The verdict in three sentences
A brochure site is not a one-off cost: its annual upkeep is worth 10 to 20 % of the build cost, i.e. EUR 1,000 to 3,000 per year for a site at EUR 10,000-15,000. On top come hosting (EUR 25-120/month), domain and SSL (EUR 50-150/year) and a fixes budget at a EUR 550 day rate. Also plan a redesign every 3-4 years: the real number to manage is the total cost of ownership (TCO) over 4 years, not the initial quote.
The recurring cost items
A finance director budgets poorly when only looking at the build. Here are the real annual items of a B2B brochure site in Dublin in 2026.
| Item | 2026 annual range | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Maintenance | EUR 1,000-3,000 | 10-20 % of build cost |
| Hosting | EUR 300-1,440 | EUR 25-120/month by perf |
| Domain name | EUR 12-40 | Annual renewal |
| SSL certificate | EUR 0-150 | Free (Let's Encrypt) to EV |
| Fixes/evolutions | EUR 550-2,200 | 1-4 days at EUR 550/day |
| Off-site backups | EUR 60-300 | By volume and retention |
| Total recurring | EUR 1,900-7,100 | Excluding redesign |
A standard brochure site settles around EUR 2,000 to 3,500 per year in recurring cost. The high end applies to high-traffic sites or premium hosting.
A 4-year budget model
TCO changes the buying decision. Here is a model for a brochure site built for EUR 12,000, with EUR 2,500/year recurring and a light redesign in year 4.
| Year | Build/Redesign | Recurring | Year total | Cumulative |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | EUR 12,000 | EUR 2,500 | EUR 14,500 | EUR 14,500 |
| Year 2 | EUR 0 | EUR 2,500 | EUR 2,500 | EUR 17,000 |
| Year 3 | EUR 0 | EUR 2,800 | EUR 2,800 | EUR 19,800 |
| Year 4 | EUR 5,000 | EUR 2,800 | EUR 7,800 | EUR 27,600 |
| 4-year TCO | EUR 17,000 | EUR 10,600 | EUR 27,600 | - |
The build cost therefore represents only 62 % of the 4-year TCO. A lower but poorly designed quote (technical debt, early redesign) can end up costing more than a well-built site.
How to cut recurring cost without risk
Four levers: pick a mainstream CMS (less debt, simple updates); right-size hosting to real traffic rather than over-provisioning; batch evolutions into quarterly releases rather than one-offs; automate backups rather than paying for manual ones. Conversely, never cut corners on security: the cost of an incident always exceeds the saving.
Mini case study
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Sophie, finance director of a digital services SME in Dublin, weighs two quotes: a EUR 8,000 site on an exotic CMS, and a EUR 12,000 site on a mainstream CMS. Over 4 years, the first forces a redesign as early as year 3 (technical debt) with EUR 3,500/year recurring: estimated TCO EUR 26,500. The second lasts 4 years with EUR 2,500/year recurring and a light EUR 5,000 redesign at cycle end: TCO EUR 27,000 but two extra years of uninterrupted traffic. She chooses the second: the TCO is nearly identical but commercial performance and stability justify the gap.
FAQ
How much does annual upkeep of a brochure site cost?
Budget 10 to 20 % of the build cost, i.e. EUR 1,000 to 3,000 per year for a site at EUR 10,000-15,000. With hosting and fixes, total recurring runs around EUR 2,000 to 3,500 per year.
How much is hosting in 2026?
From EUR 25 to 120 per month depending on required performance, i.e. EUR 300 to 1,440 per year. A moderate-traffic brochure site often needs only the low end.
How often should a site be rebuilt?
A partial or full redesign should be planned every 3-4 years: ageing design, evolving SEO and browser standards, technical debt. Budget for it in advance.
Why think in 4-year TCO?
Because the build is only about 60 % of the real cost. A low but poorly designed quote can cost more in use than a well-built site with controlled recurring cost.
Can recurring cost be reduced?
Yes: mainstream CMS, hosting sized to real traffic, evolutions grouped quarterly, automated backups. Never cut corners on security.
Let's scope your project. Send us your current site or brief and your budget horizon; we will model the 4-year TCO and a fitting maintenance retainer. Detailed quote within 48 h. WhatsApp +221 77 596 93 33.
Mohamed Bah
Fondateur, Kolonell
Passionate about digital and entrepreneurship in Africa, Mohamed has been helping Sénégalese businesses with their digital transformation since 2020. Founder of Kolonell, he believes every SME deserves a professional and accessible online présence.
