How Much Does It Cost to Get Someone to Design a Website?

If you’re wondering how much it costs to get a website professionally designed, the answer depends on your goals, budget, and desired features. Website design pricing can range from under $500 for basic DIY sites to $10,000 or more for custom, conversion-focused builds. Understanding the pricing structure helps you decide which option fits your business needs and ensures you’re making a smart investment in your digital presence.

DIY Website Builders – The Cheapest Option but the Least Flexible

Using DIY website builders like Wix, Squarespace, or WordPress.com can keep initial costs low—typically around $20 to $50 per month, including basic hosting. These platforms are ideal for personal blogs, side projects, or very small businesses that don’t need advanced features.

However, DIY tools come with trade-offs. Templates are limited, customization is minimal, and long-term scalability is often restricted. Most importantly, these sites lack proper SEO configuration, advanced tracking, and professional design strategy—critical factors if you want your website to drive leads and rank locally in Charlotte search results.

Freelance Web Designers – Custom Design at Moderate Cost

Hiring a freelance web designer offers more flexibility and a personalized touch than DIY options. Freelancers typically charge between $1,000 and $5,000 for a small business website, depending on their experience and the complexity of the project. Hourly rates often range from $50 to $150 per hour.

Freelancers are great for small to medium businesses that need a semi-custom design and have clear direction on branding and content. You’ll get better design quality and user experience than DIY platforms, but you may still need to manage content, SEO setup, or hosting yourself. Ongoing support may also be limited since freelancers often juggle multiple clients.

Professional Web Design Agencies – Strategic, Scalable, and Fully Managed

Partnering with a professional web design agency is the best choice for businesses that want a site designed for performance, scalability, and marketing results. Agencies typically charge $5,000 to $15,000 for a custom website, with complex e-commerce or large multi-page sites reaching $25,000 or more.

This investment covers not only design and development but also strategic planning, copywriting, mobile optimization, conversion tracking, and post-launch maintenance. A reputable agency (like Digital Marketing Charlotte) also ensures your website aligns with SEO best practices, loads quickly, integrates with CRMs, and converts visitors into leads.

If you’re serious about growing your business and want a digital asset that works as hard as you do, this level of service is the most cost-effective in the long run.

Typical Website Cost Breakdown

When budgeting for a new website, it’s important to account for both upfront and ongoing costs.

• Domain name: $10–$20 per year

• Hosting: $20–$100 per month depending on performance and security

• SSL certificate: Often free, but premium options can cost $50–$200 per year

• Professional copywriting and photography: $500–$2,000+ depending on scope

• Maintenance & updates: $50–$250 per month

Agencies like Digital Marketing Charlotte often bundle these elements into ongoing maintenance or marketing retainers, ensuring your site stays fast, secure, and optimized year-round.

What Affects the Cost of Website Design?

Several key factors influence how much you’ll pay for a new website:

1. Number of pages – A 5-page brochure site costs far less than a 20-page multi-service site.

2. Custom functionality – Features like booking systems, membership portals, or e-commerce significantly increase complexity.

3. Design originality – Custom branding and UX/UI design require more time and expertise than template-based builds.

4. Content creation – Writing, photography, and video production are often additional services.

5. Ongoing support – Hosting, updates, and marketing retainers add monthly costs but provide long-term performance benefits.

Finding the Right Website Design Partner

The best choice depends on your goals, technical ability, and business size. If you’re a local business in Charlotte, NC, working with a local web design agency offers the advantage of in-person collaboration, local SEO expertise, and a deeper understanding of your target audience.

At Digital Marketing Charlotte, we specialize in creating high-performing websites tailored for small businesses that want measurable results—not just a pretty design. Every website we build is optimized for visibility, speed, and conversions from day one.

Final Thoughts: Focus on Value, Not Just Price

A great website isn’t an expense—it’s an investment in your brand’s growth. The difference between a $500 site and a $5,000 site is often the difference between a website that exists and one that earns. By focusing on strategy, user experience, and conversion optimization, you’ll create a digital foundation that supports your business for years to come.

Ready to see what a high-performing website can do for your business? Get a free quote from Digital Marketing Charlotte today.