How much does web design cost?

A Real-World Breakdown for Small Businesses

If you’ve ever searched “how much does web design cost?” you’ve probably noticed one thing right away — the answers are all over the place. Some sites say a website can cost a few hundred dollars, while others quote $10,000+ for a single project. So what’s the real cost of website design? And more importantly, what should a small business actually expect to pay?  The truth is that website design pricing depends on several factors, including your business goals, the complexity of the site, and whether you’re working with a freelance web designer, a website builder, or a professional web design agency.

Let’s break it down in plain English.

The Average Website Design Cost (High-Level Overview)

For most small businesses, the average website design cost typically falls into these ranges:

• Basic website design: $500 – $2,000
• Custom website design: $2,000 – $5,000+
• Ecommerce websites / online stores: $2,500 – $10,000+
• Corporate websites with advanced features: $5,000 – $20,000+

These numbers represent the initial build cost — not ongoing expenses like web hosting, website maintenance, or SEO services.

Why Web Design Costs Vary So Much

No two website design projects are the same. The final price tag depends heavily on your project’s complexity and what functionality your website needs. Here are the biggest factors that influence web design costs:

1. Type of Website You’re Building

A portfolio website or basic small business website is very different from an online store with product pages, payment gateway integration, and custom functionality.

Examples:

• A basic website with a few pages and contact forms costs far less than a site with ecommerce functionality.
• A corporate website with custom coding, advanced security features, and interactive elements costs significantly more.

2. Custom Design vs Templates

Using custom templates or a DIY website builder can save money upfront, but it comes with limitations.

A custom website design includes:

• Custom graphics
• Brand-specific layouts
• Optimized user experience
• Better SEO foundations

Custom design costs more — but it also gives you a professionally designed site that actually converts visitors into customers.

3. Who Builds the Website

Your choice of provider matters a lot.

• Freelance web designers
  Often cheaper, but quality and support can vary.
• DIY website builders
  Low upfront cost, higher time investment, limited flexibility.
• Professional web design agencies
  Higher upfront cost, but better structure, SEO, performance, and long-term reliability.

For most small business owners, working with a professional web designer or web design agency offers the best balance of quality, reliability, and long-term value.

Ongoing Website Costs to Expect

Your website cost doesn’t stop once it goes live. Here are common ongoing costs website owners should plan for:

Web Hosting

• Shared hosting: $15–$25/month
• Managed hosting or quality hosting: $25–$75/month

Website Maintenance

• Updates
• Security patches
• Plugin renewals
• Performance monitoring

Domain & SSL

• Custom domain: ~$20-40/year (much higher for competitive domains)
• SSL certificate: often included with hosting

Subscription & Renewal Costs

• Premium plugins
• Web builders
• Ecommerce tools
• Content management system add-ons

These ongoing maintenance and subscription costs are often overlooked but critical for long-term success.

What Drives Custom Website Design Costs Higher?

Certain features increase the cost of website design significantly:

• Custom development or custom coding
• Advanced features and custom functionality
• Ecommerce functionality
• Payment gateways
• Membership portals
• Custom graphics and interactive elements
• Security features beyond basic SSL
• SEO services and basic SEO setup
• Content creation and copywriting

The more tailored your site is, the more technical expertise is required.

Web Design Pricing for Small Businesses (Realistic Expectations)

For most small business owners, here’s what a realistic setup looks like:

• A small business website (3–5 pages)
• Professionally designed
• Mobile-friendly
• Basic SEO included
• Contact forms
• Secure hosting
• Easy content management

This usually lands between $800 and $2,000 depending on the agency.

How Northern Leads Approaches Web Design Pricing

At Northern Leads, we intentionally price our web design services below the industry average — especially for small businesses.

Why? Because many small business owners need:

• A professional website
• Clean design
• Strong SEO foundations
• Predictable monthly costs

Without paying inflated agency prices.

Our pricing is structured to cover:

• Professional website design
• Secure hosting
• Ongoing maintenance
• Performance monitoring
• Support

All without locking clients into massive upfront investments. You can view our full website design pricing directly on NorthernLeads.com.

How to Save Money on Website Design (Without Cutting Corners)

If you want to save money while still getting a quality website:

• Start with a basic website design and expand later
• Avoid unnecessary custom features early
• Focus on conversion-first design
• Choose a professional web design agency that offers clear pricing
• Bundle hosting and maintenance instead of managing it yourself

A professionally designed site that grows with your business is always more cost-effective than rebuilding every year.

Final Thoughts: What Should Your Website Really Cost?

The true cost of website design isn’t just dollars — it’s missed opportunities if your site doesn’t perform.

A good website:

• Builds trust
• Generates leads
• Supports SEO
• Grows with your business

Whether you choose a freelance web designer, a web design agency, or a managed solution, the key is understanding what you’re paying for — and why.

If you’re ready to invest in a professional website that works for your business, not against it, web design becomes less of an expense and more of a growth tool.