"How much will my website cost?" is usually the first question I hear from Brisbane business owners, and it is a fair one. Website prices range from a few hundred dollars to tens of thousands, and it can be hard to tell what you are actually paying for. Here is a plain English guide to what goes into the price, what to watch out for, and what I charge.
What affects the cost of a website?
No two websites are the same, but the price usually comes down to a handful of things.
Number of pages. A one page site that introduces your business is a very different job to a 20 page site with services, case studies and a blog.
Custom design. A design built around your brand takes more time than dropping your logo into a template, but it is what makes you look different from your competitors.
Features. Online stores, booking systems, member areas and payment gateways all add time to set up and test.
Content. If you have your words and photos ready, the project moves faster. If you need help with copywriting or images, that is extra.
Platform. WordPress and Squarespace suit different businesses. I explain the difference in my guide WordPress or Squarespace?
Typical website prices in Brisbane
As a rough guide, most small business websites fall into one of three groups.
DIY website builders. Cheap to start, but you are doing the design, writing and setup yourself, and it often shows.
A one page or starter website. Good for new businesses that need a professional presence quickly, with room to grow later.
A full small business website. Multiple pages, a custom design, contact forms, Google Maps and the features you need to bring in enquiries.
Larger sites with online stores, custom functionality or integrations with other systems are usually quoted individually.
What I charge for website design
I keep my pricing simple and fixed, so you know the cost before we start.
Launch Website: $1,800+GST for a one page site with up to five sections, plus one hour of training.
Small Business Website: from $4,800+GST for a custom multi page site, with training so you can update it yourself.
Online stores, copywriting and extra features are quoted to suit your project. You can see what is included in each package on my website design page.
The costs people forget
The build is only part of the picture. Make sure you budget for:
Domain name. Your .com.au address, renewed every year or two.
Hosting or platform fees. WordPress needs hosting, while Squarespace charges a monthly or yearly subscription.
Maintenance. WordPress sites need regular updates to stay secure and fast. My WordPress maintenance plans start from $66 inc GST a month.
Branding. If you do not have a logo yet, it is worth sorting that first so your website and brand match. See my logo design page.
Is a cheap website worth it?
A low cost website can be fine to get started, but it can also cost you in other ways: enquiries you never receive, time spent fixing things yourself, or a rebuild a year later. A good website should pay for itself by bringing in work. When you compare quotes, look at what is included, who will be doing the work, and what support you get after launch.
Get a fixed price for your website
If you are planning a new website or a refresh, I am happy to talk it through. I am a Brisbane web designer based in Chermside West, and I work with businesses across Brisbane and interstate. Get in touch for a free discovery call and a fixed quote.
