Tag: digital marketing

Website Development Monthly Cost You Should Know

Still believe a website is just a one-time investment? Think again. Websites are living, breathing tools that need constant care. Ignore updates, security, or backups, and you risk downtime, hacks, or a slow site that drives visitors away. In this blog, we’ll break down the actual cost of running a website so you’ll know what exactly to expect. Understanding these expenses is key to keeping your website online without unnecessary surprises.

How Much Should a Website Cost Per Month?

Many businesses assume once a website is built, it’s done. In reality, websites come with recurring costs to keep them live, secure, and functional. Here’s what to expect:

Essential Monthly Costs:

Hosting: PHP 5,000–PHP 285,800/year
SSL Certificate: PHP 4,000-30,000/year
Security & Maintenance Tools: PHP 10,000–PHP 50,000/year

Hidden Costs to Watch:

Premium plugins or themes with annual renewal fees
Extra bandwidth if your website traffic grows suddenly
Additional security services for e-commerce or payment sites

How Much Does a Website Developer Cost Per Month?

Paying a developer is about peace of mind. Here is what Monthly Developer Support usually includes:

Content edits (text, images, blogs)
Bug fixes and troubleshooting
Monitoring website performance and uptime
Updating themes, plugins, or CMS versions

Freelancers typically charge PHP 5,000–PHP 15,000/month for basic website maintenance, while agencies offer full support, faster turnaround, and additional services for PHP 15,000–PHP 50,000/month.

Do You Really Need a Developer on Retainer?

Yes, If your website frequently updates content, runs promotions, or handles e-commerce transactions, having a dedicated team ensures your site is secure, optimized, and always performing.

How Much Does Website Development Cost in the Philippines?

The cost of website development depends on the site’s complexity, functionality, and whether you hire a freelancer or an agency. For a simple business website, working with a freelancer usually costs PHP 5,000–PHP 20,000. If you choose an agency, a small business site can run PHP 20,000–PHP 80,000, depending on design and features. E-commerce websites are generally more expensive, ranging from PHP 40,000–PHP 150,000 because they require additional functionality. Features such as product catalogs, shopping carts, payment gateways, inventory management, and security for customer data all add complexity and development time.

Compared to global rates, Philippine developers and agencies offer high-quality services at much lower prices—often just 1/3 to 1/5 of what you’d pay in the US or Europe. This makes the Philippines an attractive option for startups and Small and Medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) seeking professional, cost-effective web solutions.

For example, a small café website with a simple gallery and contact form may cost PHP 20,000–PHP 30,000 one-time plus PHP 1,000–PHP 2,000/month for hosting and maintenance. Meanwhile, an online store with 50 products, payment integration, and e-commerce features could range from PHP 60,000–PHP 120,000 one-time plus PHP 3,000–PHP 8,000/month for hosting, security, and ongoing developer support.

That’s why partnering with iManila, the best website development company in the Philippines, gives your business the perfect balance of affordability, innovation, and reliability.

Final Thoughts

A website is a very useful tool for any business—it’s your 24/7 storefront, a marketing platform, and a way to connect with customers. However, its value only comes if it’s properly maintained. Neglect updates, security, or performance, and even the best website can lose visitors, sales, and credibility. For a fully secure, optimized, and smoothly running website, trust the experts so you can focus on growing your business.

Partner with iManila

With 29 years of experience in the industry and an IT company at its core, iManila, having been one of the first Internet Service Providers in the Philippines, is committed to providing our clients with innovative information technology, web, and digital solutions.

iManila is a full-service business web development company in the Philippines ready to help you with WordPress website creation or building an ecommerce website for your business. From web design and development and website update and maintenance, to web hosting, email hosting, and technical, desktop and remote support, we are your team. Aside from this, we are also a website and mobile applications development company specializing in customized web systems for businesses in different industries and a top digital marketing agency that provides a wide range of digital marketing services. Talk to us!

Customized vs Templated Web Design: Pros and Cons Explained

When building a website, one of the first decisions you’ll make is whether to go with a custom web design or a template web design. Both have their advantages and drawbacks, and the right choice depends on your goals, budget, and timeline. To decide, it also helps to know what a web design company does and how they can guide you through the process.

What is a Web Design Company?

A web design company is a team of professionals who design, create, and maintain websites for businesses. Their role goes beyond making a site look attractive. They focus on user experience, functionality, branding, and performance to ensure your website truly represents your business.

Typical services include:

Custom Web Design – Unique layouts and features tailored to your brand.
Template Web Design – Pre-built designs set up quickly with some customization.
Website Maintenance – Keeping your site secure and updated.
SEO and Digital Support – Helping your site rank higher and reach the right audience.

Whether you choose a custom or template web design, working with a professional website design company ensures you get the right guidance and support.

Is Web Design the same as UI/UX?

Not exactly. Website design covers the overall look and structure of a website, including layout, colors, and navigation. UI (User Interface) is the visual side: menus, buttons, and interactive elements. UX (User Experience) focuses on how users feel when navigating your site, making sure it’s smooth and functional.

In short:

Web design = overall site creation
UI = visual interface
UX = user experience and usability

All three go hand in hand, but they’re not the same.

Pros of Template Web Design

Affordable – Budget-friendly for startups and small businesses.
Fast to Launch – Pre-made layouts mean you can go live quickly.
User-Friendly – Many templates have drag-and-drop features.
Wide Variety – Thousands of templates available across industries.

Cons of Template Web Design

Limited Customization – You’re confined to the template’s structure.
Less Unique – Other businesses may use the same design.
Scalability Issues – Not always suited for advanced features.
Performance Risks – Some templates slow down due to heavy code.

Pros of Custom Web Design

Unique Branding – Your site is built to reflect your brand and identity.
Flexibility – Full control over layout, features, and design.
Scalable – Grows with your business needs.
SEO-Friendly – Developers can optimize for search engines.
Better Performance – Clean, efficient coding for speed and reliability.

Cons of Custom Web Design

Higher Cost – Requires more investment than templates.
Longer Development – May take weeks or months to complete.
Needs Professional Support – Ongoing updates often require experts.

Custom vs Template: Which Should You Choose?

Choosing between custom vs template website design depends on your current needs and long-term goals.

Choose a Template Web Design if:

You’re running a startup with a limited budget.
You need to launch quickly.
You don’t require advanced features.

Choose a Custom Web Design if:

You want a website that truly represents your brand and identity.
You’re planning to scale your business.
You need advanced functionality or integrations.
SEO and performance are top priorities.

How Much Does a Web Designer Cost?

Costs vary depending on design type and provider. In the Philippines:

Template Websites: can start at ₱20,000
Custom Websites: ranges from ₱50,000 to ₱200,000

Freelancers may charge per project, while agencies like iManila offer complete packages including design, hosting, and maintenance. Investing in the right option prevents costly redesigns later.

Final Thoughts

Both custom and template website design have their strengths. The key is to align your choice with your goals and budget. A custom website gives you flexibility and uniqueness, while a template website offers speed and affordability.

At the end of the day, the most important step is to partner with the right experts.

At iManila, we design, build, and maintain websites that help your business grow whether custom made or template based. Our team of web designers, developers, and digital specialists are here to make your online presence stand out.

Partner with iManila

iManila is a full-service business web development company in the Philippines ready to help you with WordPress website creation or building an ecommerce website for your business. From web design and development and website update and maintenance, to web hosting, email hosting, and technical, desktop and remote support, we are your team. Aside from this, we are also a website and mobile applications development company specializing in customized web

How AI is Enhancing WordPress Development for the Future

WordPress has long been the go-to platform for building websites — from small personal blogs to large-scale business sites. It remains a favorite for entrepreneurs, creatives, and organizations thanks to its flexibility and cost-effectiveness. Now, with artificial intelligence (AI) stepping into the scene, the way WordPress sites are designed, developed, and maintained is changing faster than ever.

Smarter, More Affordable Website Creation

Is building a WordPress website free? Yes and No. The core software is completely free, but you’ll still need hosting, a domain, and possibly paid themes or plugins. In the Philippines, WordPress hosting can start as low as 100 pesos a month. While domain typically ranges from 1,000 pesos to 4,000 pesos per year. If you hire a developer, a simple WordPress website can cost 20,000 to 50,000 pesos depending on the design and features.

With AI tools automating tasks like image optimization, SEO improvements, and even generating content, many businesses are finding that they can launch a professional site faster and with fewer costs compared to traditional development.

Making DIY Website Building Easier

For those who prefer to create their own site, AI is making WordPress more beginner-friendly. Some page builders now integrate with AI assistants that can recommend layouts, generate copy, and even tweak designs in real time. You don’t need to be a developer to produce a site that looks and feels professional, and if you do need a touch of coding, AI can suggest or generate snippets for you.

Flexibility That Outshines the Competition

Other platforms, like Wix, offer built-in AI features, but WordPress still leads in customization and scalability. With the right AI plugins, you can add chatbots, advanced analytics, and personalized content experiences — all while retaining full control over your site’s design and functionality.

No Code? No Problem

While coding knowledge can still give you more control, AI is reducing the need for manual coding in WordPress. Designers and business owners can now adjust styles, troubleshoot issues, and add complex features without touching a single line of code. This makes WordPress accessible to more people while still offering depth for developers who want it.

The Road Ahead

AI isn’t just a passing trend for WordPress — it’s shaping the platform’s future. Expect to see more intelligent design recommendations, automated content personalization, and performance optimization that adapts to visitor behavior. Whether you’re building your first site or managing an already established brand, AI will play an increasingly important role in making your website faster to build, easier to manage, and more effective in reaching your goals.

At iManila, we help businesses build future-ready WordPress websites that combine smart design, SEO, and AI-powered enhancements for maximum impact. Whether you’re aiming for top search rankings or AI-driven user experiences, our team can create a WordPress strategy that keeps you ahead of the curve. Let’s future-proof your online presence. Contact iManila today to get started!

Partner with iManila

Website Building Guide: Costs, Tools & Pitfalls

A well-built website is more than a digital business card. It is your brand’s 24/7 representative, your sales agent, and often the first point of contact with customers. However, many businesses start web development without fully understanding the costs, tools, and potential challenges involved. The result? Unexpected expenses, missed opportunities, or a site that fails to deliver. Knowing what you’re paying for and what to avoid can save both money and frustration.

What Costs Are Involved in Having a Website?

Website costs depend on your site’s purpose, complexity, and design. Here are the essentials:

Domain name – Paid annually to secure your web address.
Website hosting – Keeps your site live and accessible.
SSL certificate – Provides security, especially important for e-commerce.
Design & development – Can range from a few hundred to thousands of pesos depending on whether you use a template or a custom build.
Content creation – Copywriting, photos, and videos that engage visitors.

While it’s tempting to cut upfront costs, cheap solutions often lead to higher expenses later due to fixes or redesigns.

Can You Pay Someone to Create a Website?

Yes, and for many businesses, hiring a web design agency is the smartest choice. Agencies like iManila bring expertise in design, coding, user experience, and digital marketing.

Unlike freelancers or Do It Yourself (DIY) platforms, agencies provide end-to-end service: planning, design, development, SEO, and ongoing support. This investment doesn’t just give you a working site, it gives you a site that performs well, builds credibility, and generates leads.

What Are the Essential Tools for Building and Running a Website?

Behind every great website are the right tools:

Builders & CMS: WordPress, Shopify, Wix.
Design tools: Figma for layouts and graphics.
Coding tools: Visual Studio Code for customization.
Analytics: Google Analytics for visitor behavior.
SEO tools: SEMrush, SEOptimer for rankings.
Security: Firewalls and malware scanners.
Marketing tools: Email platforms and social schedulers.

Using the right mix ensures your site stays functional, secure, and competitive.

Common Pitfalls in Website Building

Web projects often fail due to poor planning or shortcuts. Watch out for these common mistakes:

No clear direction – Leads to wasted time and confusion.
Over-reliance on DIY builders – Can limit functionality and performance.
Skipping mobile optimization – Risks losing mobile users.
Ignoring security – Exposes your site to hacks and breaches.
Undervaluing content – Weakens SEO and engagement.

Avoiding these pitfalls starts with a solid strategy and a focus on quality from day one.

Frequently Asked Questions About Website Building

What is the cheapest website builder?
Wix and WordPress.com are among the most affordable options for startups. However, while cheap plans get you started, they can be limiting as your business grows.

Which website builder is best for beginners?
For beginners, Wix is often the easiest to use thanks to its drag-and-drop editor. Shopify is another good option for those focusing on e-commerce.

Does Wix work in the Philippines?
Yes, Wix works in the Philippines and is widely used by small businesses. It offers local-friendly payment options and integrates with popular tools.

Final Thoughts

Building a website is both creative and technical. While a budget-friendly site is possible, cutting corners often leads to poor results. By understanding the full range of costs with setup, design, content, maintenance you can make smarter decisions and avoid costly mistakes.

Whether you do it yourself or work with professionals, prioritize a website that reflects your brand, engages your audience, and supports long-term business goals.

If you want a professional, high-performing website without the stress, iManila can help. From design and development to content and custom applications, our team builds websites that don’t just look good, they deliver measurable results.

Partner with iManila

AEO vs SEO – Or Both? What Your Strategy Needs Today

In recent years, search engines have undergone significant changes and improvements. Businesses today face a challenge: it’s no longer just about being seen, it’s about being understood by both search engines and people. This is where Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and Answer Engine Optimization (AEO) come in..

While most are familiar with SEO, AEO is emerging as a crucial strategy in the age of voice assistants, AI-powered search, and zero-click results. So should your business focus on SEO, AEO, or both? Let’s break down the differences, how each works, and why combining them may be the smartest move.

What is SEO?

Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is the process of improving your website to rank higher in search engine results pages (SERPs). The goal is to drive more organic traffic by making your content discoverable, crawlable, and relevant to users’ queries.

For businesses, SEO remains a foundation of digital marketing. It builds long-term visibility, attracts qualified leads, and positions your brand as a trusted source of information.

What is AEO?

Answer Engine Optimization (AEO) is about getting your content selected for direct answers in search results, such as featured snippets, AI-generated summaries, and voice assistant responses.

You’ve seen AEO in action when:

Google displays an accurate answer at the top of the page.
Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant reads out an answer to your voice query.

AEO reflects today’s zero-click environment, where users want fast, accurate answers without needing to click through multiple sites.

AEO vs SEO: What’s the Difference?

Both SEO and AEO aim to improve visibility, but their goals differ:

SEO: Boosts website traffic by ranking high in SERPs and encouraging users to visit your site.
AEO: Focuses on delivering answers directly in the search interface, often reducing the need for a click.

In simple terms, SEO attracts users to your site, while AEO focuses on delivering value in the search engine itself. With the rise of AI-driven search and voice assistants, AEO is becoming more important but SEO is far from obsolete.

Why You Need Both SEO and AEO

Relying solely on SEO may no longer be enough. Combining both ensures your business stays visible in multiple ways.

Here’s why integrating both matters:

Maximize Your Visibility on SERPs

SEO helps you rank higher, while AEO increases your chances of appearing in featured snippets, answer boxes, knowledge panels, and voice results. Together, they expand your reach across different formats.

Serve Multiple User Intents

Not all users search the same way:

Some want in-depth information and are willing to click through.
Others just need quick, reliable answers.

SEO captures the first group, while AEO captures the latter. By using both, you cover all stages of the customer journey.

Stay Competitive in AI-Driven Search

Search engines are evolving to prioritize direct, AI-powered answers. By optimizing for both SEO and AEO, you make sure your content stays relevant in this changing environment.

Final Thoughts

As user behavior changes, your digital strategy must adjust. SEO still drives organic traffic and remains essential for visibility. But AEO is now just as critical for securing your spot in voice search, AI-driven discovery, and zero-click results.

The good news? SEO and AEO are not competitors, they work with each other. Together, they ensure your content is found, trusted, and surfaced in the right moments.

At iManila, we help businesses craft strategies that combine SEO and AEO for maximum reach. Whether your goal is higher rankings, voice search visibility, or AI-powered discovery, our digital marketing experts can future-proof your search presence.

Partner with iManila

Why “Simple” Websites Are More Complex Than You Think

At first glance, a “simple” website might look easy to create. Maybe it’s a clean homepage with minimal text, a few images, and a contact form. No flashy effects, no e-commerce features, no complex login systems. It should be easy to build, right? Not exactly.

Behind the smooth and polished appearance of a simple site lies a surprisingly complex process. Whether you’re using a website maker, relying on a website builder, or hiring a professional, creating a simple site requires just as much, if not more, planning and technical expertise. From design decisions to website maintenance, simplicity can still demand intention.

The Illusion of a Simple Website

One of the biggest misconceptions is that fewer elements on a page mean less work. But simplicity isn’t about having less, it’s about doing more with less. Every font, image, and button must serve a purpose.

A truly simple website doesn’t just look clean, it works seamlessly. Designers and developers think deeply about user flow, readability, and responsive design to ensure everything feels effortless. And ironically, this kind of clarity can take more time to build than a heavy looking site.

Design That Works Everywhere

A “simple” site still needs to perform across all devices and browsers. A layout that looks clean on desktop might be scattered on mobile if not built with care.

To avoid this, developers use responsive website design techniques and test on multiple platforms. They also compress assets and refine code to keep loading times fast. These unseen processes are essential, especially when planning long-term maintenance website strategies that keep everything running smoothly.

Fewer Pages, Bigger Impact

Minimal content doesn’t mean minimal work. With fewer words and sections, every element must be intentional. Copywriters, designers, and brand strategists work together to make sure each detail communicates the right message.

For example, if you’re building a small business WordPress website, your homepage headline, service list, and call-to-action must be clear, concise, and compelling. Achieving this often requires multiple revisions and strategy sessions. These factors can also influence your WordPress website costing.

User Experience Takes Center Stage

Even the simplest websites need to guide visitors intuitively. Clear navigation, smart button placement, and easy-to-complete forms are all key elements of great user experience (UX) design.

UX designers study how users think and behave online. Their goal is to remove friction and make sure that even a “basic” website provides a seamless journey. Such work often requires more time than flashy animations or advanced features.

Why Simplicity Requires Expertise

Creating a simple website isn’t about cutting corners or taking the easy route, it’s about making strategic choices. Clean design, fast performance, and smooth navigation don’t happen by accident. They’re the result of thoughtful planning, skilled execution, and continuous website maintenance.

At iManila, we understand that even the most simplest-looking websites demand expertise. Whether you’re using a website builder or starting from scratch, our team can guide you through every step, from design to launch and long-term support, to ensure your site is both simple and smart.

Partner with iManila

How Outsourcing Tech Support Helps Your Team Stay Productive

From growing startups to established enterprises, businesses rely on technology to keep things running smoothly. But when systems crash or slow down, it doesn’t just cause inconvenience. It hampers productivity and can negatively impact overall business performance. Outsourcing tech support is a smart move. Instead of pulling your team away from their core tasks to fix IT issues, you can rely on dedicated experts to handle it efficiently. This allows your team to stay focused, work more effectively, and contribute more to business growth. In this blog, we look at how outsourcing tech support helps businesses stay productive and ahead of the curve.

The Cost of Tech Disruptions on Productivity

A small technical problem can interrupt your team’s workflow. According to centerpointit.com, slow systems, internet issues, or software glitches can lead to lost hours, delayed projects, and frustrated employees. The longer it takes to resolve these issues, the more productivity you lose.

What is Outsourced Technical Support?

Outsourced technical support is when you partner with a third-party provider to handle your IT support needs. These services typically include:

Troubleshooting software or hardware issues
Managing networks and system performance
Providing customer and employee tech support
Updating and maintaining systems
Ensuring cybersecurity best practices

How Outsourcing Tech Support Boosts Productivity

Faster Issue Resolution

With a dedicated support team, issues are resolved quickly. Their expertise and tools allow for faster diagnosis and solutions, minimizing downtime and helping your team stay productive.

Access to Skilled and Cost-Efficient IT Experts

Assembling and managing an internal IT team often requires significant time and budget, making it a costly and resource-heavy process. Outsourcing, on the other hand, eliminates the need for recruiting, training, and retaining a full-time staff.

Reduced Downtime

Outsourced providers often offer monitoring and regular system maintenance. This reduces the likelihood of unexpected outages and improves your systems’ reliability keeping your operations running smoothly.

Focus on Core Business Functions

When your team doesn’t have to worry about IT issues, they can stay focused on what they do best such as serving clients, building products, and growing the business. Letting experts handle the tech frees up time and energy for high-impact tasks.

Ready to Make IT Work for You?

Technology should help your business run better and not get in the way. By outsourcing your tech support, you gain expert assistance that keeps your systems running smoothly and your team working efficiently. The benefits are clear: increased productivity, reduced downtime, and more time to focus on growing your business. Don’t let technical problems slow you down. Outsource your IT support to iManila. We’ll handle the tech so you can focus on what matters most.

Partner with iManila

Do Facebook Likes Really Matter for Your Business?

Social media continues to transform how brands interact with their audiences. On platforms such as Facebook, page likes remain one of the most noticeable metrics. Often seen as a sign of popularity or credibility, likes were once considered a strong measure of a brand’s success online. But with the digital landscape constantly evolving, it’s worth asking, do Facebook likes still carry meaningful value for your business?

This blog explores what Facebook likes actually mean, how they fit into your digital marketing strategy, and what metrics deserve your focus if you want to drive real results.

What Facebook Likes Really Mean

A Facebook like reflects a user’s initial interest in your page or content. For businesses, especially those still building their online presence, likes can increase brand visibility and create the impression of credibility. It can also help your posts appear more frequently in users’ feeds, expanding your reach.

From a digital marketing agency’s perspective, likes can be helpful in signaling relevance, particularly when used alongside other metrics. However, they shouldn’t be the only focus. A like doesn’t always lead to active engagement or customer action. What truly matters is what comes after, like the interactions, clicks, and conversions that signal a deeper connection with your brand.

Why Engagement Matters More Than Likes

While likes may look impressive at a glance, they offer limited insight into how your audience actually connects with your content. Key engagement metrics such as comments, shares, link clicks, and saves tell a more complete story. These actions show that your content is connecting with the audience and encouraging them to take meaningful steps.

Facebook’s algorithm favors content that drives meaningful interactions, so an engaged audience is more valuable than a large but inactive one. For better digital marketing results, create content that connects with your audience. Respond to comments and use calls-to-action that guide them to the next step, such as visiting your website or following you on other social media platforms.

Go Beyond the Likes

While likes can show your brand’s reach, real success comes from actions that drive measurable results. Focus on content that educates, motivates, and engages, then use tools like Facebook Insights to track what leads to traffic and conversions.

Partnering with a digital marketing agency like iManila helps you turn engagement into growth. From social media management to ad optimization and website development, we create strategies that deliver results, not just reactions.

Let’s grow your online presence the right way. Connect with iManila today!

Partner with iManila

With 29 years of experience in the industry and an IT company at its core, iManila, having been one of the first Internet Service Providers in the Philippines and recognized as one of the best web developers in the Philippines, is committed to providing our clients with innovative information technology, web, and digital solutions.

iManila is a full-service business web development company in the Philippines ready to help you with WordPress website creation or building an ecommerce website for your business. From web design and development and website update and maintenance, to web hosting, email hosting, and technical, desktop and remote support, we are your team. Aside from this, we are also a website and mobile applications development company specializing in customized web systems for businesses in different industries and a top digital marketing agency that provides a wide range of digital marketing services. Talk to us!

Tag: digital marketing

Browse

Services

Information

Follow us