Thinking about building a website for your business? Here’s what you can expect to pay in 2025.
Many small and medium-sized business owners ask: “How much should a website cost?” The truth is, the price varies. It depends on what kind of site you need, who builds it, and how it’s maintained. Breaking it down can help you plan the initial and recurring costs, and also see why sites cost what they do.
We have collected the numbers and some real examples showing the most cost-effective options for small and growing businesses.
Website cost in 2025: what to expect
There are two main types of costs when it comes to websites: initial setup and ongoing maintenance.
1. Initial website setup costs
This includes everything from the domain name to design and development. If you’re a real estate agent, for example, your website might need:
- A modern, responsive design
- Lead capture forms
- Property listings or IDX integration
- Blog and local SEO setup
Depending on your approach, that can mean:
| Approach | Initial Cost |
|---|---|
| DIY Builder (e.g. Wix, Squarespace) | $100 – $500 (mostly your time) |
| Freelancer | $1,500 – $5,000 |
| Design Agency | $5,000 – $15,000+ |
| Aeger Monthly Plan | $0 upfront (included) |
Our managed website plan includes the full build — no big upfront invoice. See Pricing →
2. Ongoing website costs
After launch, you’ll need to keep your site online, secure, and updated. This includes:
- Hosting
- Domain renewal
- Technical maintenance
- Plugin updates and backups
- Occasional design tweaks or new pages
Here’s what monthly costs might look like:
| Ongoing Needs | DIY / Piecemeal | Aeger Managed Plan |
|---|---|---|
| Domain Name | $10–$30/year | Included |
| Hosting | $10–$50/month | Included |
| Maintenance & Updates | $50–$200/month | Included |
| Performance & Security Tools | $20–$80/month | Included |
| Ongoing Support & Edits | $50–$150/hour | Included (within limits) |
| Total Estimated Cost | $80–$300+/month | Flat Monthly Rate |
When you add it up, doing it all yourself or hiring help ad hoc can get expensive fast. We offer an all-in-one plan that includes design, hosting, updates, and support.
Want to understand why mobile readiness is a must? Read our guide on responsive design for small businesses.
Additional costs depending on your niche
Some industries require extra features that can increase both initial and ongoing website costs.
For example, a travel agency might need an integrated booking system, multilingual support, or itinerary tools — all of which add development time and plugin or API costs. Meanwhile, a fitness coach may only need a simple site with a scheduling calendar and payment forms. Features like customer portals, subscription systems, inventory syncing, or HIPAA-compliant forms (for healthcare providers) can all raise costs depending on your business needs.
Why choose a monthly managed website plan?
It’s simple, scalable, and designed for business owners who’d rather focus on their work and not adjusting margins and padding.
Our plan gives you:
- A professionally designed, responsive website built on your preferred CMS like WordPress, Squarespace, Wix, Webflow, or Framer
- Ongoing hosting, updates, and site security
- Monthly or on-demand support
- SEO-friendly structure and tools to help your site grow
- E-commerce options available (Shopify and more)
Perfect for service providers, consultants, and local businesses who need a solid, stress-free website.
👉 Learn more about our all-inclusive plans on the Pricing page.
Final thoughts: plan your website cost like a smart investment
A website isn’t just a one-time purchase — it’s a business tool that should grow with you.
Rather than dumping thousands into a one-off build or piecing together your own site with limited support, consider a managed option that gives you everything you need, all in one place.
At Aeger Creative, we help small and medium-sized businesses get online confidently — without surprise fees or tech headaches. Let’s build something solid together.
FAQ: Website Costs in 2025
Is it cheaper to build a website myself?
Yes, initially. But DIY sites often lack professional polish, take a lot of time, and may miss key features or website functions. Plus, long-term costs can creep up if you need to hire help later.
What’s included in Aeger’s monthly website plan?
Everything: custom design, hosting, updates, maintenance, and support. You focus on your business; we handle your site.
Do you only work with WordPress?
Nope — we can work with your preferred platform like Squarespace, Wix, Webflow, Framer, or Shopify for e-commerce.
Are there hidden fees?
No hidden fees. Our pricing is transparent and designed to be predictable and fair.
Can I upgrade or expand my site later?
Absolutely. Your website is built to grow with your business. We offer add-ons for content, design, SEO, and more.