How Much Should a Website Cost? A Guide for Service Providers
If you’re running a service-based business, you’ve probably asked: How much should a website cost? The answer depends on what you need your site to do. But knowing what affects cost—and what to avoid—helps you spend smarter.
This guide breaks it down.
1. DIY Website Builders (Low Cost, High Time)
Platforms like Squarespace, Wix, and Shopify start around $20–$50/month. You’ll also need a domain (about $20/year).
Pros:
Affordable
Quick to launch
Lots of templates
Cons:
You do the work (copy, design, SEO, maintenance)
Generic design
Limited functionality
Best for: startups, early testing, hobby sites.
2. Freelance Web Designer ($1,500–$5,000+)
Hiring a freelancer means you get a custom site, tailored copy, and proper setup.
What affects cost:
Number of pages
Strategy and SEO
Branding/design complexity
Copywriting and images
Booking or sales integrations
Expect to pay more for strategy, UX, brand development, and content help—all crucial for conversions.
Best for: service providers who want a professional presence and don’t have time to DIY.
3. Small Agencies or Studios ($5,000–$15,000+)
Agencies usually include a team: strategist, designer, developer, copywriter.
Pros:
In-depth research
Custom branding
Strong project management
Scalable for growth
Cons:
Higher price
Less flexibility (some have fixed packages or timelines)
Best for: businesses ready to scale or rebrand.
4. Ongoing Costs to Expect
A website isn’t a one-time cost. Expect:
Hosting and domain: $100–$300/year
Email (like Google Workspace): $8–$15/month
Ongoing maintenance (if custom-coded): $500–$2,000/year
SEO or content updates: optional, but useful
If you use a platform like Squarespace, some of this is bundled.
5. What’s Worth Paying For
When budgets are tight, invest in:
Strategy: A website without a goal won’t convert
Copy: Clear words are more valuable than flashy design
UX: Your site must be easy to navigate
Good design is not about decoration. It’s about function. A clear path to action increases leads and sales.
6. Red Flags to Avoid
“Cheap websites” on Fiverr that use stolen templates or code
Promises of “SEO-optimised” sites without a strategy
Sites with no content planning (you’ll end up writing it all yourself)
Developers who lock you out of editing your own site
Always ask:
What’s included?
Who owns the content and domain?
Will I be trained to make changes?
BASICALLY: Your website is an asset. The right investment will pay you back in leads, bookings, and client trust.
