What Does a Website Really Cost? Insights for Tour Operators
Ever wonder how much a new website actually costs? Maybe you got one quote for $500 and another for $20,000. That’s a HUGE difference, right?!
Well, one of the most common questions we hear is, "How much does a tour operator website cost?" The answer can vary greatly, but we’re here to tell you that a high-performing website is more than just a price tag—it's about the value it brings to your business. It’s an investment.
In this article, we’ll outline the costs and showcase the expertise, time, and effort that go into creating and maintaining a successful online presence. Let’s break it down.
Why website costs can vary
Getting a clear website quote can sometimes feel like solving a mystery. Many companies toss out figures without explaining what’s included, leaving you with more questions than answers. Here’s why pricing varies: every business is unique. The truth is, the size of the site, the level of customization, and special features all influence the cost.
For instance, while a basic website might cost under $1,000, ask yourself:
- Will it reflect your brand accurately?
- Will it be optimized for search engines?
- Will it effectively connect with your target customers?
If the answer is no, that “cheap” website could cost you more in lost opportunities than it’s worth. At ResmarkWeb, we focus on creating tailored, high-quality websites that deliver results—no cookie-cutter solutions here.
So, we’re going to be completely candid with you and share our costs honestly, so you can make an informed comparison with others!
Website + SEO: where the magic happens
Up to 50 Pages
- Setup Cost: $950
- Monthly Cost: $1,350
50+ Pages
- Setup Cost: $1,150
- Monthly Cost: $1,550
100+ Pages
- Setup Cost: $1,350
- Monthly Cost: $1,750
A website is only as good as its visibility. Without a strong SEO foundation, even the most beautiful website might never reach your target audience. Here’s what our Website + SEO package includes:
- Technical SEO Fixes: Optimizing site speed, mobile usability, and indexing to ensure your site meets search engine standards. These fixes make your site user-friendly and prevent penalties from search engines, directly impacting your rankings.
- Monthly Reports: We provide detailed insights into your site’s performance, including traffic, rankings, and actionable improvements. Understanding what’s working empowers you to make informed decisions.
- Content Optimization: Ensuring your pages are engaging, valuable, and aligned with search intent. Optimized content not only ranks higher but also resonates with visitors, turning them into direct bookings.
- Link Building: Establishing authority through high-quality backlinks from reputable sources. This boosts your site’s credibility, making it more likely to appear in top search results.
- Google Business Profile (GBP) Optimization: Enhancing your local visibility so you appear in searches for nearby services. This is crucial for capturing local customers ready to book.
- Business Directory Submissions: Making sure your business is listed in key directories helps your SEO and ensures customers can find you easily.
- GBP Posts: Regular updates to keep your profile fresh and relevant. Active profiles rank better and engage more customers.
- Monthly Strategy Meetings: Tailoring your SEO strategy to align with your evolving business goals and market trends.
See the impact our SEO services have made! Check out some of our client success stories and discover how we can help your business grow:
https://www.resmarkweb.com/our-work
Why SEO matters for direct bookings
Strong SEO ensures your website ranks high where your ideal customers are searching. The higher your site ranks, the more traffic you get, and the more likely those visitors are to convert into direct bookings. By
prioritizing SEO, you’re reducing your reliance on third-party booking platforms, saving on commissions, and building stronger brand recognition.
Why SEO is so important (and why it takes a full-time team)
SEO is the foundation of your website’s visibility. Without a solid SEO strategy, your website could remain invisible to the very customers you’re trying to reach.
When potential customers search for services or products like yours, they turn to search engines. If your website is optimized, it will appear in front of those potential customers, making it easier for them to find and engage with your business. This means your website doesn’t just exist—it’s actively driving traffic from people who are already interested in what you offer.
Strong SEO practices help:
- Increase Organic Traffic: By ranking higher in search results, your website gets more clicks, leading to more visitors, inquiries, and bookings.
- Lower Reliance on Third-Party Platforms: With effective SEO, you can reduce your dependence on third-party booking sites, saving on commission fees and maintaining control over your customer relationships.
- Target Ready-to-Book Customers: SEO is not just about traffic—it’s about attracting the right visitors. Through strategic keyword targeting and on-page optimization, SEO helps bring in customers who are ready to make a booking or purchase.
Why it takes a full-time team
SEO is not a one-time fix or something you can set up and forget. It’s an ongoing effort that involves constant analysis, adjustment, and optimization. This is why a full-time, dedicated team is essential. Here are some reasons why:
- Constant Changes in Search Engine Algorithms: Search engines like Google are always evolving. What worked last year might not work today, and new trends emerge frequently. A full-time team stays on top of these changes and ensures your site remains optimized.
- In-depth Research and Strategy: SEO requires comprehensive keyword research, content planning, competitor analysis, and long-term strategy development. This takes time, expertise, and constant refinement.
- Technical Optimization: SEO isn’t just about the content—it’s also about the technical aspects of your website. Optimizing speed, fixing broken links, ensuring mobile-friendliness, and resolving technical errors all play a critical role in your site’s performance.
- Content Development and Updates: For SEO to remain effective, your website needs fresh, high-quality content. This includes optimizing current pages and continually creating new content to engage visitors and improve rankings.
- Ongoing Monitoring and Reporting: SEO requires continuous tracking and monitoring of performance. A full-time team can regularly evaluate traffic, rankings, and conversion data, then adjust strategies as needed for maximum impact.
In short, SEO is a dynamic, full-time effort. To truly see results, businesses must invest in an experienced, dedicated team that can consistently deliver high-quality SEO strategies and adapt to the ever-changing digital landscape.
By committing to SEO with a professional team behind it, you not only grow your website’s visibility but also increase the likelihood of attracting the right customers—those who are ready to book your services.
Check out some of our Resmark team below!
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Website + SEO + Paid Ads: the complete package
Do you have a marketing budget that includes paid ads? Awesome! Let us explain the details of our website, SEO, and paid ads program. Just keep in mind that your ad spend will be in addition to our management fee (this is standard practice with most agencies).
Pricing for Website + SEO + Paid Ads:
- Google Ads Only
Setup Cost: $250
Monthly Cost: $995 - Meta (Facebook & Instagram) Ads Only
Setup Cost: $500
Monthly Cost: $995 - Google & Meta Ads
Setup Cost: $750
Monthly Cost: $1,795
Important Note: These prices for paid ads are in addition to the Website + SEO pricing listed above. So, for example, if you had a 45-page website with ongoing SEO and both Google and Meta ads, your total would be:
$1,700 setup, $3,145 monthly.
What’s included? Everything in Website + SEO, plus:
- Google Ads Management: Target potential customers actively searching for your services.
- Facebook Ads Management: Engage with audiences on the world’s largest social media platform.
- Weekly Optimizations: Ensure your campaigns stay effective and cost-efficient.
- Ad Copywriting: Craft compelling messages that drive clicks and conversions.
- A/B Testing: Refine ads for optimal performance.
- Keyword Research: Pinpoint the terms that will bring you the most valuable traffic.
Website only pricing
If you’re just looking for a professional, well-designed website without SEO or paid ads, we’ve got you covered.
Prices starting at $8,000
Please note, with all programs, we ask for a 60% deposit upfront, which kickstarts our onboarding process where we learn about your business and goals.
Why you might not choose us
While we pride ourselves on providing high-quality, results-driven services, we may not be the right fit for every tour operator. If your priorities include working with a DIY approach, seeking a budget solution, or looking for a short-term fix, our services may not align with your needs. We focus on helping businesses grow over the long term.
Why choose ResmarkWeb?
Picking the right partner for your website and digital marketing is a big decision. Here’s why our clients trust us:
- Dedicated Expertise: Work with a Client Success Manager who understands your business inside and out.
- Custom Designs: We don’t do templates. Your site will reflect your brand and connect with your audience.
- Ongoing Support: From hosting to minor edits, we’ll keep your site running smoothly.
- SEO That Works: Our in-house team ensures your site performs, not just looks good.
Let the reviews speak for themselves!
"Resmark knocks it out of the park! We enlisted their team to redesign our website and take over our digital marketing/SEO management. I was immediately drawn to their unbeatable customer service and responsiveness...truly top-notch. Our website is absolutely beautiful and I couldn't be happier. And every team member I work with has proven to be exceedingly knowledgeable, experienced, and extremely competent. Their tours and activities industry focus was a big draw for me and they clearly show that they know exactly what they're doing. Resmark is an outstanding company to work with!" - Dave, Four Season Guides
"We switched to Resmark this year and it's allowed us to take our online presence next level! Not only were they proactive in designing an exceptional website that met our needs, they were truly invested in making sure it reflected who we are in a manner that would help drive business. And Resmark's online booking software has proven to be equally beneficial, both in terms of customer-facing utility and internal efficiencies. Thanks Resmark!" - Scott Fisher, NOLI
"We love Resmark! We are a remote fishing lodge in Alaska. We use Resmark for our booking software, email & POS. They're quick to respond, and very easy to work with! Highly recommend!!" - Mishon Jewkes
"I came to Resmarkweb / Resmarksystems because they are known for creating beautiful travel sites and they did not disappoint. In addition, they built the backend of my site where clients can seamlessly select what they are interested in. No matter how many changes or additions I needed done going live, they were made without hesitation. I’m so happy with my site that I plan on working with them again to create travel sites for agents who join Drink That Eat This Travels by Kisha as a host agency. Again, thank you so much for all you’ve done. Drink That Eat This Travels by Kisha has surpassed and exceeded all my expectations." - Kisha Reynlds
Let’s build something amazing
At ResmarkWeb, we’re committed to helping businesses succeed online. Whether you’re interested in our full Website + SEO + Paid Ads package or starting with a professional website, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
Ready to get started? Reach out for a free consultation, and let’s create a digital presence that drives results.
Still not convinced that you should work with ResmarkWeb? Check out this blog to help you understand why you should hire an expert to build your tourism website.
