How much does a website cost?
It's the question I get asked more than any other. The honest answer is: it depends. Here's what it depends on, so you know what to expect.
I get asked this a lot. Usually it's one of the very first questions in a consultation, and it's a completely fair one. You're planning a budget, and you want to know what you're getting into.
The honest answer is that it all depends on the site. A website is a lot like a house: a cozy two-bedroom and a five-bedroom with a pool are both “a house,” but nobody would expect them to cost the same. Here's what makes the biggest difference.
1. The size of the site
The number of pages is the biggest factor. A simple site with a home, about, services, and contact page is a very different project from one with a separate page for every service, location, or product. Every page needs to be designed, built, filled with content, and tested on phones, tablets, and desktops.
2. What it needs to do
Functionality is where costs can really change. Some sites are mainly there to tell people who you are and how to reach you. Others need to:
- Sell products online, with a store, checkout, shipping, and inventory
- Take bookings or appointments
- Accept payments or donations
- Handle registrations for events or classes
- Connect to other tools you already use, like your email marketing platform, scheduling software, or CRM
Each of these adds setup, testing, and sometimes ongoing fees from the service that powers it.
3. Forms
A basic contact form is simple. But many businesses need more: quote requests with several steps, job applications with file uploads, intake forms, or forms that send different answers to different people. The more a form needs to do, the more time it takes to build it so it works reliably.
4. Content and photos
Do you already have the words and photos for your site, or do you need help writing pages, choosing stock images, or organizing what you have? Content is often the part people forget to plan for, and it's one of the most common reasons projects slow down.
5. Custom design vs. a starting point
A fully custom design built around your brand takes more time than adapting an existing layout. Both can look great. It comes down to how unique you want your site to feel and how much it needs to stand apart from competitors.
6. Ongoing costs
The build is only part of the picture. Every website also has some ongoing costs to plan for:
- Domain name, renewed every year
- Hosting, where your website lives
- Business email, if you want you@yourbusiness.com
- Plugins or apps that power specific features
- Maintenance: updates, backups, security, and changes after launch
Tip: when you compare quotes from different designers, ask what's included. A lower price that leaves out content, forms, mobile testing, or support after launch can end up costing more in the long run.
So, what will your website cost?
The best way to find out is to talk it through. In a free consultation, we'll go over what your business needs, how big the site should be, and what it has to do. Then I'll give you a clear quote with no surprises, so you know exactly what you're getting before we start.