How much does it cost to hire a website designer REALLY?

If you’re reading this, chances are you’re trying to figure out how much you really need to spend on a website. Maybe you’re wondering, “Should I just do it myself? How much can a good website actually cost?” I get it—it’s overwhelming, especially when you’re seeing prices all over the place. But here’s the thing: the cost of a website depends on a lot of factors. So, let’s break it down so you know what to expect—and why investing in a professional site can save you money (and headaches) in the long run.

The range: From cheap to custom

First things first, website costs can vary a lot. Here’s a quick overview of the average price of a website for small businesses:

1. DIY or Template Website: $0-$500
2. Basic Professional Website: $1,500-$3,000
3. Custom Professional Website: $3,000-$10,000+
4. E-commerce or Complex Websites: $5,000-$20,000+

The other costs of having a website include your domain name (I personally pay $9/year for mine) and your website hosting (I pay $250/year for mine).

The difference of the price of the website is determined by the complexity of your site, the time it takes to build (but I recommend avoiding places that charge you by the hour!), and the level of customization you need. But here’s the thing you really need to know: You get what you pay for.

The hidden costs of cheap or DIY websites

I know it can be tempting to go the DIY route or hire someone on the cheap. A basic template from Wix or Squarespace might seem like a quick fix, but let me tell you- those hidden costs stack up fast.

Here’s why a cheap site can actually cost you more:

• User experience: When you’re DIYing your website, you may be able to make it look decent! But are you an expert in user behavior online? Do you understand the basics of the customer journey, how to design an conversion pathway, or exactly how and where to strategically warm up your audience to buy and then come in with the CTA? A critical reason to hire a professional web designer is that we build you a website that isn’t just “pretty.” It’s strategically designed to build the shortest, easiest customer journey from landing to conversion.
• SEO struggles: Google isn’t just looking at how pretty your site is; it’s digging into how it’s built. A DIY site often lacks the technical foundation for good SEO (keyword research? alt text? metadescriptions? site speed? file compression? etc). Without proper SEO, you’re invisible online. Hiring a pro ensures your site is optimized from the get-go.
• Time wasted: How many hours are you willing to spend trying to figure out how to design, code, and optimize your site? Your time is worth money, too! A website designer saves you that time and spares you the inevitable frustration.
• Limited customization: Sure, templates look good at first glance, but when it comes to making your site unique to your brand, you’ll hit a wall. You might think you’re saving money, but as soon as you want to tweak something, you’ll have to hire someone anyway. That’s money on top of what you’ve already spent.

Total cost of a website- what factors determine it?

When you’re working with a professional designer (like me at SO Digital + Design!), the cost can vary based on what you need. Here are a few things that affect price:

• Number of pages: A simple one-page site is going to cost less than a multi-page site. But keep in mind that even a simple site still needs thoughtful design and development.
• Custom design: If you want something unique that truly stands out, it’s going to cost more than a plug-and-play template. That’s because we’re designing something just for you that fits your brand perfectly.
• E-commerce functionality: If you’re selling products online, you’ll need an e-commerce setup, which adds to the cost. There’s a lot that goes into creating a secure, user-friendly shopping experience.
• Advanced features: Want booking capabilities, forms, or other interactive elements? Features like these take more time and coding, which increases the overall cost.

Why investing in a pro is worth every penny

You wouldn’t try to DIY your taxes or perform surgery on yourself, right? Building a website should be the same. A website is one of your most important business tools—it’s your online storefront, your 24/7 marketing machine, and often your first impression. Skimping here is like cutting corners on your foundation.

When you work with a professional like me, you’re not just paying for a pretty website. You’re paying for:

• Expertise: I’ve built countless websites, and I know what works (and what doesn’t).
• Customization: Your website should reflect your brand, not look like everyone else’s.
• Support: Once your site is up and running, I send you a library of custom screen recordings on how to make changes, manage the website going forward, how to access live support, and marketing tips specific to your niche. I even send you a bonus selection of social media templates for you to announce the launch of your new website!
• SEO: I’ll make sure that your site is set up with healthy basic SEO, so potential customers can actually find you.
• Peace of mind: No tech headaches. No wasted time. Just a smooth, easy process from start to finish.
• Speed to launch. With my Website in a Day and Website in a Week packages, you can have your dream website in as little as ONE DAY. Literally, one day! Unlike bloated website design agencies and big web design companies, SO Digital + Design doesn’t charge you by the hour and then take our time to milk that hourly rate. We charge a FLAT rate in exchange for a gorgeous final product- no surprises, no hidden costs, and no time wasted!

Why hiring a professional web designer is worth it

We might be biased, but at the end of the day, a well-designed website is an investment in your business. Yes, it might cost more upfront than a DIY or cheap option, but the return on that investment is worth it. You’ll get a site that works for you, attracts customers, and actually helps you grow your business.

If you’re ready to invest in a website that will make your business shine, let’s chat! At SO Digital + Design, I’ll build you a website that’s not only beautiful but also functional, optimized, and tailored to your brand. Submit an inquiry today and I’ll get back to you within 48 hours to see if we’re a good fit!