If you’ve ever Googled “small business website cost,” you’ve probably seen answers all over the place. Website pricing can range anywhere from $500 to $2.1 billion (with a b!).
But let’s face it—those numbers are useless. You need real numbers, not a range so broad it’s meaningless.
Let’s break it down and start with the big numbers—because, believe it or not, some businesses do spend millions (or even billions) on a website.
Insane Web Design Cost or Strategic Investment?
Let’s start with Healthcare.gov, for example. The U.S. government’s Obamacare enrollment website reportedly cost $2.1 billion to develop and maintain, according to Bloomberg Government. The project faced heavy criticism for its technical failures at launch, but the stakes were high: millions of Americans needed access to healthcare enrollment, and the site was integral to the program’s success.
Why would anyone spend billions on a website?
For the government, the stakes were high: millions of Americans needed access to healthcare enrollment, and the site was integral to the program’s success. Whether or not it was worth the price tag is still debated, but the takeaway here is that large-scale functionality and high stakes often drive up costs.
Now, let’s bring this closer to home.
Some businesses opt for award-winning website designs, often spending six or seven figures.
Why? Because an award-winning site isn’t just a pretty face—it’s a strategic PR move. Winning design awards can position a business as a leader in its industry, attract high-value clients, and build both authority and high-qquality backlinks. If you have the budget for it, this type of investment could pay off.
But let’s be realistic. Most small businesses don’t have millions—or even hundreds of thousands—to spend on a website. For most of us, it’s about balancing cost, functionality, and ROI.
How Much Does a Small Business Website Really Cost?
For small businesses, website costs usually fall into three categories: DIY solutions, freelancers, and agencies. Each has its pros and cons, depending on your budget and goals.
Here’s the breakdown:
DIY Small Business Website Cost (Do-It-Yourself)
DIY platforms like Wix, Squarespace, or Shopify can be a great option for businesses just starting out. Here’s what you’ll spend:
- Domain: $15–$25/year
- Hosting: $60–$300/year
- Platform subscription: $150–$500/year
- Themes or plugins: Free–$300
💡 Total cost: Around $300–$1,200/year (not including the hours you’ll spend building and troubleshooting).
DIY is budget-friendly, but it’s time-intensive. And for business owners, time is money.
Freelancer Small Business Website Cost
Hiring a freelance web designer can get you a more polished, custom site. Expect these ballpark prices:
- Basic 4-page site: $1,500–$3,500
- Custom 5–10 page site: $3,500–$7,500
- Add-ons (SEO, copywriting, branding): $500–$2,500
💡 Total cost: $2,000–$10,000 upfront.
Freelancers are ideal for small businesses that need something professional but don’t have agency-level budgets. Just make sure to hire someone with a strong portfolio and clear communication.
Agency Small Business Website Cost
If you’re serious about growing your business, agencies offer comprehensive design, strategy, and marketing support. Here’s what you’re looking at:
- Small business website (5–10 pages): $7,500–$15,000
- SEO and conversion optimization: $2,500–$10,000
- Ongoing maintenance: $1,500–$5,000/year
💡 Total cost: $10,000–$30,000 upfront, plus annual maintenance.
Agencies deliver the highest level of strategy and execution, making them worth the investment if your website is a critical part of your business growth.
How I Price My Website Projects
Before I started selling web design to small business owners, I spent years as a B2B copywriter, creating SEO articles, landing page copy, and thought leadership pieces for companies worldwide. I’ve seen firsthand how businesses invest thousands of dollars into their content and digital marketing campaigns—and I’ve been part of the process that drives results.
For example, I wrote high-impact blog articles, like this one on the relationship funnel for a European CRM company. I also collaborated with clients on landing page copy designed to convert high-value leads, like the work I contributed to Digital Commerce Partners’ SEO services.
Projects like these are focused entirely on results because the ROI exists. My clients invest thousands because they knew that the right messaging and design can turn a website into a revenue-generating machine.
I’ve taken that same approach to my website design projects. So If you’re looking for transparent pricing, here’s how I structure my services:
Done-With-You (DWY) Starter Website
- Price: CA$2,900 (US$2,150)
- Details: A 4-page site (Home, About, Services, Contact) with pre-build workshops for brand strategy and copywriting. Built in 5 business days.
- Who It’s For: Business owners with strong writing skills who want to create their own content but need professional design and guidance.
- Click here to see my DWY web design service
Done-For-You (DFY) Professional Website
- Price: CA$5,000 (US$3,650)
- Details: A 10-page custom site with professional copy, SEO, and conversion-focused design. Includes a 30-day unlimited revision period.
- Who It’s For: Business owners who want a website that’s ready to go, professionally written, and optimized for growth.
- Click here to see my DFY web design service
Both options are designed for small business owners who want clarity, simplicity, and a website built to drive results.
In fact, here’s what Ame Proietti, founder of NutritionMyFood.com, said about working with me:
Ame’s testimonial is just one example of how I’ve helped businesses bring their vision to life. Whether it’s through strategic copy, SEO-driven content, or custom web design, I deliver work that drives results.
Need an Alternate, Cost Effective Solution? Use a One Page Website!
For many small businesses, the goal is simple: get online quickly, professionally, and without spending a fortune—or countless hours—on tech struggles. That’s where my One-Page Website comes in.
Why a One-Page Website Works
A one-page website is more than just a budget-friendly option. It’s a smart, streamlined approach for businesses that need:
- Clarity: A clean, single-page design that showcases your services, tells your story, and encourages visitors to take action.
- Speed: Built and launched fast—perfect for businesses that can’t afford weeks or months of delays.
- Ease: No tech headaches. I handle everything from design to setup, so you can focus on your business.
What You Get with a UseOnePage.com Website
- Cost: $1,750 USD (with 1 year of premium hosting included).
- Turnaround: Your website is ready to go in just 5 business days.
- Features:
- Professionally written copy to communicate your value.
- A conversion-focused design to turn visitors into leads.
- SEO best practices to help you rank locally.
- Mobile-friendly and lightning-fast performance.
Unlike a DIY platform, you won’t be left staring at a blank screen, wondering where to start. And unlike a large agency, you won’t pay for extras you don’t need.
Who Should Consider a One-Page Website?
If you’re a small business owner who:
✅ Needs to get online fast but still wants a professional presence.
✅ Wants a website that’s simple, effective, and hassle-free.
✅ Doesn’t have the budget—or need—for a multi-page site.
A one-page website is the perfect solution. It gives you everything you need to get started the right way, without cutting corners.
Start Small, Grow Big
If you’ve read this far, it’s clear we’re on the same page: you need a website that works—whether it’s a one-page design or a full 10-page site.
The bottom line? You don’t need to spend six figures to get a professional website. You just need someone who understands how to combine design, messaging, and strategy into a site that delivers results.
- Affordable and professional.
- Designed to convert, not just exist.
- Built with growth in mind, so when you’re ready to expand, your site can scale with you.
Whether you’re looking to start small or grow big, I’ve got you covered.
