It's the first thing everyone wants to know, and the honest answer is that it depends. That's not a dodge. Two websites can look similar and cost very different amounts because of what's happening underneath. So rather than quote a number that won't fit your business, here's what moves the price, and how to tell whether a quote is fair.
The three ways to get a website
Do it yourself
Wix, Squarespace and similar builders charge a monthly subscription, and you do the work. It's the cheapest route in money and the most expensive in time. For a brand-new side hustle it can be exactly the right call.
A freelancer or small studio
One person (or a very small team) designs and builds it for you. You pay more than a builder subscription, but you get something made around your business, and someone to ask when it goes wrong. This is what I do.
An agency
More people, more process, more meetings, and a price to match. Worth it for large or complicated projects. Usually more than a small business needs.
What drives the price
- How many pages, and how different they are. Ten pages built from the same layout cost less than five that each need their own design.
- Features. Online booking, a shop, client logins, forms that feed into other tools. Each one is real work.
- Words and photos. If you're writing the copy yourself, the price comes down. If you need it written, it goes up, and it's usually worth it.
- Connections to other software. Your booking system, your payment provider, your email list. Some connect in minutes, some don't.
