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Understanding the Average Cost of Website Design for Small Businesses

By Ryan Truax|Published June 14, 2025|Updated October 29, 2025

In today’s online marketplace, having a polished online presence is non-negotiable for any small business. Yet many owners ask the same question: How much does a website cost? Knowing the average cost of website design for small businesses helps you budget smartly and avoid surprises.

A well-built website does more than look good — it supports your sales, showcases your brand, and helps you compete online. But how much does it cost to build a website that does all this? Let’s break it down step by step.

Typical Website Design Cost Components

Your total website cost depends on several key building blocks. Here’s what to factor in when estimating the average cost of website design for small business needs.

1. Domain Name

Think of your domain as your web address. Registering a custom domain usually runs $10–$20 per year, depending on your provider and domain type. Add domain privacy protection for an additional $10–$15 annually if you want to keep your personal information hidden.

2. Web Hosting

Your hosting plan keeps your site live on the internet. Hosting options vary in website design cost, so choose what fits your traffic and performance needs:

Shared Hosting: $3–$10/month — budget-friendly for new sites with light traffic.

• VPS Hosting: $20–$60/month — more control and speed as your audience grows.
• Dedicated Hosting: $80–$300/month — best for high-traffic sites that need top-tier security and performance.

3. SSL Certificate

An SSL certificate encrypts customer data and builds trust. Basic SSLs cost $10–$100 per year. Some hosts bundle it for free. For additional validation, premium certificates can cost up to $300 per year.

4. Website Design and Development

Here’s where small business website design costs can vary the most. Do you use a DIY builder or hire a pro?

• Website Builders: Tools like Leadpages offer drag-and-drop ease for as low as $37 per month. This approach works well for simple sites with clear calls to action.
• Custom Design: Hiring a web designer or agency provides more creative control, but it comes at a higher cost. Expect to pay $2,000–$5,000 for a basic custom website. Advanced sites with e-commerce, booking systems, or unique features can cost $ 10,000 or more.

Pro Tip: Ensure your budget includes mobile optimization because most visitors will access your site on a phone.

5. Content Creation and Images

Quality content drives SEO and keeps visitors engaged. If you write your own copy, this might cost you only your time. Outsourcing to a copywriter? Budget $50 - $150 per page. Don’t forget quality visuals; professional photos or custom graphics may add $500 - $2,000 to your website design cost.

6. Ongoing Maintenance

The average cost of website design for small business doesn’t stop once your site goes live. Regular updates, plugin management, security patches, backups, and minor tweaks keep everything running smoothly.

• DIY sites: $0–$50/month (included in many builder subscriptions)
• Custom sites: $50–$200/month for routine maintenance or updates

Factors That Influence Website Costs

How much does a website cost? The answer varies — here are the main factors that push your website cost up or down:

• Number of Pages: More pages mean more design, content, and time.
• Custom Features: Online stores, booking tools, and memberships all contribute to the cost of your website design.
• Design Complexity: Adding animation, custom graphics, or advanced interactions can increase costs.
• SEO and Strategy: Investing in SEO up front can save money later by helping people find your site.
• Timeline: Rush jobs usually cost more.

Website Builder vs. Custom Designer: Which Is Right for You?

If your budget is tight and your needs are simple, a website builder like Leadpages is the easiest path. It keeps your website costs predictable and manageable, while providing you with the tools to update your site yourself.

Need custom design and exceptional functionality? A website designer or agency can bring your vision to life, but it will come at a higher upfront cost. Many small businesses opt for a hybrid approach: they start with a builder, then invest in custom design as they grow.

How Much Does It Cost to Build a Website? A Quick Recap

For most small businesses, the average cost of website design ranges from $500 to $5,000 for a straightforward site, with ongoing costs of $50 to $200 per month for hosting, SSL, and maintenance.

A simple website built using a builder may cost $500 to $1,000 per year, including your domain, hosting, and subscription fees.

Ways to Save Money on Website Design

If you want to control your website design cost, keep these tips in mind:

• Use a clear site plan to avoid unnecessary pages.
• Start with a template or builder instead of custom coding.
• Write your own content, but consider hiring an editor for polish.
• Stick to must-have features first; expand later.

Why Your Small Business’s Website Is Worth the Investment

Your website is your always-on sales rep: it helps build trust, answers questions, and turns visitors into leads. Finally knowing the answer to “how much does it cost to build a website?” can help you plan your investment, but the real return is in the new customers and growth a good site brings.

Final Thoughts: Plan Smart for Small Business Website Design

The average cost of website design for a small business depends on your goals, budget, and how much work you can do by yourself. Once you understand the main costs, plan ahead, and select the right tools or partners, you can create a website that aligns with your budget and scales with your business.

With the right approach, your site won’t just look good — it will help your business get found, earn trust, and drive revenue for years to come.

Ready to design your website?

Whether you want to build your own site with a website builder, or hire an agency to create it for you, Leadpages is here to help. Weigh your options and your budget and choose a solution that will put you in a position to succeed. Check out our pricing plans to find the best fit for your business.