The Cost to Build a Website for a Small Business in 2024: Everything You Need to Know

Websites are essential for your business’s growth and success. In this guide, you will learn about the costs and average cost of website design for small business. Our focus is to help you understand all the dos and don’ts to take your small business to the next level.

If you want to own a website, learn more about what makes a good web design to change your viewers into lasting customers!

How much will building a website for a small business in 2024 cost?

Generally, the average cost to create a website for a small business can range from $1000 to $48,000 in 2024. This range includes the entire set for creating a website design from scratch. From buying your domain name to the entire website hosting plan. Depending on the extra services you want, the prices, of course, can vary.

Usually, the prices would be comparatively lower for small or start-up businesses since they would not require a website with several pages or services. At most, a basic website design lists down a couple of the services provided, an about us page, a testimonials page, a landing page, and a page dedicated to the team members. Depending on how you want your website to be completely customized, the web designers use a ready-made template. The costs for the ready-made templates should be reduced compared to customized design, as that takes more time and effort and is completely focused on you and your business.

Websleagues is a profound website design agency that offers several other services that complement and enhance your website design. While we service businesses in all sectors and sizes, the prices for web design and development are affordable regardless of how many services you require. With Websleagues, you will own a customized website design from scratch that will define your business and capture the aesthetic of your business’s purpose.

Now, let’s examine the breakdown and estimated costs for each part of the website design process.

1. Domain Name

Domain names normally cost around $0.99 per year to $60+ per year. While some businesses request promotional offers, others may desire standard domain name extensions such as .com, .org, or .net. Then there are the more premium domain names, which include strong keywords in shorter lengths and can typically be more expensive.

You can browse and purchase your desired domain names from companies like Websleagues. They offer affordable domain names separately and can be tailored to your liking. If you feel that a domain name has already been taken, you could approach the owners about it, but that would cost you a significant amount.

Learn why: Why Site Speed Matters and How To Improve It?

2. Website Hosting

The cost of website hosting in 2024 can alter depending on many factors, but the general estimated quote is around $10 – $200+ per month.

If your domain name is similar to your website address, website hosting will benefit you and your company in many ways. If you want your website to appear as a distal storefront to the world, a website hosting plan is necessary. Website hosting companies, like Websleagues, power your site and make it easily viewed and available online.

As a small business, you will generally see lower web hosting costs since many small websites use shared hosting, which could cost around $10 – $20 per month. With shared hosting, your firm will “share” a server with many other websites. This is how website hosting can cost less.

One drawback of shared hosting is that since it involves sharing resources like processing power and bandwidth with other websites on the same server, the activity of these other websites can impact your website’s performance. If a website on the shared server encounters a surge in traffic, it can consume significant resources, potentially slowing down your website for visitors.

3. Secure Sockets Layer Certificate

A secure sockets layer certificate, which can cost up to $1500 per year, is essential for protecting your website and visitors’ data. Most businesses consider it crucial as it serves as a trust signal, encouraging users to complete forms or make purchases on your site. It also safeguards customer data from potential hackers, providing protection for your business and brand.

Although some companies may offer free SSL certificates, they are often included with your web hosting subscription. Depending on your target needs, you may choose to purchase an SSL certificate.

4. Website Design

Typically, a website design costs from $2000 to $15,000. The major dissimilarity can be due to the website design company and the extra services provided during the design process.

 

Here is a breakup of the typical costs:

• Basic (small businesses): $2,000-$5,000
• Intermediate (medium/mid-sized companies): $5,000-$10,000
• Advanced (enterprises): $10,000-$15,000

Small business web design costs can vary widely, especially when it comes to design. Your company may prefer a simple look, while another might want a more sophisticated layout, requiring more designer time.

Moreover, you will probably need multiple designs or templates for different pages, such as the product, homepage, contact page, and service page.

When talking with web design agencies, ask about their design costs and request examples of both high-end and basic designs. This will help you build a relevant budget for your business.

Read more: How To Build a Fitness Website: Your Simple 10-Step Guide.

5. Number of Pages

The cost of your website can range from $1000 to $10,000, depending on the size. Websites vary in size, with an ecommerce store potentially having over 100 pages, while a service-based company may have less than 10. From a web design and development standpoint, it takes time to build and design these pages, even if some of them use the same layouts.

For instance, an ecommerce store may have 40 product pages that use the same design template. However, the web development agency would need to upload images and videos, copy them to these pages, and test them. These tasks take time, which is why websites with more pages cost more.

Typically, web design agencies have tiered pricing based on the number of pages, such as 1 – 10 pages or 10 – 20 pages. For example, if your business needed 7 pages, you would fall into the 1 – 10-page category and pay the corresponding rate for that tier.

Here are some distinctive costs you can expect based on the number of pages your site has:

• 1-75: $1000 – $3000
• 75-150: $3000 – $6000
• 150-250+: $6000 – $10,000+

6. Functionality

The cost of web design for functionality features typically ranges from $5000 to $10,000. For smaller businesses, the functionality costs are more likely to be towards the cheaper end of this range. When it comes to web design, functionality covers a variety of features, with an emphasis on ecommerce capabilities. If your company wishes to accept online payments or orders, you should budget for functionality expenses in your small business’s web design costs.

Even if your business provides services such as landscaping, plumbing, or home maintenance, offering online payments is beneficial due to the convenience it provides to many customers. Having the ability to accept online payments on your business’s website can be a unique selling point and may help you attract more clients.

Smaller websites do not require the extensive payment systems that large sites like Amazon do. For the most accurate estimate of these small business website design costs, it is recommended that you ask a professional web design company such as Websleagues.

We can assist your company in determining the best ecommerce functionality for your site and business. Please contact us online to start the conversation!

7. CMS

CMS (Content Management System), such as WordPress, typically costs between $3000 and $10,000. It is an extremely useful tool enabling your business to create, manage, and update website content without coding knowledge. For many users, it feels identical to working in a word processing program like Microsoft Word.

Using a CMS allows your company to edit and update your website easily. For example, if you need to modify service or product pricing, you can simply log into your CMS and make the shift without contacting your developer. However, some individuals may not have the time to do so, which is why the agency you hired will make those changes for you. That can be part of maintenance.

The cost of a CMS generally depends on your chosen CMS and the level of customization to your requirements. If your development and design team spends more time customizing your CMS, it is reasonable to expect a higher cost.

Learn more: How To Choose A Web Design Agency.

Other Small Business Website Costs to Consider

Now that you know all the major costs and main web design elements that affect website development and design, here are a couple of additional small business costs that can also be included during your website design process. Of course, the right website design agency would only do such by letting their client know. Websleagues ensure effortless and effective communication, ensuring the client gets exactly what they include in their website design. This will only be added with their consent and approval.

SEO

It is a good idea to opt for an SEO strategy for websites to show up better on the search engine results pages and be found easily on Google, Microsoft Bing, and Yahoo. An effective SEO strategy will help optimize several elements of your website, including the content, page loading speed, building links (backlinks), and more.

While freelancers may charge extra for this service, and errors can occur for one single individual to do an entire SEO strategy on a website, they could miss out on a few things or create errors. However, with an entire professional website designing agency like Websleagues, there will be a whole team of professional SEO writers and developers who have years of experience in this field. What is better is that the services are comparatively much cheaper.

Plugins

Plugins can enhance your website with features like contact forms, tables, testimonials, and more. To access these features, you will need to research the prices of the plugins you want to use. Additionally, some free plugins are available.

Hiring a web designer

If you need to gain design expertise or an in-house web designer/freelancer, you have the option to hire a website design agency, such as Websleagues.

Many web designers and agencies will provide you with a quote for building your website. Therefore, comparing quotes and designers is a good idea to find the best fit for your business! You can request a free quote from Websleagues.

Why Would My Small Business Need a Website?

Around 75% of people research for a company on the web before visiting the website. And the most relevant websites show up first in the search results. A small business website is important for attracting new customers and growing your business. Here are a couple of reasons why your small business needs a website:

1. Increased Discoverability

An increasing number of people rely on the Internet to find the products and services they require. As mentioned earlier, many individuals will likely research your company online before purchasing or visiting your physical location.

Creating a website for your small business can improve your online existence, making it easier for more people to find your company when they search for your products or services online.

2. Availability

Your website works tirelessly, promoting your business around the clock. Customers can access information, browse products, or contact you anytime, regardless of your physical business hours.

3. Credibility

Trust plays a significant role in a customer’s decision to make a purchase. If a potential customer is uncertain about whether your services or products will meet their needs or if you can provide the solutions they require, they may opt to buy from one of your competitors.

A website can help address this issue. You can leverage your website to showcase reviews and testimonials from existing customers, highlight any awards or accolades you have received, and provide more detailed information about your company, products, and services.

4. Drive More Sales and Revenue

Today, more people prefer to buy products and services online than ever before. When you create a website for your small business, you make it easier for potential customers to buy your products online or get in touch with you about your services.

For example, if you are a plumber, you can include an online contact form on your website that enables people to quickly contact you and inquire about your services.

Sell products such as beauty products. Create product pages on your website that let people read testimonials and detailed product descriptions and make secure online purchases.

5. Marketing and Lead Generation

It all adds up. Driving more sales and increasing revenue can ultimately boost marketing and lead generation.

Your website can be a strong marketing strategy. You can represent your services or products, share valuable content, and capture leads through contact forms or email signups. This enables you to build leads and convert them into paying customers.

6. Competition

As you may know (or not), the competition online is rising daily. This means that without a website design that represents your brand and services, discoverability will be touched, causing fewer people to learn about you. While all your competitors maintain their websites and further enhance them, this will make your site shine in the digital landscape. And for a small business, it is even more important to own a website for you to learn, improve, and build yourself up.

Helpful read: A Simple Guide To Choosing An Affordable Web Design Agency.

7. Control Your Brand Narrative

Your website allows you to convey your brand story and influence how customers perceive your business. You have control over the content, messaging, and visuals, which ensures a consistent brand image and helps to highlight your unique value proposition.

With a website, you can take charge of your brand narrative and create a compelling story that resonates with your target audience. Without a website, your brand image is shaped by online reviews, scattered social media mentions, or even competitor marketing. However, having a website allows you to curate your brand story from the ground up.

Your website serves as a platform to portray your company culture, values, and mission through strategic content, captivating visuals, and a user-friendly design. You can highlight your team’s expertise, client testimonials, and the unique benefits you offer. This enables you to create a distinct brand identity that differentiates you from competitors and builds trust with potential customers. By controlling the narrative on your website, you can leave a lasting impact and impression on how people perceive your brand.

Read more: Difference Between UX, UI Designer, And Web Designer.

Convinced to Own a Website as a Small Business?

It is understandable that owning a website design sounds tricky and does seem like a big step for your firm, but ultimately, it will lead to multiple benefits. Regarding the prices for the entire website development process, one thing should be kept in mind: freelancers are comparatively more expensive since they single-handedly do all the work, which could also cause a couple of mistakes. Most individuals and businesses prefer a professional website design agency to help them with their website designs and development.

Luckily, Websleagues is an affordable website design agency that has been crafting professional, elegant, and functional websites for years. Working with businesses in every sector and niche has allowed us to master the art of creating competitive and exceptional website designs that succeed. Websleagues is your ultimate partner as website developers for small businesses because we offer complete customized website designs and affordable and reasonable solutions. You can reach us anytime if you wish to receive an exact quote for your website project. We can build a website for small businesses that is affordable but will look professional and represent your business strongly online!

FAQ’S

How long does it take to build a website for a small business?

It typically takes 1-2 months to build a small business website. A good guideline is to budget one month for every five web pages. This means that a simple 5-page website takes a month to build, a 10-page website takes two months, and a 20-page website takes roughly 3-4 months to complete.

Why do small businesses still need a website?

Every business should have a website for the same reason, which is to improve and reach higher targets. Getting a website is the initial step toward putting your firm in an environment where it can flourish. It allows you to publicize your product, build credibility, distinguish yourself, and compete.

How much does making a good website cost?

Generally, the average cost to create a website for a small business can range from $1000 to $48,000 in 2024. This range includes the entire set for creating a website design from scratch. From buying your domain name to the whole of your website hosting plan. Depending on the extra services you want, the prices, of course, can vary.

How much value does a website add to a business?

For those who haven’t heard of your firm, your website will be a possible customer’s first touch point. A website with a strong and relevant design helps to strengthen your business’s overall image.

How much is a small business website worth?

Websites are often worth based on a multiple of their monthly earnings, known as an earnings multiplier. This multiplier is typically calculated by multiplying the monthly revenue or profit by a factor ranging from 24 to 36. For instance, if your website generates $10,000 per month, it could be listed for sale at a price between $240,000 and $360,000.