How Much Should a Small Business Website Cost?

The first question almost everyone asks me is "how much does a website cost?" It is also the question most web companies dodge. They want to get you on a call before they say a number. I am going to do the opposite and give it to you straight.

Why is it so hard to get a straight price?

Two reasons. First, custom work really does vary, so some shops hide their pricing because the honest answer is "it depends." Second, plenty of companies use the low price to hook you, then add fees later. Builders advertise a cheap monthly rate and then nickel-and-dime you for the features you actually need. None of that helps you plan.

What should you actually expect to pay?

Here is the real range for a small business:

• A do-it-yourself builder (Wix, Squarespace): low monthly fee, but you pay with your time and you live with the limits.

• A freelancer: all over the map, from a few hundred dollars to several thousand, depending on who you get.

• A custom shop like ours: design starts at $3,000, then $750 a year covers unlimited updates, maintenance, hosting, and security. Most of our clients land right at those two numbers.

Why do prices vary so much?

A bigger site costs more than a small one. More pages, special features, online booking, or selling products all add work. That is normal. What is not normal is being surprised by it. We tell you the exact number up front, before you commit, so the price you hear is the price you pay.

What should be included, and what should you watch out for?

Before you sign with anyone, get clear answers on these:

• Do you own the site, or are you renting it from a platform?

• Is hosting included, or is it a separate bill?

• Do updates cost extra, and how fast do they happen?

• Are there any percentages or hidden fees? Some companies take a cut of your sales. We never have.

With us, you own your site, and the $750 a year includes unlimited updates, maintenance, and hosting, so there is no separate bill and no update fee.

How we price, and why we publish it

Our pricing is two simple numbers, and it is right there on the pricing page for anyone to see. That is the whole point of our transparent-pricing guarantee. As I tell folks, ninety-nine percent of the time you will have your quote before we get off the phone, and you will never get a surprise bill from us. I hate surprise bills, and that is just how we work.

If you want a real number for your business, tell us what you have in mind and we will give you an honest quote, no pressure.

Common questions

Why does a custom site cost more than Wix?

Because it is built for your business instead of pulled from a template, it loads faster, it is easier to find on search, and you own it. Over time, that pays off more than a cheap monthly rate.

Are there ongoing costs?

Yes, but only one: $750 a year, all in. That covers unlimited updates, maintenance, hosting, and security.

Will my price go up later?

No. We do not do surprise increases. The number we quote is the number.