How Much Does a Website Design Cost for a Small Business?

Did you know that Every day, 252,000 new websites pop up. That’s 10,500 fresh sites every hour. 

Crazy, right?

For small businesses, a killer website is a game-changer. It’s your online front door. Without a slick design, you’re just another site in the crowd.

Think about your site like a first date. You want to impress, not bore. Clean layout, fast load times, and easy navigation are key.

Small Business Website Design Cost:

Site Element	Costing Start
Domain name	$0.99
Website hosting	$5
SSL certificate	$0 – $1500
Design	$1000
Pages	$1000
Functionality	$2000
Content management system (CMS)	$500-$10,000

How Much Does a Website Design Cost for a Small Business?

Website development costs for small businesses vary. Complexity of design and functionality is a major factor. A basic site is cheaper than one with advanced features.

Creating a website can cost anywhere from $1000 to $60,000. This range covers domain purchase, hosting, design, and development. The final price depends on your site’s size, features, and complexity.

But what makes up this cost?

Several essential factors drive web design costs. Typically, your budget will need to cover seven key elements. Here’s a breakdown, along with insights from Incrementors:

1. Domain name
2. Hosting plan
3. CMS
4. Design
5. Development
6. Content creation
7. SEO optimization
8. Maintenance

Understanding of these factors helps you budget effectively for your small business website.

Platform choice also impacts cost. Using a template on WordPress is more budget-friendly than a custom-built site.

Customization for branding, like logos and color schemes, can increase costs. Unique elements mean higher prices.

Don’t forget maintenance and updates. Regular upkeep is crucial for performance and security, adding to expenses.

Knowing these factors helps small businesses budget smartly for their website development projects.

Domain Name

Your domain name is your online address, like apple.com for Apple. It usually started from $0.99 annually. Ideally, it should match your business name. Providers like GoDaddy, HostGator, and Dreamhost can help you secure one. If your preferred domain is taken, you might need to negotiate or pick an alternative, often costing more.

Website hosting

Think of your domain name as your online address, and website hosting as your digital power company. You need a hosting plan to light up your digital storefront. Hosting providers power your site, making it live on the Internet.

For small businesses, hosting costs are usually lower. Most small business owners use shared hosting and the costing of shared hosting starts at $5 monthly. But the problem is With shared hosting, you’re sharing a server with other sites, that’s why it’s cheaper.

SSL certificate

An SSL certificate can set you back up to $1500 annually, ensuring your website and visitor data are secure. Though optional, many businesses see it as crucial. It builds trust, encouraging users to fill out contact forms or buy products. Plus, it shields customer data from hackers, safeguarding your reputation.

Sometimes, you can use an SSL certificate for free, often included in your web hosting package. Depending on your requirements, you have the option to buy one.

Website design costs

Website design costs for small businesses started from $1000. Your style preferences drive these costs. Some might want a simple look, while others go for a luxurious design, demanding more designer hours.

Number of Pages

The size of your website can cost anywhere from $1000 to $10,000. Websites vary greatly in size. An ecommerce store may have over 100 products, while a service-based company might have fewer than 10 pages. Designing and developing these pages and products takes time, even with similar layouts.

For instance, an ecommerce store with 50 product pages uses the same design template. However, uploading images, videos, and copy, along with testing these pages, takes time. This is why websites with more pages cost higher.

Web design agencies often price pages in tiers, like 1 to 10 pages or 10 to 20 pages. If your business needs 8 pages, you’d fall into the 1-10 page category and pay that rate.

Functionality

Web design costs also depend on the functionality and the features. The range starts from $2000 to $10,000. Smaller businesses will likely bear costs on the lower end. Functionality includes various features, primarily focusing on ecommerce capabilities. If your company wants to accept online payments or orders, expect functionality expenses.

Even service providers like landscapers or plumbers benefit from offering online payments, providing convenience for customers. Smaller websites don’t need the robust payment systems of large sites like Amazon. 

CMS costs

CMS (Content Management System) helps your business to create, manage, and update website content without needing any code skills. It’s as easy and user-friendly as Microsoft Word.

With a CMS, you can easily edit and update your website. Want to change your service or product pricing? Just log in and make the change—no need to contact your developer.

The cost of a CMS varies. It depends on your chosen platform and the level of customization. More customization means a higher price tag.

Additional Small Business Website Costs to Consider

Now that you know “how much a website costs for a small business,” let’s explore other additional expenses.

Add-ons and Plugins: Plugins add features like contact forms, tables, and testimonials to your site. Some are free, but premium plugins come at a price. Research the costs to fit your needs.

Hiring a Web Designer: Without in-house design skills, hiring a web designer or agency is wise. Compare quotes to find the best match for your business.

SEO: SEO To be easily found on search engines, invest in SEO. This includes optimizing load speed, building links, and creating content. Consider professional SEO services if you prefer not to handle it in-house.

Why Your Small Business Needs a Website

Why Your Small Business Needs a Website Did you know 73% of people research a company online before buying? A small business website is essential to attract and grow your customer base.

Here’s why your small business should invest in a website:

Increased Discoverability: People use the Internet to find products and services. Many will research your company online before making a purchase or visiting. A website boosts your online visibility, helping more people discover your business when they search for your offerings.

Building Trust: Trust is crucial for customer decisions. Without confidence in your products or services, potential customers might choose competitors. A website lets you showcase reviews, testimonials, awards, and detailed company info, building trust with your audience.

Driving Sales and Revenue: More people prefer buying online than ever before. A website allows customers to easily purchase products or contact you about services. For example, an electrician can use an online contact form for inquiries, while retailers can provide detailed product pages with reviews and secure purchase options.