Average Cost of a Website
The cost of a small business website varies depending on complexity:
- Basic Site (DIY with Website Builder): $100–$500/year (includes hosting and domain).
- Custom Site by Freelancer: $1,000–$5,000 one-time cost.
- Professional Agency Site: $5,000–$15,000+ one-time cost.
Maintenance Requirements
Websites need regular upkeep to stay secure and functional:
- Updates: Regularly update software, plugins, and content (monthly or quarterly).
- Backups: Schedule automatic backups to avoid data loss.
- Security: Use SSL certificates and monitor for threats.
- Cost: $50–$500/year for DIY maintenance, $500–$2,000/year for professional services.
Domain Names & Hosting
Domain Names: Your website’s address (e.g., yourbusiness.com). Costs $10–$60/year, depending on the registrar and domain type (.com, .org, etc.). Renew annually to keep ownership.
Hosting: Where your site’s files live. Options include:
- Shared Hosting: $3–$15/month (good for small sites).
- VPS Hosting: $20–$60/month (better performance).
- Dedicated Hosting: $80–$500/month (for high-traffic sites).