Ask five web designers for a quote and you might get five very different numbers. That is not always because someone is overcharging. It is usually because each quote includes different things. Here is what actually goes into the cost of a small business website and how to compare quotes fairly.
What drives the price
Number of pages
A simple site with a homepage, about, services and contact page takes far less time than a site with twenty service pages and a dozen location pages. More pages means more planning, writing and building.
Content and copywriting
Someone has to write the words on every page. If you supply finished text, the job is quicker. If the designer writes it for you, that time needs to be covered. Good copy is one of the most valuable parts of a website, so it is worth paying for.
Custom design or template
A pre made template is cheaper but often looks like plenty of other sites. A custom design is built around your brand and your customers. Many good small business sites sit in the middle, using a solid framework with custom styling.
Features
Online booking, quote calculators, shops, member areas and integrations with other software all add time. Be clear about what you actually need now and what can wait.
SEO groundwork
A site built with keyword research, proper page structure and location pages costs more up front but saves money later because you are not paying to restructure it for SEO. Our web design and SEO package is built around this.
Costs people forget
- Domain name renewal each year
- Hosting, which should be fast and Australian based for local businesses
- Email accounts through Google Workspace or Microsoft 365
- Ongoing updates and security, either done yourself or through a care plan
- Stock photos or a photographer if you do not have your own images
How to compare quotes
When comparing quotes, ask each designer the same questions.
- How many pages are included and who writes the content
- Is the design custom or a template
- What SEO setup is included at launch
- Who owns the website and domain once it is paid for
- What hosting and support is included and what it costs after the first year
- Can I update the site myself
A cheap quote that leaves out content, SEO and support can end up costing more than a higher quote that includes them.
Red flags
Be careful of quotes that lock you into long contracts, keep ownership of your site or domain with the designer. Be wary of any promise of first place on Google. You should own your website outright once it is paid for.
Common questions
Why do you not list prices on your website?
Every business needs something a bit different, so we give a fixed written quote after a quick chat. It is free and there is no obligation.
Can I start small and add to it later?
Yes. Many businesses launch with the key pages and add services, location pages and a blog over time. See our affordable web design options.
How long does a website take to build?
Most small business websites take three to six weeks from the first chat to going live, depending on how quickly content and photos come together.
