How Much Does a Website Cost for a Small Business in 2026?

If you're starting a business (or finally getting serious about the one you've been running from your kitchen table), one of the first questions you're going to ask is: "How much is this website thing going to cost me?"

And honestly? That's a really smart question. But the answer isn't as simple as a single number. It's more like asking "how much does a car cost?" Well, are we talking about a used Honda Civic or a brand new Tesla? Both will get you from point A to point B, but the experience is going to be pretty different.

Let's break this down in a way that actually makes sense, so you can figure out what's right for YOUR business and YOUR budget. No judgment here. We've helped people at every price point, and there's a right answer for everyone.

The "I'll Just Do It Myself" Option

You've probably seen the ads. Wix, Squarespace, GoDaddy, all promising you can build a gorgeous website in an afternoon with no experience. And look, they're not completely wrong. These platforms exist and they work for some people.

Here's what you actually get: a template that you customize yourself. You pick your colors, add your photos, write your text, and publish. The monthly cost is relatively low, and you're up and running fast.

Here's what you need to know though. "Easy" is relative. If you're comfortable with technology, you might breeze through it. But we've talked to so many women who started one of these DIY sites on a Saturday morning, full of energy and optimism, and by Sunday night they were frustrated, the site looked nothing like the preview, and they'd wasted an entire weekend.

The other thing nobody tells you is that these platforms handle the basics but often fall short on things like search engine optimization, page speed, and the little technical details that help people actually find you on Google. You get a website, but you might not get a website that works hard for your business.

Best for: Someone on a very tight budget who is genuinely comfortable with technology and has time to learn. Also good for testing an idea before committing to a bigger investment.

The Budget-Friendly Professional Option

This is where you hire someone to build your site, but you're keeping things simple. Think of it like a solid starter home. It's not a mansion, but it's well-built and it's yours.

At this level, you're typically getting a clean, professional design with a handful of pages. Your home page, an about page, your services, a contact page, and maybe a few extras. A professional will make sure it looks good on phones (this is huge, by the way, because more than half of all web traffic comes from mobile devices). They'll handle the basic technical setup so Google can find you.

What you probably won't get at this price point is a ton of custom features, ongoing content creation, or extensive search engine optimization work. You're getting a solid foundation, not a full marketing machine.

This is honestly where a lot of small businesses should start, especially if you're just getting going. You don't need all the bells and whistles on day one. You need something professional that makes people trust you enough to pick up the phone or send an email.

At KP Technology Solutions, this is something we do a lot. We love working with people who are just starting out because we remember what that feels like. We're not going to sell you stuff you don't need yet.

Best for: New businesses that want to look professional and credible without breaking the bank. You want it done right, but you're keeping it simple for now.

The Mid-Range Investment

Now we're getting into the sweet spot for businesses that are ready to use their website as a real tool, not just a digital business card. At this level, you're getting custom design work that reflects your specific brand. The site is built with strategy in mind, meaning someone has actually thought about what your customers need to see and in what order.

You might get things like a blog setup, email list integration, appointment booking, photo galleries, or even a small online store. The design is more polished and unique. You're not just picking a template and swapping out the photos. Someone is thinking about your specific business and building something that fits.

This level usually includes some initial search engine optimization work too. That means your site isn't just pretty to look at. It's actually structured so that when someone in your area Googles what you do, you have a real shot at showing up.

You might also get some training on how to update the site yourself, which is really valuable. You don't want to have to call someone every time you need to change your phone number or add a new service.

Best for: Businesses that are past the startup phase and ready to invest in growth. You know your business model works and now you want your website to start pulling its weight.

The Full-Service Premium Option

At the top end, you're getting the whole package. Custom design from scratch, content strategy, professional copywriting, advanced SEO, integrations with your other business tools, and ongoing support. Think of this as hiring a team, not just a web designer.

These projects take longer because there's more planning, more strategy, and more back-and-forth to get everything just right. You might be looking at a timeline of several weeks to a few months from start to finish.

Is this necessary for everyone? Absolutely not. If you're a one-person operation selling handmade candles at the farmers market, you do not need this level of investment. But if you're running a growing business with multiple services, employees, and real competition in your market, this kind of investment can pay for itself many times over.

Best for: Established businesses with real revenue that want their website to be a primary driver of new customers. You're competing in a crowded market and you need to stand out.

So What's the Right Answer for YOU?

Here's the honest truth that a lot of web designers won't tell you: the cheapest option isn't always a waste of money, and the most expensive option isn't always worth it. It completely depends on where you are in your business journey.

If you're just starting out and testing the waters, start small. Get something professional but simple. You can always upgrade later. In fact, that's exactly what a lot of our clients at KP Technology Solutions do. They start with a straightforward site, and as their business grows, we grow the site with them.

If you've been in business for a while and your website is either nonexistent or embarrassingly outdated, it's probably time to invest in something more robust. Your website is often the first impression someone has of your business. If it looks like it was built in 2010, people notice.

Questions to Ask Before You Spend a Dime

Before you commit to anything, here are some questions to ask yourself (and any web designer you're considering):

What do I actually need right now? Not what would be nice to have someday. What do you need TODAY to start getting customers? What's included in the price? Make sure you understand exactly what you're getting. How many pages? Is it mobile-friendly? Who writes the content? What about hosting and domain registration? Is there a monthly fee after the site is built? Who owns the website? This is a big one. Some companies build your site on their platform and if you leave, you lose everything. Make sure you own your site and can take it with you. What happens after launch? Your website isn't a "set it and forget it" thing. It needs updates, security patches, and fresh content. Find out what ongoing support looks like and what it costs. Can I see examples of their work? Any legitimate web designer should be able to show you sites they've built for other businesses. Look for businesses similar to yours.

A Word About Value vs. Price

We get it. When you're starting a business, every dollar matters. But try to think about your website as an investment, not an expense. A good website brings in customers. A bad website (or no website) costs you customers you never even knew about.

The woman searching Google for "bookkeeper in Charleston" or "wedding planner in Cleveland" is going to click on one of the first few results. If you're not there, or if your site looks sketchy, she's going to your competitor. That's real money walking out the door.

Ready to Talk About It?

If you're not sure where to start, that's completely okay. That's literally what we're here for. We're Hal and Shawn, and we run KP Technology Solutions with offices in Charleston, SC and Cleveland, OH. We specialize in helping small business owners, especially women who are building something new, figure out exactly what they need online.

No pressure, no hard sell. Just a conversation about your business and what makes sense for you right now. Reach out to us here and let's talk about it.

Your business deserves to be seen. Let's figure out the right way to make that happen.