How Much Does a Website Cost for a Small Business?

March 15, 2026Peak Web Technologies6 min read

The Short Answer: $1,500 to $5,000+

For most small businesses, a professional website costs between $1,500 and $5,000. The exact price depends on how many pages you need, what features are included, and how custom the design is.

Here's a breakdown so you know exactly what to expect.

Starter Website: $1,500 – $2,500

This is perfect for a new business that needs a professional online presence. You'll get:

5-page marketing site (Home, About, Services, Contact, one more)
Mobile-responsive design that works on any device
Basic SEO setup so Google can find you
Contact form and click-to-call button
2-week turnaround from start to launch

Best for: New businesses, sole proprietors, and anyone who just needs to get online and look professional.

Business Website: $2,500 – $5,000

For established businesses that want to actively grow through their website:

8-12 pages with detailed service descriptions
Advanced SEO and Google Maps optimization
Blog setup for content marketing
CRM integration to track leads
3-4 week turnaround

Best for: Businesses with multiple services, multiple locations, or those ready to invest in long-term online growth.

Custom Website: $5,000+

For businesses with complex needs:

E-commerce with product catalog and payment processing
Custom web applications and portals
AI chatbot integration for 24/7 lead capture
Full business automation (forms → CRM → email follow-ups)
Custom timeline based on scope

Best for: E-commerce stores, businesses needing custom tools, or anyone ready to fully automate their online operations.

What About DIY? (Wix, Squarespace, etc.)

DIY website builders cost $200-$500/year. That sounds cheaper, but here's the catch:

Limited SEO — You won't rank as well on Google. DIY sites have bloated code and limited optimization options.
Slower load times — DIY builders average 3-5 second load times. Custom sites load in under 2 seconds. Speed directly affects your Google ranking.
Template limitations — Every Wix site looks like a Wix site. You can't truly stand out.
No local support — When something breaks, you're on your own or waiting in a ticket queue.

For a personal blog or hobby site, DIY is fine. For a business that needs to rank on Google and generate leads, the $1,500-3,500 investment in a custom site pays for itself in a few new customers.

Hidden Costs to Watch For

Some agencies hit you with surprise fees. Here's what to ask about upfront:

Hosting: Usually $10-50/month. Some agencies include it, others don't.
Domain name: $10-20/year. You should own it yourself — never let an agency hold your domain.
Maintenance: $200-500/month for updates, security, and support. Optional but recommended.
Content: Some agencies include copywriting, others charge extra.

At Peak Web, our quotes include everything. No surprise fees — ever.