Website Pricing Explained: Why Some Sites Cost $1,000 and Others $20,000+
In 2025, the cost of a done-for-you website can range from $1,000 to over $20,000+. If you're building your site yourself, you might spend anywhere from $0 to $1,000 per year.
So how in the world are you supposed to know how much to pay for your website?
There’s a lot to consider when figuring out the right investment for your website. Ask yourself:
What is the purpose of your website?
Do you need it to generate leads for your business?
Do you want it to establish credibility and legitimacy?
Will it need to sell products (e-commerce)?
How big is your company?
Do you need a full-service agency offering ongoing maintenance, advanced custom development, performance optimization, SEO, content, and ads?
Or is that overkill—and you just need a reliable site with the basics covered by the platform?
Your answers to these questions (and more) will determine how much you should spend.
Let’s break down what you can expect to pay across different types of website services and what’s typically included.
DIY Website Using a Website Builder
Cost: $0–$50/month
Total Annual Cost: $0–$1,000/year
Things to Consider:
If you have time, an eye for design, and are willing to learn basic copywriting, you can build a functional website for just a few dollars.
Buuuut, if your site isn’t visually appealing, your message is confusing, or you're short on time—it may not be worth the effort.
Custom Done-For-You Website for Small Businesses
Domain & Hosting: $50–$300/year
Design & Copy: $1,000–$10,000 (average)
Ongoing Maintenance: $200–$1,000/year
Total Cost: $1,500–$12,000+
Things to Consider:
Pricing can vary widely. I’ve seen small businesses pay anywhere from $1,500 to $10,000 for the build, plus $200–$1,000 per year for maintenance.
And still— the website might not convert leads into customers.
You could pay $10,000 for design and development, but write your own copy without learning basic copywriting skills—and be left with a message that’s unclear or confusing. Your website won’t convert.
Or, you could invest in design and hire a copywriter, but skip SEO or lead-generation strategies—and no one ends up seeing the site.
Custom Done-For-You Website for Medium to Large Businesses
Custom Design & Development with an Agency: $5,000–$50,000+
E-commerce Functionality: +$2,000–$20,000
Custom Features (Memberships, APIs, etc.): +$5,000–$50,000
Ongoing Maintenance & SEO: $500–$5,000/month
Total Cost: $10,000–$100,000+
Things to Consider:
If you're a medium to large business, you’ll be investing a significant amount—so make sure your website actually works for your business.
Check client experiences and case studies. Follow the agency on social media. Do your homework to ensure they’ll deliver the results you're paying for.
Soooo, how much should you spend on your website?
Spend within your means. If you’re a small business, you don’t need to invest your life savings—but the less you spend in dollars, the more you’ll need to invest in time.
When hiring for custom done-for-you services, look for professionals who can clearly communicate:
The problem your business solves
How you help your customers
All of your marketing and sales depend on this.
I see a lot of websites with generic copy that confuses visitors—thanks, ChatGPT.
Check portfolios and client testimonials. Look for clear examples of successful past work.
Then trust your gut.
Hire the professionals you connect with most. Don’t choose based on price alone—choose based on who will build a website that truly *works* for your business.
If you're a small, service-based business and a full agency feels like overkill, the Launch & Own Website might be exactly what you need.
