How much does it cost to build a website? The answer ranges from $0 to over $50,000, depending on how you build it and what you need it to do. A simple business website on a website builder can cost as little as $0 per month, while a custom-built site with advanced features can run into thousands of dollars. This guide breaks down every cost so you know exactly what to expect.
Quick cost overview
Here is what a typical website costs depending on the approach:
- Website builder (DIY): $0 to $40 per month. Includes hosting, templates, and an editor. Best for most small businesses.
- Freelance designer: $500 to $5,000 one-time for the initial build, plus monthly platform or hosting costs.
- Web design agency: $3,000 to $20,000 or more for a custom website, plus ongoing maintenance fees.
- Custom development: $10,000 to $50,000+ for fully custom-coded websites with unique functionality.
Most small businesses do not need custom development. A website builder with a good template will handle the job at a fraction of the cost.
Cost breakdown by component
Domain name
A domain name is your website address (like yourbusiness.com). Expect to pay $10 to $20 per year for a standard .com domain. Premium domains or specialized extensions can cost more.
Some website builders include a free domain for the first year when you sign up for an annual plan.
Hosting
Hosting is the service that stores your website files and makes them accessible on the internet. Costs range from $3 to $30 per month for shared hosting. Many website builders include hosting in their plans, so this may not be a separate expense.
SSL certificate
An SSL certificate encrypts data between your website and visitors. It is required for any site that collects personal information, and search engines prefer sites that have it. Most website builders and hosting providers include SSL for free.
Design and templates
If you use a website builder, website templates are typically included at no extra cost. Purchasing a premium template separately costs $20 to $100. Hiring a designer to create a custom layout costs $500 to $5,000 depending on complexity.
Content creation
Writing your own content is free but takes time. Hiring a copywriter costs $50 to $200 per page. Professional photography ranges from $200 to $1,000 per session. Stock photos are free to $30 per image depending on the source.
Plugins and integrations
Email marketing tools, booking systems, chat widgets, and analytics tools may add to your monthly costs. Many offer free tiers that are sufficient for small businesses. Budget $0 to $50 per month for essential tools.
Ongoing maintenance
Websites need regular updates. If you manage your own site, the cost is your time. Hiring someone for monthly maintenance typically costs $50 to $300 per month depending on the scope.
What drives the cost up
Certain features and requirements significantly increase the price of a website:
- E-commerce functionality: Online stores require product management, payment processing, shipping calculations, and inventory tracking. This adds complexity and cost.
- Custom features: Anything that requires custom code, like a calculator, booking system, or member portal, will increase development costs.
- Large content volumes: A website with hundreds of pages takes more time to design, build, and maintain than one with five pages.
- Multiple languages: Translating and maintaining content in several languages multiplies the ongoing effort.
- Third-party integrations: Connecting your website to a CRM, payment gateway, or external database requires development work.
How to keep the cost to build a website low
- Use a website builder. You get design, hosting, SSL, and an editor in one monthly fee. No separate contracts for each piece. If you are starting out, here is a guide on how to build a website for a small business.
- Start simple. Launch with your essential pages and add features as your business grows. You do not need everything on day one.
- Write your own content. Nobody knows your business better than you. Clear, honest writing outperforms polished marketing copy.
- Choose annual billing. Most platforms offer significant discounts when you pay yearly instead of monthly.
- Skip what you do not need. If you do not sell products online, you do not need e-commerce. If you do not have a team of writers, you do not need a blog right away.
What a website costs with WEMASY
WEMASY includes everything you need to build and run a professional website: templates, visual editing, hosting, SSL, and a custom domain connection. You can start for free and upgrade when you need more features.
No hidden fees. No separate hosting bill. No surprise charges for basic features that should be included.
The real cost of not having a website
While it is worth being thoughtful about what you spend, the biggest cost is often not having a website at all. Every day without one is a day that potential customers cannot find you, cannot learn about your services, and cannot reach out. A basic, well-built website pays for itself many times over by bringing in business that would otherwise go to someone else. Learn more about why having a website matters for your business.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to build a website for a small business?
A small business website typically costs between $0 and $40 per month when you use a website builder. This includes hosting, templates, and an editor. If you hire a freelancer or agency, the cost can range from $500 to $20,000 depending on the complexity. WEMASY has an inaugural offer that lets you build your website for free, so you can get started without any upfront cost and upgrade as your business grows.
What are the ongoing costs of running a website?
Ongoing costs include domain renewal ($10 to $20 per year), hosting ($3 to $30 per month), SSL certificate renewal (often free with modern builders), and content updates. If you use a platform like WEMASY, hosting and SSL are included in your plan, so the ongoing cost is just your monthly subscription and domain renewal.
Can I build a professional website for free?
Yes. Many website builders offer free plans that include basic templates, hosting, and an editor. WEMASY lets you start building for free and gives you access to professional templates, a visual editor, and built-in SEO tools. You can upgrade to a paid plan when you need features like a custom domain or advanced analytics.
Is it cheaper to build a website yourself or hire someone?
Building it yourself with a website builder is significantly cheaper. A DIY website costs $0 to $40 per month, while hiring a freelancer starts at $500 and an agency can charge $3,000 or more. If you have basic computer skills, a no-code builder like WEMASY lets you create a professional site without hiring anyone.
What hidden costs should I watch out for when building a website?
Common hidden costs include premium template fees, plugin or integration charges, email hosting, and renewal price increases from hosting providers. Some platforms also charge extra for SSL certificates or basic SEO features. WEMASY includes hosting, SSL, templates, and SEO tools in every plan with no hidden fees.
How much does a custom-built website cost compared to using a builder?
A custom-built website typically costs $10,000 to $50,000 or more for development alone, plus ongoing maintenance fees. A website builder costs $0 to $40 per month and handles hosting, security, and updates for you. For most small businesses, a builder provides everything you need at a fraction of the custom development price.
