Most small businesses should expect to pay roughly $1,500 to $6,000 for a professionally built 5 to 10 page website, plus a small monthly cost for hosting. DIY builders cost less upfront but more of your time, and agencies often start around $10,000. The right number depends on what the site has to do, not how many pages it has.
I get asked this on almost every first call, usually right after someone tells me a quote they got that felt either suspiciously cheap or wildly expensive. Here's how I'd think about it if I were in your seat.
The three ways to get a website, and what each really costs
| Option | Typical upfront cost | Ongoing | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Do it yourself on a site builder | Little or nothing | A monthly plan, plus your time | Brand-new businesses testing an idea |
| Freelancer or small studio | Roughly $1,500–$6,000 | Hosting plus optional care plan | Most owner-run businesses |
| Agency | Often $10,000 and up | Retainers are common | Larger companies with complex needs |
These are rough ranges from what I see in the market, not a quote. The point is the shape: the jump from DIY to a professional build is about getting it done right and done once; the jump to an agency is mostly about team size and process.
What actually drives the price
Page count matters less than people think. These are the things that move the number:
- What the site has to do. A brochure site is simple. Online booking, payments, a client login or a quote calculator adds real work.
- Who writes the words. Copy is the part most owners underestimate. If you need help writing it, that's time.
- Photos and branding. Good photos of your actual business beat stock every time, and a logo or brand refresh is its own project.
- Connections to your other tools. Sending form leads straight into your CRM, booking system or email list is where a site starts paying for itself.
- Search setup. Structured data, page titles, speed and content that answers real questions. This is what gets you found on Google and cited by AI tools like ChatGPT.
Where small businesses waste money
- Paying custom prices for a template. Ask to see other sites the builder made. If they all look the same, you're paying for a theme.
- Not owning your own site. If the builder holds your domain or hosting account, you're stuck. Everything should be in your name.
- A site you can't edit. If changing your hours means emailing someone and waiting, the site will go stale.
- Launching and forgetting. A site that never changes slowly drops in search. You don't need constant updates, but you do need some.
What I charge
I build small business websites at a fixed price agreed before I start, usually starting around $1,500, and most land between $1,500 and $4,000 depending on features like booking or payments. You own the domain, hosting and site, and I set it up so you can edit it yourself. If you want me to keep it current and keep working on SEO, that's an optional monthly partnership.
Five questions to ask before you hire anyone
- Will the domain, hosting and site be in my name?
- Can I change text and photos myself without paying you?
- Is search setup (titles, structured data, speed) included, or extra?
- What happens if we stop working together?
- Can I see three sites you've built, and talk to one of those owners?
If the answers are clear and in writing, you're in good hands, whoever you hire. If you'd like a straight read on a quote you've already received, book a free call and I'll tell you what I think, even if it's not me you hire.