Website-as-a-Service (WaaS)
The new era of websites.
What is Website-as-a-Service?
Website-as-a-Service (WaaS) is a subscription-based model that offers businesses an affordable end-to-end solution for their digital storefront. Getting a website built traditionally usually means paying a significant upfront cost. Your website gets delivered to you and you're left to manage it. A few months down the track, if you want to update it, you'll get a quote from a website developer. If you want to have peace of mind that it's always in tip-top shape, you'll need to pay for extra maintenance costs.
With WaaS, you'll usually get charged a much smaller set up fee to get your website designed and built, and then pay a recurring monthly subscription fee. The monthly subscription includes hosting, maintenance, security, updates and ongoing support. WaaS is great for businesses who value having professionals taking care of their website at a predictable monthly fee.
How Does WaaS Differ from Traditional Website Builds?
WaaS offers a more hands-off and strategic approach. Instead of just "getting a website", you get a complete website solution that grows and adapts with your business that's taken care of by web professionals.
| Feature | Traditional Website Build | Website-as-a-Service (WaaS) |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Cost | High upfront payment | Low or no upfront cost |
| Website Ownership | Full ownership upon completion | Shared or leased ownership |
| Website Maintenance | Client-managed or at additional costs | Included in subscription |
| Updates to Existing Content | Periodic, most often at extra costs | Included in subscription |
| Scaling your website | Usually requires a new project with a website developer at extra costs | Easily scalable within service |
| Website Support | Limited post-launch support, website developers usually charge at extra costs | Ongoing support included in subscription |
Note: The cost of a website developer in Australia ranges approximately from $80-$180 per hour, depending on skill level.
How Does WaaS Work?
- Consultation: Understanding your business needs and goals.
- Design & Development: Creating a website tailored to your brand.
- Launch: Deploying the website on a managed hosting platform.
- Ongoing Management: Regular updates, security checks, website backups and performance monitoring.
- Support: Continuous assistance for any website-related queries or changes.
Benefits of Choosing WaaS
- Time-Saving: Focus on your business while experts manage your website.
- Peace of Mind: Professionals take care of technical website performance.
- Cost-Effective: Lower initial investment with predictable monthly expenses.
- Predictable Costs: Know how much to budget towards your website every month.
- Up-to-Date: Regular updates ensure your website remains current and secure.
- Scalable: Easily adapt your website as your business grows.
- Expert Support: Access to professional assistance when needed.
Potential Drawbacks
- Ownership Limitations: Some WaaS models may not provide clients with website's code or designs.
- Customisation Constraints: Certain platforms may have limitations on design flexibility.
- Long-Term Costs: Over time, subscription fees may exceed the upfront cost of a traditional build. However, once costs of ongoing maintenance and regular website updates are included, WaaS may save you money in the long run. See below, Comparing Costs: WaaS vs. Traditional Website Builds.
Who Should Consider WaaS?
WaaS is ideal for:
- Small to Medium Businesses seeking a professional online presence at an affordable cost
- Startups: Needing a website for launch and post-launch website management
- Growing and scaling businesses who need flexibility and regular updates
- Entrepreneurs: Wanting to focus on business operations rather than website management.
Comparing Costs: WaaS vs. Traditional Website Builds
| Traditional Build Costs One off upfront payment with additional project costs | WaaS (Websites-as-a-service) Subscription Model | |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront Cost | $10,000 | $6,000 |
| Hosting (per year) | $500 | $500 per month (includes hosting, maintenance, content updates + SEO audits) |
| Maintenance (per month) | $300 | |
| Content Updates + SEO Audits (per year) | $3,000 | |
| Total Cost Over 2 years | $24,200 | $18,000 |
| Savings | $6,200 + Time saved on not needing to engage web developers. |
Note: These figures are indicative examples and can vary based on specific requirements and service providers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between WaaS and traditional web development?
Traditional web development involves a one-time project with a significant upfront cost, where the client owns and manages the website post-launch. WaaS is a subscription based model that includes a newly built custom website plus ongoing monthly management, updates, and support.
Can I migrate my existing website to a WaaS platform?
It depends on the features and requirements of your existing website. It also depends on the WaaS provider you engage with.
Make it with JAM have been migrating clients from WordPress to JAM's WaaS. Chat to us about migrating your website over to JAM's WaaS.
How secure is a WaaS website?
WaaS providers typically include security measures such as SSL certificates, regular updates, and monitoring to protect your website from threats.
Is WaaS suitable for e-commerce websites?
Some WaaS providers offer e-commerce solutions, however, WaaS is usually more popular with non e-commerce websites.
Wanna know more about JAM's Website-as-a-Service?