How much should a business website really cost?

A simple, professional business website can start at around $499, while a large custom build can run well into five or six figures. The gap comes down to what is being built: how many unique page designs you need, which custom features it has, and who provides the words and images.

That range isn't much use on its own, so here is how to work out where your project should land.

What actually drives the price

Five things explain most of the difference between two quotes.

• Unique page designs. A 10-page site that reuses three layouts takes less work than a 5-page site where every page is different. Count designs, not pages.
• Custom functionality. Bookings, customer portals, payments and connections to your CRM all add build and testing time.
• Copy and images. Writing and photography are real work. Find out whether they are included or whether you are expected to supply them.
• Template or from scratch. A well-made template is faster and cheaper. A bespoke design costs more, and only pays back if it does something a template can't.
• Moving an old site. Existing pages need to be kept or redirected so you don't lose the search traffic they already bring in.

What you get at each level

Think of website projects in three broad levels rather than a single market price.

• A starter site. Clear pages, a lead form, a mobile-ready layout and basic SEO. This suits most small businesses that need to look credible and collect enquiries. AROI websites sit here, starting from $499 for up to 10 pages.
• A growing business site. More unique designs, professionally written copy, a blog and a connection to your CRM. Expect to pay several times the starter price.
• A site that behaves like software. Logins, customer portals and complex booking or pricing logic. At this point you are buying a software project, so budget for one. AROI custom software starts from $4,999.

Where quotes get padded

A high price isn't a problem if you can see what it pays for. These are the warning signs that you can't:

• A long, paid discovery phase with no clear deliverable at the end
• A vague scope, such as "full website build", with no page or design count
• Features nobody asked for, added to make the package look bigger
• A monthly retainer that starts automatically, with no list of what it covers

A good proposal names the deliverables, the timeline and the price in writing, and says what happens if the scope changes.

The costs after launch

The build is rarely the last bill. Before you sign, ask about:

• Domain renewal and hosting
• Business email, if it isn't already set up
• Updates, backups and security
• The cost of small changes later

Also ask who owns the finished site, and make sure the domain is registered in your business's name. Getting it back from a former supplier is an avoidable headache.

Six questions to ask every supplier

Put the same questions to everyone, and the quotes become much easier to compare.

1. How many pages and unique designs are included?
2. Who writes the copy and supplies the images?
3. What is the timeline, and what do you need from me to keep to it?
4. How many rounds of changes are included, and what happens if the scope changes?
5. What will I pay each month after launch?
6. Who owns the site, the domain and the content?

The cheapest quote and the best value are often different things. Compare what you get, not just the total.

How to judge whether it's worth it

A website should earn back what it costs. As an illustration, if one new client is worth $1,000 to you, a $499 site pays for itself with its first sale, while a far more expensive site that brings no enquiries never does.

So spend first on the things that bring in enquiries: a clear message, proof that you can do the work and an obvious next step. Our guide to turning visitors into booked calls covers these in detail. If you already have a site, check the signs that it needs a redesign before paying to replace it.

Common questions

Is a $499 website any good?

It can be, if the scope suits you. For a business that needs a clear, fast site with a lead form, it is often enough to start. It won't cover custom portals or complex integrations, and an honest supplier will tell you so.

How long does a business website take to build?

It depends on the size of the site and how quickly the copy and images are ready. Waiting for content is one of the most common causes of delay, so have it ready early.

Should I use a website builder instead?

If you have the time and enjoy doing it yourself, a builder is a reasonable way to start. Pay for help when your time is worth more elsewhere, or when the site needs to do more than a builder allows.

Want to know what your site needs before you spend anything? Request a free website inspection and we'll send a short report with clear fixes.