How Much Does a Small Business Website Cost?
The honest answer is anywhere from under $300 to well over $10,000, depending on who builds it and who looks after it afterward. Here is how the main options compare and what to watch for before you sign anything.
- Tailored, mobile-friendly design
- Fast hosting with global CDN delivery
- Active security and monitoring
- Routine updates handled for you
- Live in 10 days
Small business website cost at a glance
Typical ranges for a small business site in 2026. Individual quotes vary widely.
| Option | Typical upfront cost | Typical ongoing cost | Who handles updates and security |
|---|---|---|---|
| DIY builder (Wix, Squarespace) | $0 to $300 | $10 to $30 per month | You |
| Freelancer | $500 to $5,000 | Maintenance often $50 to $150 per month | Varies by agreement |
| Agency | $5,000 to $15,000 | Retainers from $100 to over $1,000 per month | The agency, if you pay for it |
| Aileron Marketing managed website | $399 setup | $99 per month | We do |
Ranges for the first three rows are drawn from published 2026 cost guides such as Levitate’s small business website cost breakdown. Aileron Marketing pricing is our own.
What makes a website cost more
Two sites that look similar can have very different price tags. These are the usual reasons.
Every service page, location page and gallery adds design and writing time.
Online booking, payments, member areas and online stores cost far more than a straightforward service site.
Some quotes include copywriting and photos. Others assume you will supply them.
A cheaper build sometimes means you do not control the design or hosting afterward.
Maintenance, security and updates are either bundled in, billed monthly or left to you.
Rush timelines usually cost more. A streamlined process is cheaper and faster.
The costs people forget
The build is only the first bill. A website also needs a domain name renewed every year, hosting, security, software updates, and someone to make changes when your phone number, services or photos change. With a DIY builder those jobs fall to you. With a freelancer or agency they are often separate line items.
When you compare quotes, ask what happens in month 13. A low upfront price can hide a long list of extras, and a high one is not always better.
How to compare website quotes
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1
Ask what is included
Number of pages, writing, photos, mobile design and a contact form should all be spelled out.
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2
Ask about hosting and security
Who pays for them, how much, and what happens if the site is hacked or goes down.
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3
Ask about changes
How do updates work, how fast are they made, and do they cost extra?
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4
Ask who owns what
Domain, text, images, customer data and the website files themselves.
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5
Ask about leaving
What can you take with you if you cancel or switch providers?
Where Aileron Marketing fits
We built Aileron Marketing for owners who want a professionally built site without a four-figure upfront bill and without becoming their own webmaster. You pay a $399 one-time setup and $99 per month. We build, host, secure and update the site, and it launches in 10 days. See what is included or read how ownership works.
Get StartedFrequently Asked Questions
Why do agencies charge so much more?+−
Do I have to pay monthly for a website?+−
What is the cheapest way to get a professional-looking website?+−
Is a cheap website bad for business?+−
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