If you've searched "small business website cost," you've seen answers ranging from $200 to $35,000. That range is useless for actually budgeting — because it lumps a solo consultant's site and a 20-page corporate build into the same number.
The Realistic Range
For an actual small business — a local shop, service provider, or small practice — a professionally built site typically runs $800 to $5,000 upfront, with $20–$200/month in ongoing hosting and maintenance.
| Route | Upfront | Monthly | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| DIY builder | $0–$200 | $16–$60 | Very simple needs, solo owners with time |
| Freelance developer | $800–$3,500 | $0–$150 | Most small businesses — custom build, no markup |
| Small agency | $3,000–$10,000 | $100–$400 | Full-service strategy + design + copy |
What Actually Drives the Price
- Page count — a 5-page site costs far less than 15+ pages
- Local SEO setup — Google Business Profile integration, location schema, city-targeted content
- Custom design vs. template — tailored branding costs more but converts better for trust-based businesses
- Content readiness — having your copy and photos ready speeds up the build significantly
Budgeting for Ongoing Costs
The upfront price is only half the picture. Set aside 15–25% of your build cost per year for hosting, maintenance, and small updates. A $2,000 build should realistically budget $300–$500/year ongoing.
FAQ
Is a DIY builder cheaper than hiring a developer?
Lower sticker price, but factor in your own time and weaker SEO setup — a freelance developer often costs about the same over a year while delivering a more professional result.
How long does a small business site take to build?
2–4 weeks for a standard 5–10 page site, depending on how fast you provide content.
Should I add e-commerce if I'm not selling online yet?
No — it adds $700–$3,000 and ongoing complexity for no benefit if you just need a digital storefront.
Full breakdown with cost-by-business-type tables and real examples: https://amanurrahman.com/blog-post/small-business-website-cost
