There is no single price for a small business website, because "a website" can mean a five-page brochure or a store with customer accounts. This guide explains what drives the cost and the common ways agencies charge, so you can compare quotes fairly.
What drives the price
- Number and type of pages. A home page, services, about and contact page is far simpler than a site with galleries, a blog and area pages.
- Custom design vs a template. Custom design takes more time; a well-chosen template is faster but looks more alike.
- Features. A contact form is simple. Online booking, payments, customer logins, calculators or integrations add real work.
- Content. Someone has to write the text and prepare the photos. If you supply it, cost drops; if the developer writes it, cost rises.
- Ongoing needs. Hosting, security updates, backups and edits all take continuing time, whether or not you see them.
Common pricing models
One-time fee. You pay once for the build, then pay separately for hosting and any changes. It is predictable up front, but check what happens when something breaks or needs updating a year later.
Monthly plan. You pay a recurring fee that covers hosting, maintenance and often small updates. The upfront cost is low, but you are paying every month, so look at the total over two or three years and at what you own if you leave.
Hourly or project-based. Common for custom software or larger changes. Ask for an estimate range and what triggers extra charges.
Questions to ask before you hire
- What exactly is included: pages, design, forms, writing, photos?
- What does hosting cost, and is it included?
- Who handles security updates and backups?
- How are changes handled after launch, and are they included or billed?
- Who owns the domain name and the site content? Your domain should be registered in your name.
- What happens if you want to leave?
- How long will it take, and what do you need to provide?
Watch for
- A very low price with unclear hosting or maintenance terms.
- No written scope.
- Pressure to sign before you have seen what is included.
- Domains registered in the developer's name instead of yours.
Our approach
For small businesses we offer $0 upfront development cost and $50 per month, which covers hosting and maintenance. In-depth features and upgrades may cost extra and are quoted separately. The business is responsible for finding and purchasing its own domain name. We work in your domain account as an added admin (you invite us), so you keep ownership. Details are on our services page, and you can ask us a question with no obligation.