How much should a website cost? Why do prices vary so much—from $500 to $5,000 (or more)? In this episode, I break down what goes into website pricing, what to watch out for, and how to figure out what you should spend based on your business stage.
If you’ve been quoted wildly different amounts for a website and you’re wondering what’s normal (or what’s worth it), you’re not alone. I’ll walk you through the different options—from DIY to high-end agency—and help you understand what you’re actually paying for.
In this episode, I’ll cover:
- Why website costs vary so much
- What’s included at different price points
- Red flags to watch for when hiring a web designer
- Green flags that signal you’re in good hands
- How to choose the right approach for your business
Whether you’re just starting out or ready to grow, this episode will help you feel more confident about your next website investment.
Listen on: Apple Podcasts.
Transcript
Are You Wondering How Much a Website Should Cost?
Hey, does this sound like you?
Maybe you’re considering getting a website for your business, or you’ve been in business for a while and you think it’s about time to get a website — and you’re not sure how much it should cost. Like, you may have gotten quotes already and have seen that some people are saying “Oh, $500,” and others are saying $5,000 or more. Or maybe you just don’t know.
If you’re in that predicament, you’re not alone. Other people are experiencing this, and you’ve come to the right place.
Hi, my name is Lou. I am a web designer and digital business consultant. I help service providers and allied health practices get positioned online so they get more leads and have websites that they’re happy to send people to.
Thank you for tuning in.
Why Website Prices Vary So Much
Like I said, if you’ve been looking for quotes for websites and you’re not really sure how much you should be paying, you’re in the right place. By the end of this episode, you’ll know why prices can fluctuate so wildly, and I’ll help you figure out exactly what you should pay based on your stage of business — so stick around.
Why There’s No Standard Pricing
Let’s talk about why there’s no standards to pricing. What’s going on here?
Look, I get it. I understand how this could be so confusing. I’ll tell you about why this happens. I don’t blame you for being confused — there are so many different ways of doing this.
I’ve been building websites for businesses for around 15 years. I’ve seen how other people are doing it. I’ve seen DIY and agencies and everything in between.
So when someone says, “Oh, it costs around $500 to build a website,” they may be talking about a DIY option. Usually the price that you’re paying for this very simple DIY option is your name — so your domain name (yourname.com) and a space to put your website. That cost does not include getting somebody to help you design it or figure out what’s going into the site. That’s all on you.
If you think your time is better spent doing something else — I totally understand.
Cheap Options: What You Might Be Missing
Another thing that can happen is you’re looking for a cheap website. You may hear someone say they’ve got it for $1,000 or below. It could be that they’ve gotten somebody overseas to do it cheaply, compared to, say, an agency that will charge you $10,000.
What I’ve seen happen here is that, even though somebody cheap overseas can deliver a complete website — like it looks like a website, it’s got a header and a footer and content — the problem is that it may look finished, but it’s not easy for you to edit. Or it’s not designed in such a way that considers what your customer is going through.
That’s where the added cost of working with an experienced consultant like me, or an agency, comes in.
We charge more because it takes thought, planning, effort, education, and knowledge to understand not just how to make a website function — not just to put pictures and text on a page. What I do, what we do, is we consider the psychology of what your ideal customer is going through. We design in such a way that makes it easy for them to understand what you offer, feel comfortable making contact with you, and help them decide that you’re the right choice.
Because if you’re really good at doing what you do — that’s one thing. But doing what you do and selling what you do to strangers using text and images on a website? That may not come naturally to you.
So that’s where I’d consider putting in some extra investment into getting someone to do that for you.
If it were up to me, I’d much rather have someone know exactly what to say and not guess what people want to hear. I wouldn’t make the content of my website an afterthought.
What Influences Website Cost?
So let’s talk about specific things that influence the cost.
I mentioned that you could DIY everything — that’ll cost you a couple of hundred dollars to have a space to put your website. Then there’s the other end of the scale, where you’re getting an agency. That might include a team of people who make sure the website is up and running, has compelling content, and converts.
Also, it’s not just putting the website together and getting it up there — do you also consider bringing people to it? Sometimes a web designer might include marketing, advertising, and SEO in their cost. Sometimes they don’t — that’s extra stuff.
If you don’t know how to bring people to your website — and maybe you don’t want to — that may cost more. But again, it may seem like an expense, but if you want a website that works for you, it may be a good idea to invest in getting help.
Think of it as time you’re getting back — not having to go out and network, or figure out how to write a script for your TikTok video. If your time is valuable and you can earn more doing what you specialise in, then I reckon it’s worth getting someone else to do the web and marketing stuff for you.
What Should You Realistically Pay?
So, realistically, what should you be paying?
DIY, with a little help, maybe a few hundred — fine and legit. Maybe your business is still emerging, still working its way to making you some money. I fully respect not having thousands to invest (unless you do!).
Speaking in terms of Australian dollars, a couple of hundred is what you can expect to DIY something.
If your business is growing and you want to be taken more seriously — that’s where someone like me can come in. At the time I’m making this video, my average website project is around $3,000. That includes my professional input — not just making it look pretty or assembling it, but putting it together in a way that your customers get you.
Because it’s one thing to guess what to put on a website — I take care of all those decisions for you. That’s what I’m here for.
Some people will invest multiple thousands — tens of thousands — because they need something to generate lots of money. If you’re making hundreds of thousands or millions per month, it makes sense to invest in systems that convert strangers into fans and customers. That stuff takes time, planning, tech knowledge, and good design. That’s what I can help with.
Red Flags to Watch Out For
Here are some red flags you should look out for:
- The person you’re talking to has no interest in the specifics of your business — they just say, “Yep, $300, five pages.” That’s not great.
- They make you a website but don’t give you any access to edit it.
- They don’t set it up on a hosting account that you own.
Your domain and your hosting account are your property. You should own them. You should never feel trapped or confused. If any part of the process is confusing, talk about it with the person you’re working with. Don’t be afraid to shop around.
Green Flags to Look For
Green flags:
- It feels like a collaborative process.
- Your input is valued — about your products, services, and brand personality.
- The designer talks about what happens after the website is finished — like updating services, tweaking things, or bringing in traffic.
Because if you build it, they’re not just going to come. You will need to advertise.
Final Thoughts: What’s Right For You?
How do you decide what’s right for you?
Like with many major purchases — get a few quotes. Think about the vibe you get from each person. Think about what you’d like the website to do for your business. If you’re not sure, be prepared to talk it out.
Also, consider everything that’s involved — you may need:
- Photos
- Sales copy
- Marketing strategy
I’ve got another episode where I talk more about questions to ask and how to prepare before working with a web designer — I’ll include that in the notes.
It’s totally okay to feel out the possibilities with a DIY or low-cost option just to see what’s out there.
BUT — if you want agency-quality at bargain prices, just be aware: you might end up paying professional rates later to fix it. So you might as well just pay someone good the first time.
Feel comfortable asking questions. It’s totally fine not to know tech stuff. For me, I want to make sure what I’m making for you is a good fit for your business. I don’t like selling just for the sake of it.
If you want to talk things out — that’s what I’m here for.
Thanks for tuning in! If you found this useful, I’d love it if you share it with someone who’s going through this right now. And if you’d like to ask me anything, please don’t hesitate to reach out — I’m here to help.
Bye for now.
Would you like me to call you? Leave your details and I’ll get back to you when I can.