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How Much Does a Website Really Cost for Small Businesses?

Author profile Xavier Masse
Published on         Updated on

The question “How much does a website cost?” is one of the most common questions we hear from small business owners. The answer isn’t simple—website costs vary dramatically based on your needs, goals, and approach. In 2025, the landscape has evolved significantly with new subscription models, AI integration, and changing consumer expectations.

This comprehensive guide breaks down real website costs, hidden fees to watch out for, and helps you choose the right approach for your business and budget. Looking for design agencies? Check our San Diego web design company guide.

Website Cost Breakdown by Approach

DIY Website Builders

Cost Range: $16–$139/month + $0–$500 setup

Best for: Simple businesses, tight budgets, basic online presence

Popular Platforms:

  • Wix: $16–$45/month
  • Squarespace: $12–$40/month
  • Weebly: $6–$26/month
  • GoDaddy Website Builder: $9.99–$19.99/month

Pros:

  • Low upfront cost
  • Easy to use
  • Built-in templates
  • No technical knowledge required

Cons:

  • Limited customization
  • Poor SEO optimization
  • Platform lock-in
  • Limited scalability

Freelancer Development

Cost Range: $500–$5,000 one-time + $0–$200/month maintenance

Best for: Custom needs, specific requirements, budget-conscious projects

Typical Rates:

  • Junior developers: $25–$50/hour
  • Mid-level developers: $50–$100/hour
  • Senior developers: $100–$200/hour

Pros:

  • Custom solutions
  • Direct communication
  • Flexible pricing
  • Personal attention

Cons:

  • Variable quality
  • Limited ongoing support
  • Single point of failure
  • Longer timelines

Agency Development

Cost Range: $3,000–$50,000+ one-time + $200–$2,000/month maintenance

Best for: Professional businesses, complex requirements, ongoing support needs

Typical Pricing:

  • Small business sites: $3,000–$10,000
  • E-commerce sites: $10,000–$25,000
  • Enterprise solutions: $25,000–$100,000+

Pros:

  • Professional quality
  • Comprehensive support
  • Team expertise
  • Proven processes

Cons:

  • Higher upfront cost
  • Longer development time
  • Less personal attention
  • Potential for scope creep

Subscription Models (Website-as-a-Service)

Cost Range: $165–$500/month all-inclusive

Best for: Growing businesses, predictable budgets, ongoing optimization

Popular Services:

  • ** Oui Digital:** $165–$300/month
  • Webflow: $12–$35/month (hosting extra)
  • WordPress.com Business: $25–$45/month

Pros:

  • No large upfront investment
  • Ongoing optimization
  • Regular updates
  • Predictable costs

Cons:

  • Ongoing monthly cost
  • Platform dependency
  • Less customization control

Hidden Website Costs to Watch Out For

Domain and Hosting

  • Domain registration: $10–$15/year
  • Domain renewal: $10–$15/year
  • Hosting: $3–$50/month
  • SSL certificate: $0–$200/year (often included)

Design and Development Extras

  • Custom graphics: $200–$2,000
  • Stock photos: $10–$500
  • Premium themes: $50–$200
  • Custom functionality: $500–$5,000+

Ongoing Maintenance

  • Security updates: $50–$200/month
  • Content updates: $25–$100/hour
  • Backup services: $5–$50/month
  • Performance monitoring: $10–$100/month

Marketing and SEO

  • SEO optimization: $500–$2,000/month
  • Google Ads setup: $500–$2,000
  • Analytics setup: $200–$1,000
  • Social media integration: $200–$1,000

Website Cost Calculator

Basic Business Website (5-10 pages)

  • DIY Builder: $192–$1,668/year
  • Freelancer: $1,000–$3,000 one-time + $600–$2,400/year
  • Agency: $3,000–$8,000 one-time + $2,400–$4,800/year
  • Subscription: $1,788–$3,300/year

E-commerce Website

  • DIY Builder: $600–$2,400/year + transaction fees
  • Freelancer: $3,000–$8,000 one-time + $1,200–$3,600/year
  • Agency: $8,000–$20,000 one-time + $3,600–$7,200/year
  • Subscription: $2,400–$6,000/year

Professional Service Website

  • DIY Builder: $300–$1,200/year
  • Freelancer: $2,000–$5,000 one-time + $1,200–$2,400/year
  • Agency: $5,000–$12,000 one-time + $2,400–$4,800/year
  • Subscription: $1,788–$3,300/year

Factors That Affect Website Cost

1. Number of Pages

  • 1-5 pages: Base cost
  • 6-15 pages: +$50–$200 per page
  • 16+ pages: +$100–$500 per page

2. Custom Design Requirements

  • Template-based: Lower cost
  • Custom design: +$1,000–$5,000
  • Brand integration: +$500–$2,000

3. Functionality Complexity

  • Basic contact forms: Included
  • E-commerce: +$2,000–$10,000
  • User accounts: +$1,000–$5,000
  • Custom integrations: +$500–$5,000 each

4. Content Management

  • Static pages: Lower cost
  • Blog functionality: +$500–$2,000
  • Multi-language: +$1,000–$3,000
  • User-generated content: +$2,000–$10,000

5. Performance Requirements

  • Basic hosting: Included
  • CDN setup: +$100–$500
  • Performance optimization: +$500–$2,000
  • Advanced caching: +$200–$1,000

ROI: Is a Website Worth the Investment?

Revenue Impact

  • 3x more leads for businesses with websites
  • 81% of consumers research businesses online before purchasing
  • 46% of Google searches are for local businesses
  • $2.75 return for every $1 spent on web presence

Cost of Not Having a Website

  • Lost credibility with potential customers
  • Missed local search opportunities
  • Competitive disadvantage in digital marketplace
  • Limited growth potential without online presence

Choosing the Right Approach for Your Business

Start with DIY If:

  • Budget is under $1,000
  • Simple business model
  • Basic online presence needed
  • Time to learn the platform

Choose Freelancer If:

  • Custom requirements
  • Budget $1,000–$5,000
  • Specific technical needs
  • Direct communication preferred

Go with Agency If:

  • Professional image critical
  • Complex functionality needed
  • Budget $5,000+
  • Ongoing support required

Consider Subscription If:

  • Predictable monthly budget
  • Ongoing optimization needed
  • Growing business
  • Want professional results without large upfront cost

AI Integration

  • Chatbots: +$200–$1,000 setup
  • AI content generation: +$50–$200/month
  • Personalization: +$500–$2,000 setup

Advanced Security

  • Enhanced SSL: +$100–$500/year
  • Security monitoring: +$50–$200/month
  • Compliance features: +$500–$2,000

Performance Optimization

  • Core Web Vitals focus: +$500–$2,000
  • Advanced caching: +$200–$1,000
  • CDN optimization: +$100–$500

Getting the Best Value for Your Money

1. Define Your Goals

  • What do you want the website to accomplish?
  • Who is your target audience?
  • What functionality do you need?

2. Get Multiple Quotes

  • Compare at least 3 different providers
  • Ask for detailed breakdowns
  • Understand what’s included

3. Consider Long-term Costs

  • Factor in maintenance and updates
  • Plan for growth and scaling
  • Budget for marketing and SEO

4. Ask the Right Questions

  • What’s included in the price?
  • What are the ongoing costs?
  • What happens after launch?
  • How are updates handled?

Conclusion

Website costs vary widely based on your approach, requirements, and long-term goals. While DIY builders offer the lowest upfront cost, they often lack the professional polish and SEO optimization that drives real business results.

For most small businesses, the sweet spot is either:

  • Freelancer development ($2,000–$5,000) for custom needs
  • Subscription models ($165–$300/month) for ongoing optimization

The key is to choose an approach that fits your budget while delivering the results you need to grow your business. Remember, a website is an investment in your business’s future—choose wisely.

Ready to get started? Contact us for a free consultation and custom quote based on your specific needs and budget. Also explore our pricing plans and website launch checklist.

All pricing information is current as of 2026 and may vary based on location, complexity, and specific requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about this topic.

  • It depends on your needs. DIY builders range from $16–$139/month, static sites cost $1,500–$6,000, and advanced or e-commerce sites can exceed $10,000. In 2026, subscription models starting at $165/month are becoming increasingly popular as they offer professional design with no upfront costs.

  • Absolutely. Small businesses with websites see 3x more leads than those without. With 81% of consumers researching businesses online before purchasing and 46% of Google searches being local business inquiries, a professional website is essential for credibility and growth in 2026.

  • The average cost varies by approach: freelancers charge $500–$5,000, agencies range from $3,000–$15,000, and subscription models cost $165–$500/month. Most small businesses invest between $1,000–$5,000 for a professional website that meets their needs.

  • Yes, for many small businesses. Subscription models (Website-as-a-Service) offer lower upfront costs, regular updates, and built-in support—often starting around $165/month. With 63% of consumers preferring monthly payments, this model provides better cash flow management and ongoing value.

  • A 50-page website typically costs $10,000–$25,000+ for custom development, or $15,000–$50,000 through an agency. For subscription models, expect $400–$800/month. Add approximately $100–$200 per page beyond standard packages for extensive sites.

  • Don't forget hosting renewals, domain fees, premium plugins, ongoing maintenance, and security features like SSL. These can add $145–$640+ per year. Maintenance alone can range from $5 to $5,000/month depending on scope. AI integration and advanced security features can add $200–$500 monthly in 2026.

  • Reasonable pricing depends on complexity: $1,000–$3,000 for basic sites, $3,000–$10,000 for professional sites with custom features, and $10,000+ for advanced e-commerce or enterprise sites. Subscription models at $165–$300/month offer professional quality without large upfront investments.

  • As a service provider, charge based on value delivered: $75–$125/hour for development, $1,500–$6,000 for static sites, or $165–$500/month for subscription models. Factor in ongoing support, as 74% of small businesses invest in SEO and require regular updates.

  • Freelancers can be cost-effective for smaller projects ($500–$5,000), while agencies often offer broader support, faster turnarounds, and bundled services ($3,000–$15,000+). Subscription services provide agency-level quality with freelancer-level pricing and ongoing support.

  • Absolutely. Platforms like Wix or Squarespace are great for tight budgets ($16–$139/month). Just be aware of limitations in scalability, SEO optimization, and customization. Many businesses start DIY then upgrade to professional solutions as they grow.

  • Budget $145–$640+ annually for basic upkeep (hosting, domains, essential updates), plus $1,000–$3,000 for improvements and marketing optimization. Subscription models starting at $1,788/year often provide better value by including all maintenance and support.

  • Web designers typically charge $75–$125 per hour in 2026, though rates vary based on experience, location, and project scope. Specialists in areas like e-commerce or AI integration may charge $100–$200/hour for advanced implementations.