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How Much Does a Website Cost for a Small Business?
June 24, 2025 · 5 min read
If you’re a small business owner, one of the first questions you’ll ask when thinking about a website is: how much is this going to cost me?
The honest answer is that it depends — but not in the vague, dodge-the-question way most agencies mean it. Here’s a real breakdown of what small businesses are actually paying for websites in 2025, and what you should watch out for.
The typical price ranges
For a small business website, you’ll generally see three tiers:
DIY builders (Wix, Squarespace): $0–$300/year
Cheap upfront, but you’re doing all the work yourself. The designs tend to look generic, you’re limited by templates, and you don’t truly own your site — the platform does. If you stop paying, your site disappears.
Freelancers and small studios: $500–$3,000
This is where most small businesses land. You get a custom design, someone who actually listens to your needs, and a site that’s built to represent your brand. The range depends on the number of pages and complexity.
Agencies: $5,000–$25,000+
Big agencies charge premium rates. You’re paying for account managers, project managers, and a team of specialists. Great for large companies, but way more than most small businesses need.
What actually drives the cost?
A few factors determine where your project falls in those ranges:
- •Number of pages. A simple 1–5 page site costs less than a 15-page site with multiple service pages, a blog, and a portfolio.
- •Custom features. Booking systems, e-commerce, client portals — anything beyond a standard informational site adds cost.
- •Content creation. If you need someone to write your copy or take professional photos, that’s extra. If you have your content ready, you save money.
- •Ongoing costs. Some providers charge monthly fees for hosting, maintenance, or “website rental.” Others charge a one-time fee and hand you the keys. Make sure you know which model you’re signing up for.
The hidden costs to watch out for
This is where a lot of small business owners get burned. A website that costs “$99/month” sounds cheap — until you realize you’re paying $1,200 a year and don’t own anything. After three years, you’ve spent $3,600 and if you cancel, your site is gone.
Watch out for:
- •Monthly “website rental” fees that never end
- •Contracts that lock you in for 12–24 months
- •Providers who own your domain name (not you)
- •Extra charges every time you need a small text update
What we charge at BuiltForSmallBiz
We built our pricing specifically for small businesses. Here’s the simple version:
- •Complete redesign: $500 one-time
- •New website: $599 one-time
No monthly fees. No contracts. You own your domain, your content, and your code. First year of hosting is included. Most projects are live within 1–2 weeks.
Bottom line
You don’t need to spend thousands to get a professional website for your small business. What matters is that you work with someone transparent about pricing, who builds something you actually own, and who doesn’t disappear after launch.
Want a free quote for your business?
Tell us about your project and we’ll reply within one business day — no pressure, no obligation.