Website development
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Web development covers everything built behind a website: page structure, code, databases and connections with the company's other tools. An SME does not always need custom work, but it always needs to know what it is buying and who owns what is delivered. ## Showcase, e-commerce or business application Three families of projects, three cost logics: - **Showcase site**: present the company, generate leads. Fast, 3 to 6 weeks. - **E-commerce site**: sell. Often better served by a dedicated platform than by development. - **Business web application**: replace manual processes. A heavier investment, paid back by the time saved. ## Controlling the total cost The price of development is not limited to the initial work. Add hosting, domain name, maintenance, improvements and user training. A well-scoped project with functional batches delivered progressively limits this risk. ## Signs of a good partner A serious provider explains technical choices in plain language, offers interim demonstrations, documents the delivery and leaves you the owner of the code and accounts. Be wary of "site for 2,000 MAD" offers that assume extras billed later.When this guide is for you
- You need a site whose features do not fit a standard theme or CMS
- You need to connect a site to an ERP, CRM, invoicing software or database
- Your business processes (quotes, bookings, case tracking, client area) still run on Excel and WhatsApp
- You want to control performance, security and code ownership over the long term
Step by step
- Scoping and requirements — Describe the objectives, users, features and constraints. Good requirements separate the essential, the desirable and the deferrable: that is what prevents budget overruns.
- Architecture choice — Decide between a static site, CMS (WordPress, Webflow), framework (Laravel, Next.js, Astro) or a hybrid application. The choice depends on content management needs, integrations and the level of customisation.
- Design and wireframes — Start from user journeys (mobile first), then produce approved wireframes before a single line of code. This greatly reduces costly back-and-forth.
- Development and integration — Develop in functional batches with regular demos, connect external services (payment, email, SMS, business APIs) and write tests for critical journeys.
- Testing, go-live and follow-up — Test on real browsers and smartphones, check speed, technical SEO and security, then deploy and plan maintenance (updates, backups, monitoring).
What it costs (in MAD)
| Service | Indicative price | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Custom showcase site | 15,000 – 50,000 MAD (≈ 1,400 – 4,500 €) | 5 to 15 pages, clean design, form and basic SEO |
| Showcase site with CMS | 8,000 – 25,000 MAD (≈ 750 – 2,300 €) | WordPress or Webflow, the team updates the content itself |
| Business web application (client area, B2B portal) | 80,000 – 300,000 MAD (≈ 7,300 – 27,000 €) | User roles, data, dashboard, integrations |
| ERP or CRM integration | 15,000 – 60,000 MAD (≈ 1,400 – 5,500 €) | Depending on the number of APIs and the quality of existing data |
| Monthly maintenance | 1,500 – 8,000 MAD / month (≈ 140 – 730 €) | Updates, backups, security patches, support |
| Technical audit and performance rebuild | 6,000 – 20,000 MAD (≈ 550 – 1,800 €) | Often the first step before a complete redesign |
Indicative ranges for the Moroccan market in 2026, excluding tax. Prices vary with scope and provider.
Mistakes to avoid
- Starting development without written requirements or approved wireframes
- Choosing a technology because it is trendy, without checking that the provider and your team can maintain it
- Underestimating mobile testing and security fixes
- Accepting a non-transferable site: code, domain name and hosting must stay in your name
- Forgetting maintenance after delivery: security updates are essential
- Budgeting 100 % for building and 0 % for operations and improvements
Frequently asked questions
Custom or CMS for a showcase site?
For a classic showcase site, a CMS (WordPress, Webflow) is often faster and less costly, because content updates stay in your hands. Custom becomes relevant when you have specific features, business integrations or a strong performance requirement.
What is the difference between a website and a web application?
A website distributes information to a broad public. A web application exposes features and data to identified users: client area, order tracking, case management. It requires more work on roles, security and databases.
How long does web development take?
A showcase site takes 3 to 6 weeks, a CMS site 2 to 4 weeks, and a business application 3 to 9 months depending on complexity. These timelines assume content and approvals are provided at the right time.
Who should own the source code?
You. Require in the contract the delivery of the code, ownership of the domain name and access to hosting and third-party service accounts. Without that, changing provider can cost you the entire site.
Will the site be optimised for Google and AI?
Development should include: clean tags, fast rendering, structured data, sitemap, redirects and text-readable pages. That is what allows Google and AI engines to understand and cite your pages.
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