If you’ve ever tried to price out a new website, you’ve probably noticed something:
the cost can vary wildly. Some agencies quote $1,500, others quote $10,000 — and both might be correct depending on what’s included.
Instead of guessing or feeling overwhelmed, this guide breaks down what goes into pricing a website so you can plan wisely and avoid surprises.
What You’re Really Paying For
A website isn’t just the pages you see — it’s everything behind the scenes that makes your site fast, secure, and effective.
Most website quotes include some combination of:
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Project planning & research
Understanding your audience, goals, and competitors -
Visual design
Style, layout, branding, and user experience -
Content creation or editing
Wording that speaks to your audience and drives action -
Development & buildout
Adding pages, forms, images, navigation, plugins -
Mobile optimization
Making sure it works beautifully on phones and tablets -
Integrations
Online donations, scheduling, payments, CRM, etc. -
Launch & testing
Making sure everything works before going live
In short: you’re paying for the strategy, structure, and experience behind the website — not just the pages themselves.
What Often Isn’t Included in the Base Price
Many business owners are surprised by additional expenses that pop up later.
Common exclusions include:
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Copywriting (if you need help writing your pages)
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Professional photography or stock images
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Email marketing or CRM setup
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Monthly maintenance or security
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Hosting & domain renewals
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Ongoing content updates
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Advanced custom functionality
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SEO content strategy
These aren’t always required — but they often become important once the site is live.
Why Prices Vary So Much Between Web Designers
The differences usually come down to:
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Experience & expertise
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How much is done for you vs. by you
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Whether long-term support is included
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The level of customization
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The builder, theme, or tools used
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The amount of discovery & strategy upfront
Some developers hand off a site with no guidance.
Some stay with you for years to keep it running smoothly.
The second approach costs more — but usually saves time, frustration, and future rebuilds.
Avoiding Hidden Costs: Ask These 5 Questions First
Before entering a partnership, ask your web designer:
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Will you write or improve my content, or do I need to provide everything?
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How much support do I get after launch, and for how long?
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What happens when I need a change—do I pay hourly or is there a plan?
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What plugins, licenses, or subscriptions will I be responsible for?
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How do you handle security, backups, and updates?
Clear answers now prevent headaches later.
Budget Ranges to Help You Plan
These are typical ranges — not rules — and depend on features and support:
| Type of Website | Typical Range | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Starter Site (6-10 pages) | $1,500–$2,500 | new businesses, tight budgets |
| Small Business Website (10-20 pages) | $2,500–$4,000 | growing organizations |
| Strategy-Driven Website | $4,000–$5,000+ | businesses that need conversion focus, integrations |
| eCommerce or Membership Site | $2,500–$7,500+ | complex functionality |
Your business may fall anywhere on this spectrum — what matters most is clarity on what’s included.
Don’t Forget Ongoing Costs
Even the best website needs care.
Plan for:
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Hosting & domain renewals
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Security updates
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Plugin license renewals
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Content changes
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Performance optimization
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Regular backups
Skipping maintenance risks slower performance, broken features, or even hacks.
Think of your website like your business — launching it is only the beginning.
Why Many Businesses Choose a Long-Term Partner
Building the site is step one.
Keeping it secure, supported, and up to date is step two — and it never really ends.
That’s why many organizations choose monthly support & maintenance plans for predictable costs and peace of mind.
At InTouch Website Design, we specialize in:
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Ongoing support
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Content updates
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Performance & security
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Long-term relationships
Because a great website should evolve as your business does.
Want a Clear Estimate for Your Business?
Every business has different goals — and the most accurate price comes from understanding what you need now and what you’ll need later.
I offer quick, honest website estimates — no pressure, no jargon.
If we’re a good fit, great. If not, you walk away with clarity.