prices of websites
A clear, practical guide to how website costs are set — and how to get better value for design and SEO services.
Website pricing looks confusing because every project is different. This guide breaks pricing into simple parts, gives realistic ranges, and offers step-by-step tips so you pay for value — not surprises.
How website pricing is structured
Providers break the price of a website into predictable pieces. Understanding those pieces makes quotes easy to compare.
Custom visual design, templates, branding work and layout time. Simple templates cost less than bespoke design.
The CMS, site structure, responsive work, integrations (booking, payments) and any custom code.
Ongoing hosting, SSL, backups, updates and security monitoring. Often charged monthly.
Other items that appear on quotes
- Domain registration or transfer fees
- SEO setup and content optimisation
- Copywriting, photography or stock images
- Third-party app subscriptions (booking systems, CRMs)
Key factors that affect website cost
These are the levers that make one quote very different from another. Use them to control price and quality.
Design complexity
A one-page brochure site using a template is fast and cheap. Custom layouts, animations, and unique branding increase hours and cost.
Custom development
Integrations or custom features (online booking, calculators, complex forms) require dev hours and testing.
E-commerce
Product management, payments, shipping, and tax logic add significant complexity. E-commerce stores commonly start higher and require ongoing fees.
SEO & content
Basic on-page SEO is low-cost. Ongoing SEO (content, link building, technical fixes) is a monthly investment that drives long-term traffic.
Delivery time
Faster turnarounds (24–72 hours) often cost more because teams prioritise the job or use templated builds. Longer timelines can reduce cost.
Support & warranty
Maintenance, security monitoring, and update policies change ongoing costs. Unlimited updates often appear only in subscription models.
Common pricing models
Knowing model types helps you compare quotes fairly.
Fixed-price (project)
A set scope and a set cost. Good when requirements are clear. Watch for change-request fees.
Hourly or daily rate
You pay for time. Flexibility is good; cost is less predictable. Typical rates in 2025 depend on expertise and geography.
Subscription / managed
Monthly fee that bundles hosting, updates, SEO basics and unlimited minor changes. Very predictable and often the best value for small businesses.
Realistic price ranges (2025)
Ranges below are approximate and cover typical small business scenarios in Australia in 2025.
| Type | Typical cost | Timeline | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Template brochure site | $0–$500 setup + $10–$50/mo | Same day – 1 week | Cheap, quick; limited uniqueness and SEO work |
| Small custom site (5–10 pages) | $1,000–$6,000 one-off OR $30–$99/mo subscription | 3 days – 4 weeks | Custom design, basic SEO, better conversions |
| E-commerce store (small) | $2,500–$12,000 upfront + $30–$300/mo | 2–8 weeks | Payments, tax, shipping and maintenance add cost |
| Large or enterprise site | $10,000 – $100,000+ | 3–6+ months | Custom systems, integrations, heavy QA and security |
| Managed subscription (best value) | $30–$199/mo | 24 hours – 2 weeks | Includes hosting, SSL, updates, basic SEO & unlimited small updates |
Remember: the cheapest quote often cuts important items (SEO, backups, or mobile work). The smartest investment balances cost with expected results (leads, sales, bookings).
How to get good value from SEO and web design
SEO is not a line item you pay once — it’s an ongoing effort. Here’s how to invest wisely.
Prioritise high-impact work
- Fix technical basics first: mobile responsiveness, site speed, HTTPS, correct indexing.
- On-page SEO: unique page titles, meta descriptions, headings and intent-aligned content for key services.
- Local SEO: Google Business Profile, consistent NAP (name, address, phone), and local keywords for trades.
Invest in content that converts
Good SEO is content-driven. Prioritise service pages that answer customer questions and include clear calls to action.
Measure outcomes, not tasks
Ask providers for KPIs: traffic, enquiries, call tracking. Pay attention to conversion rates and lead quality — not just rankings.
Use phased approaches
Launch the site with a SEO baseline, then roll out content and link-building activities. This reduces upfront cost and focuses spend where it works.
Buying checklist & negotiation tips
Use this checklist to compare quotes and avoid surprises.
- Itemised quote: Ask for a breakdown — design, build, hosting, domain, SEO, and ongoing support.
- Scope of updates: What counts as an “update”? Are minor edits included in the price?
- Ownership: Confirm you own your domain and content. Ask about migrating if you cancel.
- Guarantees & SLAs: Turnaround times for support, uptime guarantees and backups.
- Reporting: Monthly analytics and what KPIs will be tracked.
- Exit plan: How to export content and move to another provider if needed.
Simple 4-step process to get the right website price
Follow these steps to reduce cost, get value, and launch quickly.
Write a clear brief
One page: business goals, target customers, must-have features, desired timeline, and budget range.
Get 2–3 quotes (same brief)
Use the same brief to compare apples-to-apples. Ask for itemised pricing and timelines.
Prioritise must-haves
If price is high, ask to phase the build: launch essentials first, add bells later.
Agree KPIs and reporting
Set 3-month and 6-month goals: enquiries, phone calls, form submissions — and ask for monthly reports.
Quick decision rule
If two vendors offer similar deliverables, choose the one that: (1) clearly owns your content, (2) offers predictable support, and (3) shows previous results for businesses like yours.
Frequently asked questions
Why do some quotes vary so much?
Is subscription always cheaper than a one-off build?
How much should I budget for SEO after launch?
Can I switch providers later?
Want a clear, all-inclusive price?
Get a quote that includes design, hosting, SSL, monthly updates and a SEO baseline — no hidden fees. If you prefer, ask for a phased plan so you only pay for what you need now.
Tip: ask for sample results — real examples of traffic or enquiries generated for similar businesses.
