How Much Does It Cost to Make a Website?

People ask this all the time — “how much does a website cost?”
And every time, the answer’s the same: it depends.

Now, that’s not to dodge the question. It’s just the truth. Building a website isn’t like buying a chair. It’s more like building a house — the price changes depending on what you want it to do, how custom you need it, and who’s building it.

If you’re running a small business and just need something clean and functional, you’ll pay a lot less than a brand that needs custom features, integrations, and all the bells and whistles.

So, let’s break it down in plain English.

Average Website Costs in 2025

A recent WebsiteBuilderExpert report from 2024 says most small business websites cost somewhere between $2,000 and $9,000. Bigger or more complex builds can go anywhere from $10,000 to $30,000 and sometimes higher.

Here’s a general idea:

Keep in mind, that’s not just the design. You’re also paying for hosting, content setup, security, and maintenance.

What Really Affects the Price

A few main things drive cost. Some obvious, others sneak up on you later.

1) Design and UX (User Experience)

Design’s the first thing people notice — and judge. According to reports, 75% of users decide if a business is credible based on its design.

Good UX isn’t just “making it pretty.” It’s building a flow that nudges visitors to take action. A bad design can tank conversions, even if your product’s solid.

Custom designs cost more than templates, sure. But they also give you more control over branding and how people move through your site.

2) Platform and Technology

The platform’s a big one. WordPress runs around 43.4% of all websites. It’s open, flexible, and SEO-friendly — no license fees.

Then there’s Wix, Squarespace, Shopify — all good tools in the right hands, but they’ve got limits. They’re best for simple sites. Once you want deep customization or scalability, you’ll hit walls.

At Chromatix, we’ve seen this story play out again and again. Businesses start on a drag-and-drop builder, then outgrow it. That’s where a proper WordPress site comes in. We’ve been building those for years — sites that not only look sharp but actually convert traffic into leads.

3) Functionality and Features

Every feature adds cost. Doesn’t matter if it’s small — it all stacks up.

Things like:

• Booking or contact forms
• E-commerce systems
• Chatbots or live chat
• Member logins
• CRM or app integrations

A basic brochure site might be fine without most of that. But if you need real functionality — product filters, automation, or portals — expect to pay more.

4) Content (The Unsung Hero)

A lot of folks forget about content until the end. Big mistake. Good copy and visuals make the difference between “nice website” and “this site actually sells.”

HubSpot found that companies that blog consistently get 55% more visitors than those that don’t. Not surprising — Google loves fresh, useful content.

Copywriting runs anywhere from $100 to $500 per page, depending on how technical or persuasive it needs to be. Add on photos, videos, and brand assets, and you’ll see why content is worth budgeting for.

5) Hosting and Maintenance

Here’s the part most people don’t think about until the site breaks.

Hosting and maintenance keep your site alive.

• Shared hosting: about $5/month
• Managed WordPress hosting: $25–$100/month
• Ongoing maintenance and security: $50–$300/month

If you skip this stuff, your site slows down or crashes. Even worse, it can get hacked. Sweor Research found that 88% of consumers won’t return after a bad website experience. That’s nearly everyone.

DIY vs. Hiring a Web Design Agency

Building it yourself with tools like Wix or Squarespace sounds tempting. Low cost, quick launch, minimal fuss. But long term? You’ll probably hit a wall.

Professionals bring strategy, not just design. They think about conversion paths, SEO, and long-term growth — things templates can’t cover.

Melbourne web design agency like Chromatix focus on data-driven design — meaning everything’s built around what gets results. 

That’s real money.

Spending Wisely: What’s Worth It

Not every part of your site deserves the same budget.
Spend more on:

• Strong design and layout
• Good content and SEO
• Reliable hosting and security

Save on:

• Fancy animations nobody notices
• Unnecessary plug-ins or gimmicks
• “Trendy” features that don’t serve users

Sometimes, simple works best.

Why Businesses Partner with Chromatix

After years in this game, one thing’s obvious: websites that perform don’t just happen. They’re built deliberately.

Chromatix has spent years designing WordPress websites that combine beauty with strategy. What makes them different?

• Real-world experience across industries
• Custom designs, not cookie-cutter templates
• A focus on conversion and user behavior
• Long-term support that keeps sites performing

They’ve seen what works and what doesn’t — and build accordingly.

Bottom Line

So, what’s the real cost? A solid small business website usually falls around $2,000–$5,000. Custom, high-converting builds hit $10,000–$30,000 or more.

But don’t fixate on the number. A well-built site pays for itself. It builds trust, drives traffic, and turns visitors into customers.

If you’re serious about getting a website that actually works — not just one that looks nice — Chromatix can help. Their WordPress builds are made to convert, perform, and grow with your business.

Your website isn’t a cost. It’s an investment that keeps paying back.

So, what kind of site do you really need right now?