How much should a small business website cost?
Short answer: anywhere from nothing (DIY) to $15,000+ (full agency build). Here's what each option really gets you in 2026, what actually drives the price, and how to avoid paying for the wrong thing.
The three ways to get a website — and what they cost
- DIY builder (Wix, Squarespace, Shopify): roughly $0–50/month plus your time. Fine for a simple presence; you're the designer, copywriter and SEO.
- Freelancer: ~$500–$3,000 for a small site. Quality varies enormously; you manage them.
- Studio / agency: ~$1,500–$15,000+. You're paying for design, copy, functionality, SEO and someone accountable for the result.
What actually drives the price
- Number of pages and whether design is custom or a template.
- Functionality — a brochure site is cheap; online booking, instant quotes, e-commerce or accounts cost more because they're real software.
- Copywriting — words that convert take time.
- SEO & AI visibility — being found on Google and in ChatGPT is a build step, not an afterthought.
Don't forget the ongoing cost
Hosting, security, backups and small updates are real. Budget a small care plan (often $50–$300/month) so the site stays fast, secure and current — or you'll pay more later to rescue a neglected site.
How we price it at ZET
Flat, agreed up front — no hourly surprises. Websites start at $800, multi-page sites from $1,500, and app MVPs from $5,000. You see a free concept first and only pay when you're happy: 50% to start, 50% at launch, and you own everything.
FAQ
How much does a small business website cost?
For a small business, expect roughly $800–$3,000 for a professional multi-page site from a studio, more if it needs custom functionality like booking, e-commerce or an instant-quote tool. DIY builders are cheaper up front but cost you time and usually convert worse.
Is it cheaper to build it myself?
Up front, yes — but a DIY site costs your time and often loses customers to weak design, copy and SEO. For most businesses the lost enquiries cost more than the build. A good site pays for itself in extra work won.
What ongoing costs are there?
Hosting, security, backups and small updates — typically a $50–$300/month care plan. It keeps the site fast, secure and current so you never think about it.
Why do studio sites cost more than a $99 template?
You're paying for design, conversion-focused copy, real functionality, SEO/AI visibility and someone accountable for the outcome — not a template you finish yourself.
Want to see it for your business?
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