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The Ultimate Guide to Website Design: Average Cost for Small Businesses Revealed!

  • Writer: Huncho webdesigns
    Huncho webdesigns
  • Feb 8
  • 5 min read

plumber working on-site
Local business have competitve advantage with a well-designed website

Are you a small business owner looking to establish or improve your online presence? One of the first steps is to create a professional website


but you might be wondering.......


what is the average cost for small businesses 


to design a website? In this guide, we'll break down the various factors that influence website design costs and help you make an informed decision.


Whether you're opting for a simple informational site or a fully customized e-commerce platform, understanding the cost structure will save you time and money. Read on for a clear step-by-step approach on how to calculate website design costs for your small business.



Table of Contents




Why Websites design matters for small business

In today’s digital age, a well-designed website is essential for small businesses. It's often the first point of contact with potential customers and can significantly impact your brand’s credibility. A professional, user-friendly website can help you attract more customers, showcase your services or products, and ultimately drive sales.


we have all had experience where we are comparing products and services and the business that "looks" more professional always wins


Key Benefits of a professionally designed Website:


  • Enhanced Visibility: Over 90% of consumers search online for local businesses before making a purchasing decision (source).

  • Improved Customer Trust: Websites with professional designs and security features see 50% more engagement than sites with poor design (source).

  • Expanded Market Reach: Businesses with a website can reach 50% more customers than those relying solely on social media.

  • Increased Sales Opportunities: Did you know that 39% of users will abandon a website due to a poor user experience? Or that 88% won’t even return to a website after a negative experience? 

Factors That Influence the Average Cost for Small Businesses

The average cost for small businesses to build a website can vary based on several factors. Here’s a breakdown:

  1. Website Complexity: The more features and pages your site needs, the higher the cost.

    • Simple websites (informational, 3-5 pages) will cost less.

    • Complex websites (e-commerce, custom functionality) will cost more.

  2. Design Customization: Custom-built designs are more expensive than pre-made templates.

    • DIY website builders provide affordable, template-based designs.

    • Custom designs by professional agencies offer flexibility but come at a higher price.

  3. Web Design Team Expertise: A more experienced web designer or agency typically charges more but delivers higher-quality work.

    • Freelancers tend to be more affordable.

    • Agencies often bring a team of experts and can handle larger, more complex projects.

  4. Ongoing Maintenance and Hosting: Hosting fees, domain registration, and updates are recurring costs that also need consideration.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Determine the Cost to Build Your Website

To estimate the average cost for small businesses to create a website, follow these steps:


1. Define Your Website’s Purpose


Start by understanding what type of website your small business needs.

  • Informational Website: Provides details about your business, products, and services.

  • E-commerce Website: Allows customers to purchase products directly online.

  • Portfolio Website: Showcases work, such as photography, art, or web design.

2. Choose Between DIY or Hiring a Professional

  • DIY Website Builders: If you’re on a budget and prefer a hands-on approach, platforms like Wix, Squarespace, or Weebly allow you to design a site using pre-built templates. Costs generally range from $10 to $50 per month.

  • Hiring a Professional: For a custom design, you’ll likely need to hire a freelancer or agency. Professional website design costs range from $3,000 to $10,000+, depending on your specific needs. Studies show that 48% of consumers say website design is a key factor in determining a business's credibility (source).

3. Decide on Key Features

Outline the features you need, such as:

  • Contact forms

  • Booking systems

  • Online payment processing

  • Content management system (CMS) integration

  • Mobile responsiveness

The more features you add, the higher the cost.

4. Plan for Ongoing Costs

Keep in mind that the cost of building a website doesn’t end once it’s launched.

  • Hosting fees: $5 - $30 per month.

  • Domain registration: $10 - $20 per year.

  • Maintenance and updates: Depending on complexity, $500+ per year for professional help.

Comparing the Cost of DIY vs. Professional Website Design

Let’s explore the pros and cons of DIY website builders versus hiring a professional agency:


DIY Website Builders


  • Pros:

    • Low upfront costs (starting at $10/month).

    • Easy to use with drag-and-drop functionality.

    • Good for basic websites and small budgets.

  • Cons:

    • Limited customization and scalability.

    • May lack advanced features like SEO optimization or e-commerce tools.


  • Fact: About 30% of small businesses build their own website with DIY builders such Squarespace, wix and wihout and customisation or added code but studies show DIY websites often lack the professional touch that attracts customers (source).


Professional Web Design Services


  • Pros:

    • High customization tailored to your business.

    • Expertise in SEO, performance optimization, and design trends.

    • Better long-term scalability.


  • Cons:

    • Higher initial costs ($3,000 - $10,000+).

    • Longer development time.


  • Fact: Websites designed by professionals often have 47% higher user engagement compared to DIY sites this due to web design professionals to consider usability meterics and on page SEO factors (source).


Typical Costs Based on Website Types


  • Basic Websites: $500 to $2,500 (DIY or small agency).

  • Custom Websites: $3,000 to $10,000+ (professional agency).

  • E-commerce Websites: $5,000 to $50,000+ (depending on scale and functionality).

Key Elements of a Well-Designed Website for Small Businesses

Regardless of your budget, ensure your website includes these critical elements:


  1. Responsive Design: Mobile responsiveness is essential, as over 60% of web traffic now comes from mobile devices (source: white peak digital )

  2. SEO Optimization: Include relevant keywords (like “Average Cost for Small Businesses”) to rank on search engines. Websites with basic SEO optimization generate 7 times more traffic than those without (source: Collabarada ).

  3. Clear Navigation: Easy-to-use menus improve the user experience.

  4. Fast Loading Speed: Aim for a loading time under 2 seconds to reduce bounce rates. 53% of users will abandon a website that takes longer than 3 seconds to load

  5. Security Features: Especially important for e-commerce, SSL certificates and data encryption are crucial. 82% of consumers say they’ll leave a website that doesn’t have security features



Conclusion: Finding the Right Solution for Your Small Business


The average cost for small businesses to design a website can vary based on complexity, features, and the team you hire. By following this step-by-step guide, you can assess your needs, budget appropriately, and choose the right solution for your business. At HUNCHO WEBDESIGNS. we offer professional websites with a focus on business outcomes


Whether you’re creating a DIY site on a budget or investing in a custom-built platform, a well-designed website will help you establish credibility and grow your business online. Don’t let cost be a barrier—unlock your business’s potential with the right website today!



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