A transparent guide to DIY builders, freelancers, and agency pricing—plus ongoing costs and how to choose the right approach for your business. This article will answer the question to, how much does a website cost in 2025?
If you’re planning to launch a new website in 2025, one of the first questions you’re probably asking is: “How much does a website cost?” The answer depends on your goals, your business needs, and whether you want a quick template or a fully custom build.
In this guide, we’ll break down the real costs of building a website in 2025—from DIY builders to professional web design services—so you know exactly what to expect before you invest.
Why Website Costs Vary So Widely
Not all websites are created equal. A simple landing page costs much less than a full e-commerce site with advanced functionality. Factors that influence cost include:
- Design approach: Template vs. fully custom design.
- Number of pages: A 5-page brochure site vs. a 50-page authority site.
- Functionality: E-commerce, booking systems, membership areas, or integrations.
- SEO & marketing setup: On-page SEO, content creation, analytics setup.
- Hosting & maintenance: Ongoing costs for security, backups, and updates.
Website Cost Breakdown in 2025
1. DIY Website Builders (Wix, Squarespace, Shopify)
- Price range: $20–$100/month (plus premium templates & add-ons).
- Pros: Quick, affordable, no coding required.
- Cons: Limited customization, weaker SEO, time-intensive to manage.
- Best for: Side projects, freelancers, and hobby businesses.
Compare plans: Wix Pricing | Squarespace Pricing | Shopify Pricing
2. Freelance Web Designers
- Price range: $1,500–$5,000 for a small business site.
- Pros: More customization, professional design, lower cost than agencies.
- Cons: Quality varies; limited long-term support if the freelancer is unavailable.
- Best for: Small businesses on a budget who want more than a template site.
3. Professional Web Design Agencies
- Price range: $3,000–$15,000+ depending on scope.
- Pros: Custom strategy, SEO-friendly design, copywriting, branding, and ongoing support.
- Cons: Higher investment.
- Best for: Businesses that want a lead-generating machine, not just an online brochure.
4. E-Commerce Websites
- Price range: $5,000–$50,000+ depending on features.
- Factors impacting price:
- Number of products
- Payment gateway integration
- Inventory management
- Shipping automation
- Custom user experience
- Best for: Retailers, manufacturers, or anyone selling products/services online.
Hidden & Ongoing Costs to Consider
Even after your site is built, you’ll have recurring costs:
- Domain name: $15–$25/year
- Hosting: $100–$500/year (or more for high-traffic sites)
- Maintenance & updates: $50–$500/month depending on support level
- Marketing & SEO: Varies; budget at least $500+/month for growth
What Most Small Businesses Pay in 2025
On average, most small business owners can expect to invest:
$2,500–$7,500 for a professionally designed website that is SEO-optimized, mobile-friendly, and built to generate leads.
Think of your website as a long-term investment: a great site pays for itself many times over in new customers, while a cheap DIY site often costs more in lost opportunities.
How to Decide What’s Right for You
- Do I just need an online presence, or do I want my site to generate leads?
- How important is SEO and Google ranking to my business?
- Do I need e-commerce or advanced functionality?
- Do I have time to manage updates myself, or do I want ongoing support?
If you’re serious about growing your business in 2025, a professionally designed website will almost always deliver a higher return on investment than a DIY option.
Ready to Get a Quote?
At Next Level Pixels, we build websites that don’t just look good—they bring in leads and sales. Most clients invest between $3,000–$7,500 for a site tailored to their business, with clear SEO strategy and ongoing support.
FAQ: Website Costs in 2025
What’s the cheapest way to build a website?
A DIY website builder is the cheapest option, but it comes with tradeoffs in customization, SEO, and professionalism.
How long does it take to build a website?
A simple site can be launched in 1–4 weeks. Custom business websites often take 6–12 weeks.
Is paying more always better?
Not necessarily—but investing in professional design ensures your site performs well on Google, is mobile-friendly, and generates leads.