How much does a small business website cost?
The honest answer is that it depends on what the site needs to do. Here is what actually moves the price, so you can compare quotes fairly.
Updated
What drives the price
Three things matter most: how many pages you need, whether the site just informs or also does something (takes bookings, payments or logins), and how much content and photography has to be created rather than supplied.
- Size: a one-page site and a twenty-page site are different projects
- Function: booking, payments, accounts and dashboards add real work
- Content: writing, photography and logo design are separate from building
- Custom or template: a custom design costs more up front and is yours to shape
The costs people forget
Ask every provider about the ongoing costs, not just the build. A domain name renews every year. Hosting is a monthly or yearly fee. Some builders charge a license to keep the site online, and some charge for each small change.
Also ask who owns the site when it is done. You want to own the design, content and files, with no fee to take them elsewhere.
What to ask for in a quote
A good quote is specific. It should tell you what is included, how long it will take and what happens after launch.
- The number of pages and what each does
- What features are included, such as forms, booking or payments
- Who writes the text and supplies photos
- Hosting, domain and ongoing fees, stated separately
- Who owns the finished site
- What a small change costs afterwards
How we price at Circuit11
We quote after a free first call, once we understand what you need, and we put the scope and the price in writing before any work starts. We tell you plainly when something is more than you need.
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Common questions
Is a cheap template site good enough?
Sometimes. If you only need a simple online card, a template can work. If you want to stand out, load quickly and be found locally, a custom build usually serves you better over time.
Why do quotes vary so much?
Because providers are quoting different things. Compare scope, ownership and ongoing costs, not just the first number.
Can I pay in stages?
Ask any provider about payment terms before you start. We agree on a schedule in writing before work begins.
Talk it over with a Kansas small business owner
Circuit11 is a small studio in Wichita. The first call is free, and we will tell you plainly what you need and what you do not.