The verdict in three sentences
For a Zurich executive search firm placing senior industrial and luxury executives, the website is not a mass acquisition channel but a credibility asset: around 60% of executives check the website before a first meeting. A premium 5-page site at CHF 9,000-15,000, including German and English versions, covers the essentials in 6 to 9 weeks. A confidential candidate portal at CHF 2,500-4,000 only makes sense if the firm runs more than 15 to 20 active mandates a year; below that, a secure form is enough.
The features that matter for a search firm
An executive considering a mandate for a plant director or a retail director looks for three signals: specialisation, method and discretion. Senior candidates look for confidentiality and quality mandates.
| Feature | Role for the firm | Essential? | Indicative 2026 budget |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expertise pages (industry, luxury, functions) | Prove sector specialisation | Yes | Included in premium site |
| Method and commitment page | Steps, timelines (8 to 12 weeks per mandate), replacement guarantee | Yes | Included |
| Partner profiles | Background, sectors, languages, professional photo | Yes | Photo shoot CHF 800 to 1,500 |
| Second language (EN or FR) | International groups and Romandy clients | Yes if clients beyond German-speaking Switzerland | CHF 1,500 to 2,500 |
| Secure candidate form | Encrypted CV upload, consent capture | Yes | CHF 500 to 1,100 |
| Confidential candidate portal | Application tracking, restricted confidential roles | Depends on volume | CHF 2,500 to 4,000 |
| Insights and publications | Salary studies, executive market trends | Recommended | CHF 300 to 600 per article |
The method page is often the most read page after the home page. Stating the average mandate duration, the fee structure (typically 25 to 33% of the role's annual gross package, paid in thirds) and the replacement guarantee reassures an executive who has never used a search firm.
Budget options: from premium site to full setup
| Package | Content | 2026 budget (estimate) | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Premium essential | 5 pages DE, bespoke design, secure form | CHF 9,000 to 11,000 | 6 weeks |
| Premium bilingual | 5 pages DE + EN, partner profiles, photo shoot | CHF 11,000 to 15,000 | 7 to 8 weeks |
| Premium bilingual + candidate portal | Everything above + confidential portal | CHF 13,500 to 19,000 | 8 to 9 weeks |
| Secure Swiss or EU hosting | Candidate data hosted in Switzerland or the EU | CHF 25 to 60 per month | Recurring |
| Maintenance | Updates, backups, monitoring | CHF 100 to 200 per month | Recurring |
For a firm handling data on employed candidates, Swiss or EU hosting, CV encryption and a clear retention policy (for example 24 months with consent) are the expected minimum under the revised Federal Act on Data Protection (nFADP), and under GDPR for candidates based in the EU.
Mini case study
Claudia, founder of an executive search firm in Zurich (illustrative persona), picks the premium bilingual package at CHF 13,000, plus CHF 40 a month for hosting and CHF 140 a month for maintenance, so 13,000 + (180 x 24) = CHF 17,320 over two years.
A plant director mandate with a CHF 220,000 annual package, at 30% fees, brings the firm CHF 66,000. If the site plays a decisive role in a single mandate over two years, it pays for itself almost four times. Claudia postpones the candidate portal: with 12 active mandates a year, a secure form at CHF 700 is enough, saving about CHF 3,000.
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FAQ
How much does an executive search firm website cost in 2026?
As an estimate, CHF 9,000 to 15,000 for a premium 5-page site including a second language. A candidate portal adds CHF 2,500 to 4,000.
Should we publish roles on the site?
Confidential mandates must never appear openly, but publishing 3 to 5 non-confidential roles attracts qualified candidates. A restricted area shows sensitive roles only to vetted profiles.
What timeline for a premium bilingual site?
Allow 7 to 8 weeks, including 2 weeks of copywriting and translation. The partner photo shoot should be booked in week two.
How do we protect candidate CVs?
With encrypted upload, Swiss or EU hosting and a defined retention period, for example 24 months. Budget CHF 500 to 1,100 for a secure form compliant with the nFADP and GDPR.
Should the site also target French-speaking clients?
Yes if part of your mandates comes from Geneva or Lausanne: a French version and clear data protection wording reassure these clients. The extra cost stays around CHF 1,500 to 2,500.
Let's scope your project. Tell us your sectors, languages and yearly mandate volume: we will propose a priced premium scope, with or without a candidate portal, and a launch within 6 to 9 weeks. 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.
