How Much Does a Website Cost? Understanding Your Options

Did you know that nearly one in four small businesses in the U.S. still don’t have a website? According to a 2023 survey by Zippia, 27% of small businesses operate without an online presence. In today’s digital world, having a website is essential for success.​

Just like purchasing a car, websites come in various models, brands, and price ranges, depending on features and functionality. In this killer guide, we’ll break down the costs associated with building a website by comparing different platforms and styles, including DIY options, templates, and fully customized solutions. After reading this, you’ll be equipped with the information you need to make an informed decision about your website investment.

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What Type of Website Do You Need?

The type of website you choose is one of the biggest factors in determining cost. Here’s a breakdown of common options:​

Website Type	Best For	Estimated Cost Range
Landing Page	Lead generation, simple call-to-action	$600 – $2,500
Micro-Site (2–5 pages)	Campaigns, events, or limited service menus	$1,500 – $5,000
Business Website	Service-based businesses, multi-page site with core content (Home, About, Services, Contact)	$3,000 – $15,000+
E-Commerce Website	Selling products online with shopping carts, payment processing, product catalog	$5,000 – $50,000+
Blogging Platform	Content-driven websites with blog functionality	$1,000 – $10,000

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Choosing Your Website Platform & Understanding Your Options

Not all platforms are created equal. Some are designed for DIY beginners, while others offer full control and customization. (Source: Wix)

Platform Type	Features	Typical Pricing
DIY Website Builders (Wix, Squarespace, Shopify Basic)	Easy-to-use templates, limited customization, best for basic sites	$12 – $40/month (plus optional design fees)
WordPress.com (Hosted Service)	Managed hosting, simple setup, fewer plugin options unless on higher-tier plans	$8 – $70/month, depending on plan
Self-Hosted CMS (WordPress.org)	Designed from the ground up with advanced features, deep integrations, and custom design	Full flexibility, requires hosting and professional setup, and is scalable for growing businesses (see fully custom development pricing)
Fully Custom Development	Designed from the ground up with advanced features, deep integrations, custom design	$5,000 – $50,000+ based on complexity

💡 Quick Notes for Clarity:

• WordPress.com = Hosted, subscription-based service (best for bloggers or simple DIY websites).
• WordPress.org (Self-Hosted) = Free software, but requires your own hosting, setup, and often professional development (this is where most agency-built WordPress sites fall).
• Custom Development = Includes self-hosted WordPress builds with advanced customizations, or fully custom sites on other frameworks.

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Other Website Costs to Factor In:

Component	Estimated Cost
Domain Name	$10 – $20/year (not including premium domains)
Website Hosting	$10 – $100+/month (shared to dedicated hosting)
Design & Branding	$1,000 – $10,000+ (based on scope and complexity)
Maintenance & Support	$500 – $2,500/year
Plugins & Add-Ons	Free to $300+ per plugin (one-time or subscription-based)

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Your Website Needs Regular Maintenance—Just Like Your Car

Just as you’d schedule regular tune-ups for your vehicle or consider trading it in for a newer model, your website requires consistent updates to remain effective and secure. Neglecting your website can lead to outdated content, security vulnerabilities, and a poor user experience.​

In fact, 25% of small business websites are updated less than once a year, which can significantly impact customer perception and engagement. ​(Source: Moneyzine)

81% of people think less of a business if its website is outdated, and 39% would think twice about using a product or service if the website isn’t fresh and current. ​(Source: Search Engine Journal)

Regularly updating your website ensures that your content remains relevant, your security measures are up to date, and your site continues to meet the evolving expectations of your audience.

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Why Your Web Partner’s Approach Affects Pricing (and Results)

Two websites on the same platform can deliver very different results depending on who builds them and how they approach the project.​

Some developers focus solely on design or coding. At Killer Bee Marketing, we go beyond the visuals—we apply strategy from day one.​

Our Approach Includes:

• Following the Donald Miller StoryBrand Marketing Roadmap to shape clear messaging and guide copywriting.
• Designing for the customer journey—prioritizing engagement and conversions, not just looks.
• Developing user-friendly, mobile-responsive experiences that serve your audience well.

A cheaper website that doesn’t convert is more expensive than one that does.

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Wrapping Up: What’s the Right Investment for Your Website?

The cost of a website depends on your needs, goals, and the experience of the team you choose to bring it to life. Whether you’re looking for a simple online presence or a fully customized digital experience, it’s important to invest where it matters most—clarity, strategy, and audience connection.​

We hope this website cost guide has provided clarity on the factors influencing website pricing. At Killer Bee Marketing, we specialize in crafting tailored digital solutions, including landing pages, micro-sites, and fully customized self-hosted websites.​

Our team combines strategic insight with creative design to develop websites that not only look great but also drive results. Whether you’re starting from scratch or looking to revamp your existing site, we’re here to help you achieve your business goals.​

Schedule a discovery call with our CEO, Brian Curee, to explore how we can bring your vision to life.

🤖 This article is grounded in our own experiences, reflections, and insights. AI tools were used to assist with the writing and publishing process, enabling us to share valuable content with you more quickly.