Introduction

One of the first questions business owners ask when considering a new website is:
“How much is this going to cost me?”

The truth is, website pricing can vary widely—ranging from $0 upfront to $10,000+, depending on the provider, complexity, and support included.

This guide breaks down the main pricing models in 2025, the factors that influence cost, and what small businesses, realtors, startups, and entrepreneurs should know before making a decision.

1. Traditional Website Pricing Models

Most agencies and freelancers today follow one of these common structures:

• Flat Project Fee – You pay an upfront cost (often $3,000–$8,000 for small business sites) and get a finished website.

• Hourly Billing – Costs are based on the number of hours worked, usually between $50–$150 per hour.

• Subscription or Ongoing Model – Instead of charging upfront, some providers build the site for free or at a reduced cost, and charge monthly for SEO, updates, and maintenance.

Each model has trade-offs. Flat fees can feel expensive upfront, while ongoing models reduce the barrier to entry but commit you to recurring costs.

2. Key Factors That Influence Website Cost

Even within those models, the actual cost depends on:

• Type of Site – Simple informational pages vs. e-commerce or custom platforms.

• Features & Integrations – Realtor listing feeds, booking systems, payment tools, or membership areas.

• Design Approach – Templates are cheaper but less flexible; custom design costs more but can align with branding perfectly.

• Content – Professional writing and visuals add to the cost but improve performance.

• Ongoing Needs – SEO, security, and maintenance aren’t optional if you want your site to perform long-term.

3. Free Website Builds: How Do They Work?

A growing trend in 2025 is free website builds, where businesses don’t pay upfront for the design itself. Instead, the provider charges for:

• Search Engine Optimization (SEO) to ensure the site ranks.

• Maintenance & Hosting to keep it secure and up-to-date.

• Performance Updates to improve conversions over time.

This model shifts costs from “buying a product” to “paying for ongoing service.” It can be a good fit for small businesses that want a professional site but don’t have thousands to invest upfront.

4. What’s the Right Approach for Your Business?

• Realtors: May benefit from ongoing models, since SEO and local ranking are as important as the site itself.

• Startups: Often need a lean approach—launch quickly without a huge upfront bill, then grow into advanced features.

• Entrepreneurs: Should weigh total long-term cost. A free build may cost more over time, while a flat fee may be more predictable.

5. Final Thoughts

So, how much does a website cost in 2025?

• DIY platforms: $500–$2,000

• Professional agencies: $3,000–$10,000+

• Free build models: $0 upfront, with ongoing SEO/maintenance fees

The best choice depends on your business stage, goals, and growth plans.
Instead of focusing on the price tag alone, consider what you’re really paying for: a static website, or a living system that supports your long-term success.