web design cost
How much does a website actually cost in 2025? Compare DIY, freelancers, agencies — and discover the all-in $49/month alternative that many Australian small businesses choose.
Tiny DIY sites can be free; bespoke agency builds for complex businesses can exceed $30k. Most small businesses pay between $500 and $8,000 depending on scope.
Hosting, maintenance, plugins, and marketing can add monthly fees. Congero provides hosting, domain, updates and analytics for $49/month.
Plumbers, electricians, cleaners and other local service businesses get the fastest ROI from simple, well-optimised websites. Fast launch and local SEO are crucial.
What determines web design cost?
Understanding the main cost drivers helps you get the website you need without overpaying.
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Design complexityCustom illustrations, animations, and bespoke layouts significantly increase build time and cost.
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Number of pages & contentLanding pages, service pages, blog, pricing, FAQs — more pages mean more copywriting and setup work.
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Functional requirementsBookings, payments, membership areas, custom integrations or e-commerce add to development time and cost.
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SEO and copywritingProfessionally written, local SEO-optimised content costs extra but is essential to generate enquiries.
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Ongoing maintenancePlugin updates, hosting, backups and changes add monthly fees unless included in a managed plan.
Quick rule of thumb
Simple brochure-style sites with 3–6 pages typically cost between $500–$3,000. Custom designs and advanced features push the price toward $5,000–$30,000+.
Hidden costs to watch
- Premium plugins and licence renewals
- Professional photography or videography
- Copywriting or paid SEO services
- Custom integrations and third-party subscription fees
Real-world examples (Australia, 2025)
These scenarios show typical budgets and what you get for the money.
Local Plumber
Need: 5-page site, local SEO, booking form, gallery.
- Typical cost: $1,200 – $4,000
- Monthly: $20–$100 for hosting & maintenance
- Time to launch: 1–3 weeks
Beauty Salon
Need: appointment system, ecommerce for retail products, marketing pages.
- Typical cost: $3,500 – $10,000
- Monthly: $50–$300 for plugins and support
- Time to launch: 2–8 weeks
Custom Manufacturing
Need: complex product configurator, integrations to CRM/ERP.
- Typical cost: $15,000 – $80,000+
- Monthly: $500+ for integrations and support
- Time to launch: 3+ months
DIY vs Freelancer vs Agency vs Congero
Which approach fits your budget, time and growth goals?
DIY Builders
Fast and cheap, but setup, SEO and conversions depend on your time and skill.
Freelancer
Good balance of cost and customisation; variable quality and support.
Agency
Full-service design, marketing and development; higher cost but more polish and project management.
Congero
AI-driven instant websites with unlimited updates, hosting, domain, SSL, and local SEO — built for trades and service businesses.
Why many small businesses switch to Congero
Speed, predictable cost, built-in local SEO and the ability to request changes via simple text messages — no technical knowledge required.
How to reduce web design cost without sacrificing results
Smart choices up front lower total cost and improve your site's ability to generate leads.
Prioritise high-impact pages
Start with a homepage, services page and contact page — they'll generate most enquiries. Add other pages later as needed.
Use professional photos selectively
One or two professional shots of your team or work will beat dozens of generic stock photos for conversions.
Choose a managed plan
A managed monthly plan (hosting + updates + SEO) prevents surprise bills and keeps your site performing — Congero's all-in price is $49/month.
Keep requirements simple initially
Delay complex integrations until you have steady traffic and revenue to justify the investment.
Frequently asked questions about web design cost
Clear answers to the most common questions business owners ask when budgeting for a website.
Agencies differ in team size, specialisations, design quality, project management and included services (SEO, copy, photography). Scope differences explain most price variation.
Congero's $49/month plan covers hosting, domain registration (or transfer), SSL, unlimited content updates via text, built-in local SEO and monthly analytics — ideal for many trades and local service businesses. For complex custom work, agency or developer costs may still apply.
Ranking depends on content quality, local signals, backlinks and technical SEO. A low-cost site can rank if it's well-optimised and targeted. Congero auto-applies local SEO best practices to help small businesses show up in "near me" searches.
If your brand needs a unique identity or complex UI/UX, custom design adds value. But many local businesses get better ROI from simple, conversion-focused sites that prioritise speed, clarity and local SEO.
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