Introduction
How much does a business website actually cost in 2025?
If you’ve been researching DIY website builders like Wix, Squarespace, and Shopify, you’ve probably seen prices as low as $20 per month. Sounds cheap, right?
But here’s the reality: a proper business website isn’t just about the upfront cost—it’s about the long-term investment.
Today, we’re breaking down the real costs of running a website so you can make an informed decision.
Option 1: DIY Website Builders (Wix, Squarespace, Shopify, etc.)
💰 Advertised Cost: $20 – $100 per month
🚨 Real Cost (Over 3 Years): $2,000 – $8,000+
At first glance, DIY website builders look affordable. But the hidden costs add up quickly:
✅ Basic Plan: $20–$50 per month (limits features & branding)
✅ E-Commerce Plan: $80–$150 per month (for online stores)
✅ Premium Templates & Add-ons: $200–$500 per year
✅ SEO & Marketing Features: Often locked behind expensive plans
✅ Time Spent Building & Fixing Issues: 50+ hours
⏳ Time investment: DIY websites take 40–100 hours to set up and maintain properly.
⚠️ The Catch: You’re still responsible for maintenance, troubleshooting, and making sure your site actually works.
Option 2: Hiring a Traditional Web Agency
💰 Advertised Cost: $5,000 – $15,000+ upfront
🚨 Real Cost (Over 3 Years): $8,000 – $20,000+
A professional agency will handle everything, but at a hefty price.
✅ Custom Design: $3,000–$10,000 upfront
✅ Development & Hosting: $100–$500 per month
✅ Maintenance & Updates: $500–$2,000 per year
✅ SEO & Marketing Support: Additional fees for ongoing work
⏳ Time investment: Minimal, but you’ll need a big budget upfront.
⚠️ The Catch: Small businesses often can’t afford a large lump sum, and agencies prioritise bigger clients.
Option 3: SimpliWeb (Website-as-a-Service Model)
💰 Flat Monthly Cost: $99 – $299 per month
🚀 Real Cost (Over 3 Years): $3,500 – $8,500 (ALL-INCLUSIVE)
SimpliWeb is built for small businesses that want a professional website without the hassle.
✅ Fast Setup: A custom website in 5 days
✅ Hosting & Security: Included, no extra fees
✅ SEO & Marketing Features: Built-in tools to rank higher
✅ Ongoing Support & Maintenance: We handle all the tech stuff
✅ No Lock-In Contracts: Month-to-month pricing
⏳ Time investment: Almost zero—we handle everything so you can focus on your business.
⚠️ The Catch? There isn’t one. You get a fully managed website without the upfront cost.
Final Thoughts: What’s the Best Option in 2025?
If you have time and technical skills, DIY website builders can work—but expect to spend more in the long run.
If you have a big budget, hiring an agency is great—but most small businesses can’t justify the cost.
If you want a professional website that’s fast, affordable, and hassle-free, SimpliWeb is the smartest investment.