Do you know that about 60% of small businesses today have a website, and this number will increase in the coming days? Recent studies show that businesses that have a website are 70% more likely to scale compared to those businesses that are surviving without a website.
With an increasing number of customers searching on the web to search for products and services, having a solid website is no longer an option for small businesses in 2025; it is super critical.
But as a small business owner, you are already struggling to scale your business and maximize your revenue, and we are asking you for another expense (A WEBSITE!). Don’t worry; you will have a way out!
The website cost for a small business depends on several factors, like design and functionality, the choice of platform, and the personalizations you need as per your business.
So buckle up, and let’s go for a ride in identifying the cost of building a website for small businesses in 2025. Whether it is a basic website or a custom one, we will discuss in-depth insights about the cost and how you can make the best decision for your budget and business needs.
Website Cost for a Small Business
So Here are the details we are waiting for the Mighty Question: What is the cost of building a website for a small business?
The website cost for small businesses ranges from a few hundred dollars to tens of thousands.
On Average, small businesses will spend between $1000 and $48000 to build a website, depending on several factors like complexity, design, functionality, and the level of customization.
The cost to build a website will largely depend on the approach of the project. Whether you go for the DIY thing, hire a Freelance web developer, or collaborate with an expert web development agency.
Let’s discuss some of the factors that heavily influence the website cost for a small business.
Factors that affect the cost of the website
So the first and the most crucial question to ask yourself is: what type of website do I need, or what type of website will be best for my small business?
A simple informational website will cost far less than a custom e-commerce platform.
E-commerce websites
If you have a store online and are planning to sell your products, your website should be supremely feature-rich. It should include features like a shopping cart, super secure payment gateways, and inventory management.
The cost of this type of site ranges from $3000 to $30000, but this price range totally depends on the complexity of the site and the number of product pages you have.
Informational Websites
Informational websites provide general information about your small business. It includes your business bio, service pages, products, location, contact information, and other general details. Building an informational website is much cheaper than an e-commerce website and will cost you around $1000 to $5000.
Custom Websites
If you have an awesome idea to deploy some unique features on your website or have a specific idea in mind, you should go for a custom-built website for your small business. But keep in mind it will cost you more because it includes a large number of personalizations and is designed from scratch. A custom website will cost you around $10000 to $48,000.
Design and user experience
A good and elastically pleasing design plays a super important role in the overall success of your website. If you hire an expert UI UX Designer, expect to pay for custom layouts, graphics, and branding. High-quality and supremely designed websites that focus on delivering an outstanding user experience can cost around $2000 to $20000.
Suppose you want to design your site on your own. There are website builders like Wix or Squarespace. These platforms offer pre-made templates that you can easily customize. These tools will not cost you much. These range from $100 to $1000 yearly, including additional features and hosting fees.
Development time and complexity
The more complex your site will be, the more time and resources it will take. For example, integrating third-party tools, building a membership portal, or adding a custom content management system will increase the cost and development time.
The cost of development can vary widely, ranging from $2000 to $50,000, based on the complexity of the website. Also, you have to be prepared for the possibility of ongoing costs as well for maintenance, updates, and security.
SEO and Content Creation
Content Done Right = Greater Results!
Content is the magnet to attract visitors and convert them into buyers. Supreme and high-quality content creation (Text, images, videos, and infographics) can boost your website visibility by 70%. Search engine optimization is crucial for ensuring your website ranks on Google.
But how much does it cost to improve my website rankings?
Seo services generally cost around $1000 to $5000 for basic optimization. More technical SEO strategies will cost you around $ 10,000 or more.
Maintenance and Updates
Some small business owners launch their websites and forget to look after them. Just like a machine needs regular oiling to run smoothly, your website requires maintenance to ensure optimal performance. Regular maintenance is critically essential to ensure your website’s performance and security.
On average, small businesses spend around $500 to $1200 annually on website maintenance. It includes software updates, adding content, security patches, and overall improvements.
Website Cost for a Small Business: DIY vs. Professional Services
DIY Website builders
If you are running a small business and need a website but have a tight budget, DIY website builders like Wix, Squarespace, or WordPress are perfect for you. These platforms have pre-built themes that allow you to create a functional website with less investment. The main costs associated with DIY website builders include:
- Platform Subscription: It is generally around $100 to $600 annually, depending on the feature you need.
- Domain Name: Cost Between $10 to $20 annually.
- Hosting: If you choose a separate hosting provider like Bluehost, the hosting plan ranges from $3 to $20 monthly.
- Premium Features: If you want to add further functionality (e.g., additional storage or SEO tools), you have to upgrade your plan, which can add $100 to $500 yearly.
DIY websites are a great option for small businesses that just need a simple online presence. However, these websites will lack the customization and scalability required as your business grows.
Hiring Freelancers
Freelance UI UX Designers and developers can be more creative and provide more customized and expert solutions at a much lesser cost than agencies. Freelancers set their rates based on experience and project complexity. The Freelancers cost may include:
- Freelance web designers: They cost around $50 to $150 per hour. For a basic website, this could amount to around $1500 to $5000.
- Freelance web developers: For more technical work (e.g., custom coding, backend development), the costs generally range from $75 to $200 per hour, with the total cost reaching $3000 to $10000.
Freelancers can also be a great option in terms of personalization, but they may not have the same level of tools and support as an agency. Also, you have to manage your project by yourself.
Hiring a Web Development Agency
So now you have tried DIY Platforms, you have tried freelancers, but you are not getting your dream solid and scalable website. Here, a professional web development agency comes into play. A web development agency provides high-quality end-to-end services, from design to development and SEO optimization. Agencies have some experienced designers and developers who can handle more complex projects. The Cost of hiring an agency will depend upon the size and reputation of the agency:
- Small Agency: Generally charges around $5000 and $15,000 for a small business website. If you are looking for more advanced features like e-commerce, they will cost around $20000+.
- Large Agency: High-end agencies that have worked with some big brands may charge you around $25,000 to $100,000 or more for a fully customized website.
Agencies provide a full-service experience, ensuring that your website is perfectly developed, secure, and optimized.
Some Additional Website Costs for a Small Business
Hosting
Hosting is the base of your website, and choosing the right hosting provider is critically important for the website’s performance, speed, and security.
Shared hosting can cost around $3 to $10 monthly, While more reliable and secure options like VPS (Virtual private server) or dedicated hosting can cost around $20 and $100 per month.
Domain Name
A domain name, for example, www.yourbusiness.com, generally costs $10 to $20 per year. However, premium domains and highly competitive keywords can cost more, with a price range of thousands of dollars.
SSL Certificate
SSL Certificate ensures that data transferred between your site and its visitors is completely secure. Most Hosting providers include an SSL certificate for free, but if you buy one separately, it will cost you around $10 to $200 per year.
Plugins and Additional Features
Depending on your website needs, you may want to include some extra features such as contact forms, social media integrations, or advanced analytics. Premium plugins and themes can cost anywhere from $50 to $500.
Bottom Line
A well-designed website is more than just an expense; it is a vital tool for scaling your business and making your business revenue-driven. Whether you choose a DIY Approach, a freelancer, or a professional agency, the key lies in aligning the website with your business goals and long-term vision.
As you have an idea of website cost for a small business, now, By analyzing each aspect of your project, you can invest wisely in resources and get a scalable and well-designed website that will work as a 24/7 salesperson for your small business and set the foundation for your business success.
