-in-one application, define and refine the critical functionality your business needs now and keep the backlog updated for other features.
The market is full of existing license-free tools and technologies you could use to support your business with minimum development efforts. Perhaps, you could take an open-source system and customize it to your unique business needs.
Prototyping has been known as an excellent way to reduce web development costs without sacrificing application architecture, user experience, and functionality in the long run. No programming is done until a well developed prototype is approved. Also, it's much easier and faster to refine and test a new web app based on clear prototypes.
Whether you build your web app with in-house staff or outsource it to Intersog, you must keep the team on point. To avoid scope creep, you'll have to define and code the core functionality before adding new features. In addition, don't hire more developers than you actually need—you will end up overpaying for unused skill sets.
The project's scope will help determine its cost, delivery time, and functionality. First, you'll have to carefully consider the project's timeline, budget, resources, and alignment with the client's business goals. Then, keep all changes to the scope on track and agree with your business goals so that you don't end up paying for more hours than planned.
The delivery terms should include specific details like the successful completion date, deliverables, and any documents needed to support the work performed. Also, be prepared to negotiate with your vendor over their work quality. A few issues can lead to increases in cost or delays in delivery time.
Intersog has been providing professional custom web development and IT staffing services to North American clients since 2005. Our teams of certified web developers, engineers, and project managers have helped Mitsubishi, Bosch, and CDW, among others, deliver high-quality web applications on time and within budget.
Our app cost estimation process is robust and transparent. After discussing your needs, we will share an accurate estimate within 3-5 business days.
Our goal is to ensure that we deliver the best service for you—we do so by:
In conclusion, building a high-quality custom web app for your business is easier said than done. Before you start the development stage, carefully evaluate your needs and budget, and ensure that the application will be cost-effective and meet business needs.
Key takeaways to keep your web app development cost-effective:
If you are about to build a new web app or have an existing one in mind, you can use our experience and expertise to deliver a high-quality product. We aim to develop your web application with an adequate budget, reliable technology, and state-of-the-art best practices.
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