What drives the price
The number of pages. Whether you need booking, payments or a client login. How much content and photography is ready. Whether the design is custom or based on a template. The amount of SEO and tracking set up at launch.
Template vs. custom
Templates and website builders cost less up front and suit simple businesses. Custom builds cost more and suit businesses with specific needs, performance requirements or growth plans.
Ongoing costs
Domain renewal, hosting, software or plug-in licenses, and updates or care. Ask for these in writing, including what renews automatically.
Ask for a fixed written quote
A clear scope, price and timeline protects both sides. Be careful with vague hourly estimates and with agencies that will not say what is included.
Ownership
You should own the domain, hosting accounts and content. See our guide on domain and hosting ownership.
Common questions
Can I just use a site builder?
For simple businesses, yes. Weigh time, design, speed, SEO limits and who maintains it.
Why do quotes differ so much?
Scope, quality and who does the work. Compare what is included, not only the price.
This guide is general information. Search engines change how they work and their guidelines; check Google's current documentation for your situation. Nobody can guarantee a ranking.