How Much Does a Website Cost in 2025?

If you're a service business owner asking "how much does a website cost?" - you're not alone. It's one of the most common questions I hear, and the answer isn't always straightforward.

In this guide, I'll break down the real costs of building a website in 2025, explain what factors affect pricing, and help you figure out the best option for your specific situation and budget.

Website Cost Overview

Here's a quick overview of what you can expect to pay for different types of websites:

Factors That Affect Website Cost

Several factors determine how much your website will cost. Understanding these will help you make better decisions about where to invest your budget.

1. Number of Pages

More pages mean more design work, more content creation, and more development time. A simple 5-page website costs significantly less than a 20-page site with multiple sections.

2. Custom Design vs. Templates

A fully custom design created from scratch costs more than customizing an existing template. Templates can look great and save money, while custom designs give you a completely unique look.

3. Functionality & Features

Basic features like contact forms are inexpensive to add. More complex features add cost:

• E-commerce/online store
• Booking/scheduling systems
• Member login areas
• Custom calculators or tools
• Database integrations

4. Content Creation

Will you write your own content and provide photos? Or do you need professional copywriting and photography? Content creation can add $500-$2,000+ to a project.

5. Ongoing Maintenance

Websites need regular updates, security patches, and backups. Some businesses handle this themselves, while others prefer a professional maintenance plan.

DIY Website Builders vs. Professional Design

One of the biggest decisions is whether to build your website yourself using a DIY platform or hire a professional. Here's an honest comparison:

DIY Website Builders (Wix, Squarespace, etc.)

Pros:

• Low upfront cost ($0-$200)
• You control updates and changes
• Good for very simple sites

Cons:

• Time-consuming to learn and build
• Often looks "templated"
• Limited customization
• SEO limitations
• You're responsible for everything

Professional Web Design

Pros:

• Custom design that matches your brand
• Optimized for search engines (SEO)
• Professional quality builds trust
• Saves you time to focus on your business
• Ongoing support available

Cons:

• Higher upfront investment
• Dependent on designer for changes (unless you get a maintenance plan)

Which Should You Choose?

DIY might be right if: You have more time than money, your needs are very simple, and you enjoy learning new tools.

Professional design might be right if: You want to make a strong first impression, need your site to actually generate leads, and prefer to spend your time running your business.

What's Included When You Hire a Professional?

When comparing quotes from web designers, make sure you understand what's included. A good professional website package should include:

• Custom design - Not just a template with your logo
• Mobile responsiveness - Looks great on phones and tablets
• Basic SEO setup - So people can find you on Google
• Contact forms - So visitors can reach you
• SSL certificate - The "https" that keeps your site secure
• Training - How to make basic updates yourself

Be wary of quotes that seem too cheap - they often cut corners on design quality, skip SEO entirely, or hit you with hidden fees later.

Our Approach at Thorn Web Solutions

At Thorn Web Solutions, we create custom websites for service businesses that need a professional online presence. Here's our straightforward pricing:

• Starter Website: Starting at $2,500 (up to 5 pages)
• Growth Website: Starting at $6,500 (multi-page, conversion-focused)
• Monthly Maintenance: $125/month (hosting, updates, security, support)

We focus on creating clean, conversion-focused websites that actually help you get customers - with transparent pricing and no hidden fees.

Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Web Designer

Before you commit to any web designer or agency, ask these questions:

1. What's included in the price? Get a detailed breakdown.
2. Who owns the website? You should own it, not them.
3. What are the ongoing costs? Hosting, maintenance, updates.
4. How long will it take? Get a realistic timeline.
5. Can I see examples of your work? Look at their portfolio.
6. What happens if I need changes later? Understand their support policy.

The Bottom Line

So, how much does a website cost? The real answer depends on your needs, but here's my honest advice:

• If you're just starting out and need something simple, budget $500-$1,500 for a professional site.
• If you're an established business wanting to upgrade or redesign, budget $2,000-$5,000.
• If you need e-commerce or complex features, budget $5,000-$15,000+.

Remember: your website is often the first impression potential customers have of your business. A professional, well-designed site pays for itself by building trust and generating leads.

Have questions about your specific project? Reach out for a free consultation - I'm happy to give you an honest assessment of what you need and what it should cost.

Chris Thorn

Founder of Thorn Web Solutions. I help service businesses build professional websites that actually get results. Serving clients nationwide.