If you’ve ever wondered, “How much does website design cost?” you’re not alone. The answer, unfortunately, is: it depends. But don’t worry, we’re not going to leave you hanging. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down all the contributing factors that impact website pricing, from freelancers to agencies, from basic brochure sites to full-scale eCommerce builds. We’ll also share how to get the most value for your investment and introduce you to our process at Fierce Forge Marketing that blends results with personality (and a little bit of fun).
Whether you’re planning your first website or upgrading an existing one, understanding what affects cost, and why, is the first step in budgeting wisely.
What Factors Affect Website Design Cost?
No two websites are created equal, and the cost can range from a few hundred dollars to tens of thousands. Here are the most common factors that influence the final price:
1. Type of Website
Single-Page Brochure Site – $500–$2,000
Multi-Page Small Business Site – $2,000–$10,000
eCommerce Site – $5,000–$20,000+
Custom Web Application – $20,000 and up
The more pages, functionality, and interactivity your website has, the higher the price. A simple website for a solo yoga instructor will cost much less than a membership platform with gated content, forums, and integrated payment processing.
2. Who You Hire
DIY Website Builders (e.g. Wix, Squarespace) – $0–$500/year
Freelancers – $1,000–$12,000 (depending on experience)
Design Agencies – $5,000–$30,000+
Freelancers can be cost-effective for small projects, but agencies typically offer a team of experts (design, development, SEO, content strategy, project management) and a more robust process. Choose based on your needs, goals, and how hands-on you want to be.
3. Custom Design vs. Templates
Template-Based Design – Faster, lower cost, limited uniqueness
Custom Design – More expensive, but tailored to your brand and goals
Templates may be sufficient if you just need something basic to get started, but custom design offers flexibility, strategic layout decisions, and a unique look that helps you stand out.
4. Content Creation
DIY Content – Free, but time-consuming and often less effective
Professional Copywriting – $500–$5,000+ depending on page count
Compelling copy is often overlooked, but it’s what keeps users engaged and drives conversions. Consider investing in content that tells your story and addresses your customers’ pain points.
5. SEO and Strategy
Basic On-Page SEO – Often included with professional builds
Advanced SEO & Content Strategy – $1,000–$10,000+
If your website is beautiful but can’t be found in search engines, you’re leaving money on the table. SEO and strategy ensure your site not only looks good but works hard for your business.
6. Functionality & Features
Contact forms
Appointment scheduling
Blog integration
Podcast integration
Membership access
eCommerce functionality
The more features you add, the more time and expertise is required, which translates to higher cost.
7. Hosting, Maintenance & Domain
Domain Registration – $10–$20/year
Hosting – $100–$500/year (or more for managed hosting)
Maintenance – $50–$500/month depending on support level
Your website is never truly “done.” Ongoing updates, backups, security, and support help you avoid downtime and stay competitive.
Hidden Costs Most People Overlook
Even savvy business owners are surprised by these often-forgotten website costs:
Revisions – Unlimited rounds = unlimited hours. Be sure to clarify how many revisions are included.
Stock Photography or Custom Visuals – High-quality visuals can come at a premium.
Licensing for Plugins – E.g. calendar booking tools, page builders, or SEO plugins
Training – Will someone show you how to update your site after launch?
Migration – Moving old content or rebuilding in a new platform takes time
Plan for these in your budget to avoid sticker shock later.
How to Budget for Your Website the Smart Way
Here’s a simple budgeting framework:
Under $1,000 – DIY or basic freelancer for a starter site
$2,000–$7,000 – Solid small business site with good design and some strategy
$5,000–$15,000 – Custom site with strategic copy, SEO, and professional polish
$15,000+ – Advanced features, large content libraries, ongoing strategy and growth support
Rather than just choosing based on price, think about what your website needs to do. Is it informational? Lead-generating? Sales-driven? Your investment should reflect your goals.
DIY vs. Professional Website Design: What You’re Really Paying For
DIY Pros:
Cost-effective
Total control
Great for side projects or early-stage testing
DIY Cons:
Limited functionality
Templates can feel generic
Time-consuming
Lack of strategy or SEO
Professional Pros:
Saves time
Strategic support
Better design and conversion potential
Long-term scalability
Professional Cons:
Higher upfront cost
Requires trust and collaboration
Why Fierce Forge Marketing Is Different (And Better)
Let’s face it: There are thousands of designers and marketers out there. But if you’re looking for someone who cares about your business like it’s their own, brings a spark of actual joy to the process, and still knows how to drive serious results? That’s where Fierce Forge Marketing comes in.
We Forge Websites That Are Both Strategic and Soulful
At Fierce Forge, we combine:
Conversion-driven strategy
SEO best practices
Custom design with personality
A collaborative, empowering process
We don’t just create pretty websites; we build high-performing, on-brand digital homes that speak to your audience and search engines.
We Believe Marketing Should Be Fun
Most adults don’t get to play enough. Business doesn’t have to feel cold or boring. We bring the fun back into marketing with collaborative energy, whimsical touches, and a design process that gets you genuinely excited about your brand.
We’re your creative allies, turning your website project into a quest, equipping you with the right tools and guiding you through the fog.
We Specialize in Purpose-Driven Professionals
We love working with:
CPAs and financial professionals with a mission
Attorneys who serve and advocate
Wellness leaders and martial arts instructors
Small business owners and nonprofits making a difference
If your work helps people feel more confident, healthy, or empowered, we get you. And we know how to design websites that connect with your audience.
Strategy Meets Sustainability
Our process includes:
Keyword research
Thoughtful user experience design
Scalable backend setups
Systems to support growth
You get a website that looks good and works hard.
A Website That Feels Like You
Tired of generic templates? We create custom websites infused with your energy, voice, and values. That’s what makes a site not just functional, but magnetic.
Your audience can tell when you’re showing up authentically, and that builds trust and conversions.
Our Clients Stick With Us
“You made something that felt overwhelming actually fun.”
“Our traffic has doubled since launch.”
“I finally feel like my website matches the energy of my business.”
We’ve helped clients increase site traffic by over 700% through blog and podcast integration, SEO updates, and consistent content. And the best part? They enjoyed the process.
Designed for Real Life
We offer:
Strategy sessions
Full builds
Ongoing SEO and content services
Our pricing is flexible, and we always focus on getting you the best ROI—without overwhelm.
Ready to Forge Something Amazing?
If you want a website that:
Looks and feels like you
Connects with your dream clients
Grows alongside your business
And makes the process fun, not frustrating…
We’d love to help.
Schedule Your Strategy Session
Or check out our portfolio to see the kind of magic we create.
Fierce Forge Marketing: Strategy, soul, and sites that scale.