Ever gone to a new restaurant, perused the unfamiliar but exciting menu, and then just ordered willy-nilly because you weren’t sure what you wanted? Talk about a great way to overspend on a meal. Websites can be the same way.
If you’re in the market for a new website, it’s crucial to understand the features you need and how they contribute to the site’s total cost.
In this post, we’ll run down some of the building blocks that are essential to a website and what industry-specific websites typically include. We’ll also learn why a small business website can cost around $120 per year, but development costs can go up to $10,000 and beyond for a very large, complex site.
Read on to find out exactly what you’ll need for your website and how much you should expect to pay.
Website cost breakdown: Essential items everyone needs
Every website is formed of five basic building blocks: domains, hosting, content, website security, and marketing. Once you have those rounded up, you’ll need to choose how you’ll build the site.
Your choices are generally a website builder application, the ever-popular WordPress, or hiring a professional to do it for you.
The table below provides a rough guide to pricing for each of the building blocks.
| Essential website feature | Average cost | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Domain name | $0-$30 per year | A unique address for your website, which you generally pay for on a yearly basis.Domains registered with GoDaddy include GoDaddy Airo, an AI-powered experience that helps with business essentials, such as a coming soon page. |
| Web hosting | $5.99-$300+ per month | Storage for your website files, which lets visitors access the site.Compare features like storage space, bandwidth, and uptime. |
| Website builder subscription | $9.99-$20.99+ per month | A self-hosted application that simplifies website building through a drag-and-drop interface.While easier to use, this simplicity can limit control over the website design.Building a basic website can be inexpensive, but adding ecommerce functionality can increase the price.As you shop around, look for free extras. For example, GoDaddy Website Builder comes with free Professional Email and an SSL Certificate. |
| Website design services | $499+ one-time fee | A professional builds the website for you. Costs can vary significantly based on the complexity of the site.Make sure to choose a reliable service, checking reviews and requesting an in-depth consultation |
| WordPress | Free to start | This open-source software is free to download and can be used with a non-custom domain.However, pricing can increase significantly based on extra costs ranging from custom domain registration all the way to hiring a professional to build the WordPress site. |
| The bottom line: Cost for platform plus extrasWebsite builder subscription: $120-$300+ per yearWebsite design services: $530+ one-time feeWordPress: Free to start, costs can increase significantly if you don't have technical skills |
| Additional (and optional) costs | ||
|---|---|---|
| Website Content | $.35 per word | A professional creates the text for your website.Costs vary significantly based on the writer’s experience and the complexity of the project.Images can be an additional cost, ranging from free stock images to hundreds or even thousands for a professional photographer. |
| Website Security | Starting at $65.88 per year (3-year term) for an SSL certificate | Security measures to keep bad actors from compromising your website and visitors’ sensitive information. |
| Seo and marketing | Varies from free to $21.99 per month (GoDaddy Digital Marketing) and up | Strategies to increase visibility of your website online.Costs vary depending on the scope of work. For example, it can be free to edit content to include keywords with SEO value. It can be very expensive to hire an agency for SEO and marketing.The GoDaddy solution mentioned represents a very cost-effective approach to SEO and marketing. |
Domain name
Buying the right domain name is vital because it will become an important part of your business’s identity. In fact, it’s a foundational aspect of who you are.
Don’t hesitate to check out our resources on choosing your perfect domain name.
In terms of price, the cost of your domain name will depend on the domain extension you pick (.com, .info, etc.), but you can expect to pay around $20 a year for your domain. Special offers can reduce this cost, and some domain extensions may cost more per year.
For example, an .ai domain can cost more than a generic extension because it’s primarily used for AI projects, making it more sought after and expensive. Try the GoDaddy AI domain generator to find available domain names and choose the right one for your business.
Your new domain will come with GoDaddy Airo – our AI-powered solution that instantly creates a website, logo, email, and more for your brand.
Web hosting
A website consists of several different files, and all those files need to be stored somewhere, which would be a web server. If you’d like to know more about what web hosting is and how it works, we’ve put together a guide that covers everything on this topic.
Web hosting involves paying a company like GoDaddy to host your website on their servers on your behalf. Good web hosting is important because it’s the service that keeps your website live online.
The cost of hosting varies greatly. Currently, at GoDaddy, the costs are between $5.99 and $24.99 per month (excluding virtual private servers and dedicated servers), although special offers can reduce setup costs.
The reasonable pricing that GoDaddy offers also includes free extras like a domain name, SSL certificate, and a professional email plan.
Website builder, website design services, or WordPress
With your website-building essentials in hand, it’s now time to choose a method or platform to get your site live. Let’s dig deeper into the three options discussed earlier.
When to choose a website builder tool
A website builder tool is a great choice for affordable DIY projects. These platforms typically feature easy-to-use drag-and-drop interfaces, letting you put together a site with very limited design experience.
Website builder tools usually include hosting, further simplifying the experience and making costs far more predictable. You can expect to pay a flat fee each month or year, plus the yearly cost of domain registration.
Some platforms, such as GoDaddy Website Builder, can be expanded to include ecommerce functionality, letting you sell products and accept payments online.
When to choose a website design service
There are a couple of different scenarios where a website design service is the right call.
On one hand, if you have very limited time or technical know-how, hiring a pro can take away those headaches and leave you with the site you envision. On the flipside, if your requirements for a website are very complex and technical, a web pro might be the only way to get it done.
Either way, this will likely be your most expensive option. Make sure to shop around for providers, check their reviews, and look at a portfolio of their completed work.
When to choose WordPress
Powering a majority of websites online today, WordPress is extremely popular due to its straightforward usability and nearly infinite scalability. This makes it a solid choice for all types of users.
It’s free to get started with a limited WordPress site published on a WordPress subdomain, meaning your website address will end with wordpress.com. This might not be an ideal choice for businesses, so you should consider a hosted WordPress solution with a custom domain for more advanced applications.
Once you have a hosted WordPress website set up on your domain name, you can add all kinds of features through plugins and extensions. These include many business-critical functions such as ecommerce, scheduling, subscriptions, and more.
Website cost breakdown: Additional costs
We mentioned before that there could be additional costs associated with your website, so let’s take a closer look at those.
Website content
Exactly what content you need will vary depending on the kind of business you’re running and the functionality you want for your site.
For simple sites, you may be able to create all the content yourself. But for more complex sites, you might need to hire someone to write copy for your website, and perhaps even create images and videos.
The emergence of AI tools can drastically simplify this process, either by generating all the content you need or helping with ideas or outlines to get you started.
It’s a good idea to plan what content you need for your website before deciding on the type of site you’ll be creating, as knowing what you need will help you understand the best option for you.
Website security
Ensuring your website’s security is paramount for protecting both your business and your visitors. Implementing an SSL certificate is essential as it safeguards the transfer of sensitive data, instilling trust in your audience by displaying HTTPS in the URL.
An SSL certificate not only enhances your site’s security by encrypting information but also improves your SEO performance, as search engines like Google favor secure websites in their rankings.
The cost of a reliable SSL certificate — such as one offered by GoDaddy — can start at $5.49 per month and range up to $28.99 per month, depending on the level of protection and features you require.
Investing in a reputable SSL certificate provider ensures advanced encryption levels and additional protections, making your website both secure and optimized for search engine visibility.
Additionally, ongoing website security measures, such as security software, may incur additional costs but are crucial for maintaining the integrity and reliability of your site.
SEO and marketing
There may be some upfront costs related to search engine optimization (SEO) and marketing when setting up your website, particularly if you use a web designer.
You can often handle this for free with tactics such as enriching text with keywords, regularly posting on social, and adding your site to online listings such as Google My Business.
However, many business owners might find this too time-consuming and a distraction from their day-to-day responsibilities.
If that’s the case, consider bringing in a professional service. For example, GoDaddy offers reasonable pricing and straightforward features. GoDaddy Digital Marketing starts at $21.99 per month and manages important tasks like posting on social and Google My Business. GoDaddy also offers SEO services, which starts with a consultation to uncover your needs.
Other costs to consider when building a website
Depending on the type of website that you're running, there can be other costs to building a website, including:
- Plugins and extensions: To add specific functionalities to your website, you may need to buy premium plugins or extensions that aren't available for free.
- Legal: Depending on the nature of your business and website, you may need to consider costs relating to copyright, compliance, or consultation with a legal expert, particularly for privacy policies, terms of service, and GDPR compliance.
Custom images
Free stock images from sites like Pixabay or Unsplash are an easy and inexpensive way to bring a website to life, but visitors might find the experience generic.
You could pay for stock images from a site like Getty, but these, too, are less than ideal compared with custom images created for you alone.
Some AI tools are free to use for creating custom images, and you can easily get started by inputting a brief description of what you want. However, it’s important to avoid overusing AI imagery. It’s often best to stick to AI-generated graphics or abstract images.
Today’s smartphones are usually equipped with high-resolution cameras capable of taking quality images worthy of your site. Add an inexpensive lighting setup and nice background, and you’re ready to shoot professional-quality portraits or product photos.
Enlisting a professional photographer will most likely get the results you want, but the cost could be high. Consider using a pro for the most important images on your site — such as the header on your home page — and then handle the rest with the options we just covered.
Website costs by business type
The cost for a website depends heavily on the functionality required. This includes ecommerce capabilities, the number of pages, and content types used (videos, podcasts, image galleries, etc.).
Check out the table below for generalized pricing based on business type.
| Web designer | GoDaddy Website Builder | WordPress | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small business website | $640+ one-time | $119.88 per year | $150+ per year |
| Small to medium ecommerce site | $5,000+ one-time | $179.88 per year | $200+ per year |
| Large-scale ecommerce site | $10,000+ one-time | $251.88 per year | $350+ per year |
| Large bespoke business site | $15,000+ one-time | $251.88 per year | $350+ per year |
Small business website cost
Small businesses can expect to pay between $145 and $640+ a year to create and maintain a website, as they don’t need a site with hundreds of pages. A few core pages with details about your services, information about your business and happy customers, and your contact details will suffice.
You might want a few added extras, such as a blog or links to your social media accounts, but nothing too elaborate. This type of small business website is suitable for tradespeople, freelancers, and other business owners generating leads from their site without needing to attract customers directly through the door.
It’s also ideal for cafes, restaurants, bars, or similar businesses.
Unlike service-based businesses, you’ll have different priorities, such as letting people know what you serve and where you serve it.
Including features like a menu page, photos, comments and reviews, a map and directions, as well as a way to contact and perhaps even book with you, will be your highest priority.
You may also want a blog or news section to keep your customers updated about events and special offers.
Small to medium ecommerce site cost
The average cost to build a small to medium ecommerce website is between $230 and $5,000 if you want to have a website built for you. This is suitable if you have an existing real-world business that sells products and you’re looking to branch out online, or if you’re setting up a dedicated ecommerce business.
The main focus of your website will be on the products you sell. If you need some ideas, we have a compilation of trending products to sell online. You’ll also need supporting content, such as contact details, a returns policy, a blog, support pages, and anything else that fits your business.
If you’re also running a real-world business, you’ll want to include a map and directions too.
Large-scale ecommerce site cost
If you’re planning on selling hundreds of different products, your needs will be similar to a small-scale ecommerce site, but will require a more powerful site. As you might guess, a large ecommerce site will cost you more than $5,000.
Large bespoke business website cost
Looking to launch the next Facebook? If you’ve got big plans, you’ll need a substantial website, and the cost will reflect that. Expect to pay more than $15,000 in the first year for a large, custom-made website. You’ll need to hire a web designer, and you may end up employing one (or more) on a full-time basis.
Website costs by industry
Certain industries require specific features of a website, whose costs should be considered. Let’s check out a few of these industries.
| Web designer | GoDaddy Website Builder | WordPress | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business/portfolio showcase website | $640+ one-time | $179.88 per year | $143.88 per year |
| Ecommerce online store | $5,000+ one-time | $299.88 per year | $203.88 per year |
| Appointment website | $640+ one-time | $143.88 per year | $143.88 per year |
Business/portfolio showcase website
These sites tend to be image-intensive, so the first cost to consider will be ensuring your platform includes enough storage space and bandwidth to quickly serve up high-quality images.
With that covered, the images themselves merit serious thought — at a minimum, consider one of the DIY solutions for custom images that we covered earlier. Stock images or AI-generated content probably won’t be a good fit for a site showcasing products or other types of work.
You should also think about whether you’ll need other custom features, like gallery displays, password-protected pages, or online appointment scheduling. While these might not be immediately necessary for you, they can drive up costs down the road.
Ecommerce online store
Like a portfolio website, an online store will rely heavily on professional-quality custom images showing off your products from multiple angles. While AI might not help here, it can save tons of time when it comes to writing compelling product descriptions.
Another thing to keep in mind is online payment processing, a functionality that is often included with many online store builders.
Along with payment-processing fees, you’ll need to plan on paying for the robust security necessary for protecting your customers’ payment and personal information. At a minimum, you’ll need an SSL certificate, but security measures could even include a web application firewall (WAF) to keep bad actors away from sensitive data.
Appointment website
When you’re running a service-based business, a website that handles appointment scheduling can save you countless hours and aggravation from running to the phone.
You’ll need a platform that supports this functionality, but fortunately, it’s not uncommon — apps like GoDaddy Website Builder offer this feature, as does WordPress, provided you install the appropriate plugin.
With that covered, look at engaging, custom content that might compel customers to book with you. For example, if you operate a beauty salon, stunning images of past clients could convince people to book with you. Or, on the other hand, if you run an IT service, a clear copy explaining your service will go a long way in inspiring confidence among potential clients.
Website maintenance costs
Website maintenance costs vary significantly based on complexity and requirements, but most businesses should budget up to $500 or more annually.
Security is always critical, requiring regular software updates, malware scanning, and backups to protect against breaches and data loss. Content updates — whether handled in-house or by a pro — keep information current and relevant for visitors.
Technical maintenance addresses plugin updates, compatibility issues, and performance optimization to ensure fast loading speeds and a smooth visitor experience.
Many businesses go with monthly maintenance plans that bundle these services, providing regular monitoring, emergency support, and SEO adjustments. Ecommerce sites and complex platforms typically face higher costs due to payment gateway maintenance, inventory management, and enhanced security requirements.
Neglecting maintenance risks security vulnerabilities, poor user experience, declining search rankings, and potential downtime, all of which can cost far more than preventive care.
Tips to avoid overspending when building your website
Building a website can be a significant investment, but there are several strategies you can employ to keep costs under control:
Start small
Begin with a basic website that includes the essential features your business needs. As your business grows, you can expand and add more functionalities. This approach helps you manage your budget more effectively and prevents unnecessary expenditures from the outset.
Use free themes and plugins
Take advantage of free themes and plugins available on platforms like WordPress. These tools can provide the functionality and design you need without the added costs of premium options. Ensure that the free themes and plugins you choose are reliable and regularly updated to maintain your website’s security and performance.
Prioritize essential features
Focus on the features that are crucial for your business operations and user experience. Avoid adding unnecessary features that can inflate your costs and complicate your website. By prioritizing essential functionalities, you can create a streamlined and efficient website that meets your business needs without overspending.
Optimize user experience
A well-designed user experience can enhance your website’s effectiveness, leading to higher engagement and conversions. Invest in user-friendly design elements and ensure your website is easy to navigate. A good user experience can help you achieve your business goals without the need for expensive modifications or redesigns down the line.
Closing thoughts on website costs
Creating a website doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated. The advent of modern website builders means that the average small business owner can do it themselves. Keep in mind, though, that adding extra functionality to your website will typically increase your overall costs.
Interested in creating your own business website? Check out GoDaddy Website Builder for yourself!
Pricing is correct at the time of publishing and does not include any special promotions or discounts. Be sure to check current prices.
FAQ about website costs
Can you build a website for free?
Yes, a business owner can technically build a website for free using various website-building platforms. However, free hosting plans come with limitations such as an inability to use your own domain, a lack of customization, limited storage, and often the presence of ads on your website.
While a free plan might suffice for a small or start-up business, as the business grows, using a paid hosting plan would be necessary to provide a more professional appearance and enhanced functionality.
How much does it cost to create a one-page website?
The cost of creating a website can vary greatly depending on several factors, such as the platform you use, design complexity, additional functionalities, and whether you hire a professional web developer.
In general, you can expect to pay anywhere from $500 to $5,000 for a one-page website. However, there are several ways to reduce the cost, such as:
- Using a website builder
- Hiring a freelancer or small agency
- Doing some or all of the work yourself
Is it worth having a website for a small business?
Absolutely, having a website for a small business is worth it and highly recommended. A website offers several benefits:
- Accessibility: Your potential customers can learn about your business, products, or services any time, from anywhere.
- Credibility: A professional-looking website can enhance your business reputation and instill trust in potential customers.
- Marketing: A website is a powerful marketing tool where you can promote your business widely and cost-effectively. It also allows for digital marketing strategies such as SEO, content marketing, and email marketing to attract more customers.
- Sales: With e-commerce functionality, a website can act as an additional sales channel, allowing customers to purchase directly from you 24/7.
- Customer service: You can provide improved customer service through a website by offering FAQ sections, chatbots, or forums where customers can get answers to their queries.
- Business growth: A website helps you reach a wider audience, expand your customer base, and drive business growth.
Remember, your competitors are likely to have a web presence. A well-designed, user-friendly website can give your business a competitive edge.
How much does it cost to run a website for one year?
The cost of running a website for one year varies widely, depending on several factors. Depending on your business needs, a paid website can cost anywhere from $170 per year to thousands of dollars.
How much does it cost to have a website built for you?
Costs can vary widely depending on the complexity of your website requirements and the provider you choose. For example, GoDaddy Web Design Services start at $499, paid one time, and include many of the features you’d expect from a cutting-edge website.
However, if you require a bespoke service or highly technical features, you could find yourself spending upwards of $10,000 to get your site live.
How much does it cost to make a website with a website builder?
It depends on the website builder you choose and the features you require. For example, GoDaddy Website Builder starts at $9.99 per month and includes an array of modern features. However, if you need more advanced features, such as ecommerce, you’ll need to plan on spending a bit more each month. The best move would be to outline the features you need, and then compare pricing from reliable providers.
How much does a WordPress website cost?
You can create a basic WordPress website for free at wordpress.com. However, you might find the features lacking, and you’ll be limited to using a web address on the wordpress.com subdomain.
For more design freedom and features, consider a solution like Managed Hosting for WordPress from GoDaddy. Plans start at $6.99 per month and give you the freedom to use your own domain.
You’ll also be able to access a library of WordPress templates to dial in your design, as well as WordPress plugins and extensions to get the features you need — but keep in mind, some of these come at an additional cost.
