If you’ve ever Googled “how much does a website cost,” you’ve probably gotten everything from $200 to $20,000 — and that’s just page one of the search results.
So what gives? Why is pricing all over the place? And more importantly: what should a small business actually pay for a professional website in 2025?
This article breaks it down clearly — no upsells, no jargon. Just real talk from a design studio that works with small businesses every day.
First Things First: What Kind of Website Are We Talking About?
Let’s define the playing field. We’re talking about websites for local service-based businesses: landscapers, consultants, therapists, fitness coaches, interior designers, etc.
These sites usually include:
- A homepage
- About, Services, Contact pages
- Blog or portfolio (optional)
- Basic SEO setup
- Responsive mobile design
If you’re selling 500 products or building a social media app — you’re in a different price bracket.
The Real Price Range (and Why It’s So Wide)
Here’s what you’ll typically see in the wild:
- $0–$500: DIY site builders like Wix or Squarespace. Great for starting, but limited in performance, customization, and SEO.
- $1,000–$2,500: Freelancers or small shops building basic brochure-style websites. Quality varies hugely.
- $3,000–$6,000: Professional, custom-built websites from an experienced designer or small studio (like us). Better design, strategy, SEO, and support.
- $7,000+: Full custom development, advanced features, membership, eCommerce, or agencies with overhead.
Price depends on complexity, experience, platform, and how hands-on the provider is with strategy.
Here’s What You’re Actually Paying For
Let’s break this down line by line — so you know exactly where your money should go:
1. Strategy & Planning
Before anyone designs anything, we talk about who you are, what you do, and who your ideal client is. A well-planned site converts better, ranks better, and lasts longer.
2. Design & User Experience (UX)
We’re not just picking fonts. We’re designing a layout that guides users through your brand story toward a clear call to action.
3. Copywriting & Messaging
You need clear headlines, benefit-driven copy, and calls to action that convert. Whether we write it or guide you, this is make-or-break.
4. Development & Platform Setup
Whether it’s WordPress + Elementor or another CMS, this is where the site comes to life — fast, mobile-ready, SEO-friendly.
5. SEO Fundamentals
At a minimum: meta tags, image optimization, keyword structure, sitemap, Google indexing. Optional: content planning and local SEO add-ons.
6. Integrations & Features
Calendars, contact forms, email marketing, booking, payments — all the stuff that makes your site work harder for you.
7. Revisions, Support & Launch
You should always get 1–2 rounds of revisions, launch help, and basic post-launch support. If someone builds and bounces? 🚩
Cheap Sites vs. Smart Investments
Let’s say a $500 website lasts 2 years, and a $4,000 website lasts 4–5 years and brings in leads weekly. Which is cheaper in the long run?
Cheap sites often cost more in redesigns, lost leads, and stress. Smart websites deliver ROI — and peace of mind.
How We Price at East Cobb Design Co.
Our pricing reflects real value. We build sites that blend strategy, SEO, and conversion — not just design for design’s sake.
- Starter sites: $1,200–$2,500 (semi-custom, fast turnaround)
- Custom sites: $3,500–$5,000+ (strategy + copy + SEO + branding)
- Maintenance & SEO plans: monthly packages for ongoing growth
We’re not the cheapest — but we’re obsessed with getting it right. And we don’t disappear after launch.
What to Watch Out For
✅ Ask what’s included (copywriting? SEO? mobile?)
✅ Ask what’s not included (hosting? domain? post-launch support?)
✅ Ask how custom your site is (template tweaks ≠ full design)
✅ Ask what happens after launch
And never — ever — sign with someone who doesn’t ask you any questions first. If they’re not interested in your goals, they’re not building for them.
