What are the real costs of a website in Switzerland? (and what it really hides)

Are you looking to create or redesign your website and have already received several quotes?
One is quoted at CHF 1,200, another at CHF 4,800, and a third exceeds CHF 10,000... for a 'showcase site.'
Why such discrepancies? Are agencies inflating prices? Is a low-cost freelancer a good deal? Are you getting ripped off?

The truth is, the price of a website says nothing… as long as you don't know what's included—or what's missing.

Here’s a straightforward guide to understanding the real costs of a website in Switzerland, and especially, what's hidden behind their apparent simplicity.

Why the price differences are so great

Creating a website is not a single action. It's a series of steps, decisions, and responsibilities.
And each service provider (agency, freelancer, offshore developer...) does not equate “website creation” with the same things.

A site could be:

• a simple assembly of WordPress blocks in 3 hours,

• an optimized platform for SEO, responsive, fast, and designed for conversion,

• or a custom solution with business integration, UX strategy, branding, analytical tracking...

The more the site is thought of as a real digital asset, the more its price reflects its ability to generate business.

What truly influences the price of a website

Here are the 7 major factors that determine the real cost of a site:

1. The level of customization

A ready-made template is nothing like a custom design.

• Turnkey site: fast, but not distinctive.

• Custom design: takes longer but truly reflects your brand image.

2. The number of pages to create

A 1-page site (landing page) does not require the same workload as a 15-page site with hierarchy, writing, SEO, etc.

3. Content creation

Do you provide all the texts? Or is a copywriter writing them?
Does the provider optimize the content for Google? This point alone can double a quote... but it makes all the difference in performance.

4. SEO optimization

Many sites are delivered without any SEO structure: no tags, no keyword strategy, no optimized speed.
A non-referenced site is like a brochure left in a drawer.

5. Specific functionalities

Advanced form, booking system, multilingual, custom animations, conversion funnel, e-commerce...
Each added feature is a cost post. The real question to ask: does it serve your goals?

6. Follow-up after launch

Does a quote include hosting, maintenance, updates, support? Or will you be on your own once the site is delivered?
Many low-cost offers