The verdict in three sentences
For an Amsterdam recruitment agency, a premium brochure site with a jobs area and applications costs 7,000 to 16,000 EUR excl. tax in 2026, ATS integration included. The real question is not budget but template versus custom: the first is fast, the second differentiates your employer brand for the long run. A conversion-focused site typically delivers +25 % qualified applications.
Template or custom: the comparison
A recruitment agency sells on its brand and candidate experience. The template versus custom choice commits your image for 3 to 4 years.
| Criterion | Template | Custom |
|---|---|---|
| Budget (EUR excl. tax) | 7,000 - 10,000 | 11,000 - 16,000 |
| Timeline | 6 - 8 wk | 8 - 10 wk |
| Differentiation | Low | Strong |
| ATS integration | Standard | Deep |
| Scalability | Limited | High |
| Lifespan | 2 - 3 years | 4 years |
A template suits an agency starting out; custom becomes essential once the employer brand turns into a commercial argument.
What the site must integrate
A high-performing recruitment site links jobs, applications and the core tool. Here are the building blocks to cost and their impact.
| Feature | Indicative budget (EUR excl. tax) | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Dynamic jobs area | 1,500 - 3,000 | Self-service updates |
| Application form | 800 - 1,800 | Simplified CV upload |
| ATS integration | 1,500 - 4,000 | No double entry |
| Job / sector pages | 1,000 - 2,500 | Long-tail SEO |
| Maintenance | 120 - 300 EUR/month | Availability |
ATS integration is the line that separates a real recruitment site from a plain brochure: it removes re-keying and speeds up processing.
Mini case study
Thomas, who runs an Amsterdam recruitment agency (14 consultants), invests 13,000 EUR excl. tax in a custom site with ATS integration. Before: 60 applications/month, 12 qualified, entered by hand (about 15 h/month). After: +25 % qualified applications, i.e. 15/month, and above all zero re-keying, saving 15 h a month. At a loaded cost of 45 EUR/h, that is 675 EUR/month, or 8,100 EUR/year: ATS automation alone pays back over 60 % of the site in year one, before any gain on placements.
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FAQ
What is an ATS integration and why is it key?
An ATS is the agency's application-management software. Integrating it with the site avoids double entry: every application lands directly in the core tool, ready to process.
Is a template enough for a premium agency?
To start, yes. But once the employer brand becomes an argument against competitors, custom delivers differentiation a template cannot offer.
How long to launch the site?
Between 6 and 10 weeks depending on the level of customisation and the depth of ATS integration. The jobs area and form are the fastest blocks.
Does the site improve application quality?
Yes: a clear journey, targeted job pages and an optimised form attract more relevant profiles, hence the +25 % qualified applications observed.
What maintenance budget should I plan?
Between 120 and 300 EUR/month for updates, security and jobs-area changes. It is essential for a site handling candidate data.
Let's scope your project. Tell us your current ATS, your volume of published jobs and your indicative budget. 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.
