Working Websites

Author

Tony Venables

In today’s digital-first world, a well-designed website is more than a business card—it’s your storefront, brand ambassador, and 24/7 salesperson.

But if you’re a small business owner asking, “How much to design a website for my small business?”, the answer can range widely depending on your needs, goals, and budget. Below, we’ll break down the factors that contribute to pricing, explore real examples, and give you cost-saving tips so you get the best value for your money.

Understanding Small Business Website Design Costs

Why Website Design is an Investment, Not Just an Expense

A professional website builds trust, improves visibility, and can generate revenue for years. Treating it as an investment means you’re focusing on long-term returns—such as more customers and higher sales—rather than just upfront costs.

Factors That Influence Website Design Pricing

• Complexity of the design – A simple 3-page site costs less than a fully interactive e-commerce platform.

• Customisation – Tailor-made designs are more expensive than templates.

• Features and functionality – Booking systems, online payments, or live chat increase development costs.

• Designer’s experience – Experienced designers charge more, but often deliver better quality and faster timelines.

Types of Small Business Websites and Their Cost Ranges

Basic Informational Website

• Purpose: Showcase your business, services, and contact details.

• Cost Range: $1,000 – $2,500. Ideal for start-ups or local businesses wanting an online presence without complex features.

E-commerce Store

• Purpose: Sell products online with integrated payment systems.

• Cost Range: $2,000 – $10,000+ depending on catalogue size and features.

Service-Based Website with Booking Features

• Purpose: Allow clients to schedule services online.

• Cost Range: $1,500 – $5,000.

Custom-Built Websites vs. Template-Based Sites

• Template-Based: Faster and cheaper, starting at $900.

• Custom-Built: Unique designs tailored to your brand, starting at $2,500.

Website Design Pricing Models

Hourly Rates for Web Designers

Most freelance designers charge $45 – $180 per hour depending on location and expertise.

Fixed-Price Website Packages

Design agencies often offer bundled pricing—ideal for predictable budgeting.

Retainer or Subscription Models

Some designers offer ongoing services for $100 – $500/month including updates, hosting, and small changes.

Additional Costs Beyond Design

Domain Name and Hosting

Expect $10 – $20/year for a .com.au or .au domain and $150 – $1,000/year for hosting depending on the technical requirements of your website like disk space, bandwidth, speed, single server or CDN delivery.

Content Creation and Copywriting

Professional copywriting runs $50 – $200 per page.

SEO and Digital Marketing Integration

SEO setup costs range from $300 – $1,500 for small businesses.

Ongoing Maintenance and Updates

Budget $50 – $200/month for regular updates and security checks if your website is going to be hosted on a platform like Wordpress which requires regular updates for plugins. If your website is built on a fully hosted platform the maintenance costs will be built in to the hosting fee.

DIY or hire a Professional Designer?

Pros and Cons of DIY 

• Pros: Lower cost, template based design.

• Cons: Limited customisation, possible hidden fees, less scalability, requires a lot more of your time and skills you may not possess.

When to Hire a Professional Designer

When brand uniqueness, performance, and long-term growth are priorities, hiring a professional is worth it.

How to Save Money Without Sacrificing Quality

Negotiating with Designers

Many designers can adjust packages to fit your budget.

Scale Your Approach

Select only the features you need at launch; add more later.

Real-World Examples of Website Design Costs

Case Study: Local Electrician

A small coffee shop paid $1,500 for a stylish 5-page site with menu and contact form.

Case Study: Small Online Health Store

A boutique spent $8,000 on a custom Shopify store with integrated inventory management.

FAQs About Website Design Costs for Small Businesses

Q1: Can I build a website for free? Yes, but free plans are limited, often with ads and restricted features.

Q2: How long does it take to design a website? Anywhere from 2 weeks for a small site to 3+ months for a complex build.

Q3: Is it worth paying for SEO at the start? Yes, SEO is key to making your website discoverable from day one.

Q4: Should I choose a freelancer or agency? Freelancers can be cheaper; agencies offer more resources, expertise and long term support.

Q5: Do I need to pay for updates after launch? Yes, ongoing updates are essential for security and performance.

Q6: Can I upgrade my website later? Absolutely—most platforms allow adding new features as you grow.

Final Thoughts on Website Design Pricing in 2025

Investing in a website is one of the most impactful decisions you can make for your small business. While costs vary, understanding your needs, budgeting smartly, and working with the right designer ensures you get a site that drives growth without breaking the bank.

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