How much does a website cost in 2025?

Maybe you’re launching a new business and need a website? Or perhaps you’re looking to take your existing business online. Whatever situation you find yourself in, getting your first business website can feel confusing, especially when discussing development and design costs. 

What features will you need? What about a domain name and web hosting? And of course, the most important question of all for any business: how much does it cost to build a website? 

In this guide, we’ll provide you with an overview of the most important considerations for getting your business online and a rough idea of how much you should be paying for your website, so you don’t get ripped off. 

If you’re just starting out, here is our guide on costs to start a new business. Let’s get going.

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How much does it cost to build a website?

A small business website can cost around $120 per year, but development costs can go up to $10,000 and beyond for a very large, complex ecommerce website. Read on to learn exactly what you’ll need for your website and how much you should expect to pay. 

Choosing the right type of website is crucial to meeting your business objectives and engaging your target audience. 

Here are the most common types of websites to help you identify which one suits your needs:

Personal blogs

Personal blogs are ideal for individuals who want to share their thoughts, experiences, and expertise on various topics. They are perfect for building a personal brand and engaging with a specific audience.

Portfolio sites

Portfolio websites showcase your work and skills, making them essential for creatives such as designers, photographers, and artists. These sites help you present your projects in a professional manner to potential clients or employers.

Online stores

Online stores provide customers with a wide range of products and services, including electronics, clothing, and home goods. They are designed to offer convenient and secure shopping experiences for consumers looking to purchase items from the comfort of their own homes.

The basic building blocks of your website and their price

Every website is formed of five basic building blocks: domains, hosting, content, website security, and marketing. The table below provides a rough guide to pricing for each of them.

Website building blocks and their cost

Website feature	Cost upfront
Domain name	$0-30
Web hosting	$0-300+
Content	$0-5000+
Website security	$0-360+
SEO and marketing	$0-150+

Domain Name

Buying the right domain name is vital because it will become an important part of your business’s identity. 

You can find a guide to choosing your perfect domain name here. 

In terms of price, the cost of your domain name will depend on the domain extension you pick (.com, .info, etc.), but you can expect to pay around $20 a year for your domain. Special offers can reduce this cost, and some domain extensions may cost more per year. 

For example, an .ai domain can cost more than a generic extension because it’s primarily used for AI projects, making it more sought after and expensive. Try the GoDaddy AI domain generator to find available domain names and choose the right one for your business. 

Your new domain will come with GoDaddy Airo – our AI-powered solution that instantly creates a website, logo, email, and more for your brand.

Web hosting

A website consists of several different computer files, and all those files need to be stored somewhere — a web server. If you’d like to know more about what web hosting is and how it works, we’ve put together a guide that covers everything on this topic. 

Web hosting involves paying a company like GoDaddy to host your website on their servers on your behalf. Good web hosting is important because it’s the service that keeps your website live online. 

The cost of hosting varies greatly – currently, at GoDaddy, the costs are between $5.99 and $24.99 per month (excluding virtual private servers and dedicated servers), although special offers can reduce setup costs. 

Web hosting prices vary due to different types of packages available, and the package you need will depend on your business requirements. We’ll discuss the different hosting options later.

Website hosting options and annual costs

Choosing the right hosting option is crucial for your website’s performance and scalability. Here’s a breakdown of available website hosting options and their annual costs:

Shared hosting

Shared hosting is an affordable option where your website shares server resources with other websites. This option is suitable for small to medium-sized websites with moderate traffic.

Pros:

• Cost-effective
• Easy to set up
• Suitable for beginners and small websites

Cons:

• Shared resources can lead to slower performance
• Limited control over server settings

Use cases:

• Personal blogs
• Small business websites
• Portfolio sites

Annual cost:

Virtual private server (VPS) hosting

VPS hosting provides a balance between cost and performance. With VPS, your website shares a server with other clients but has dedicated resources allocated to it, ensuring better performance and reliability.

Pros:

• Dedicated resources for better performance
• Greater control over server configurations
• Scalable as your website grows

Cons:

• More expensive than shared hosting
• Requires more technical knowledge

Use cases:

• Growing businesses
• Websites with higher traffic
• Ecommerce sites requiring more resources

Annual cost:

Website builder hosting

Hosting services provided by website builders, such as GoDaddy’s Website Builder, offer integrated solutions that include hosting as part of the package. This option is convenient for those who prefer an all-in-one platform for building and hosting their website.

Pros:

• Integrated with website-building tools
• Easy to manage without technical skills
• Often includes additional features like templates and support

Cons:

• Limited flexibility compared to other hosting types
• Can be more expensive in the long run for larger sites

Use cases:

• Small businesses
• Startups
• Users who prefer a simple, managed solution

Annual cost:

Content

Exactly what content you need will vary depending on the kind of business you’re running and the functionality you want for your site. 

For simple sites, you may be able to create all the content yourself. But for more complex sites, you might need to hire someone to write copy for your website, and perhaps even create images and videos. 

It’s a good idea to plan what content you need for your website before deciding on the type of site you’ll be creating, as knowing what you need will help you understand the best option for you. 

You can learn more about planning content for your website in this guide.

Website security

Ensuring your website’s security is paramount for protecting both your business and your visitors. Implementing a SSL certificate is essential as it safeguards the transfer of sensitive data, instilling trust in your audience by displaying HTTPS and a padlock in the URL. 

An SSL certificate not only enhances your site’s security by encrypting information but also improves your SEO performance, as search engines like Google favor secure websites in their rankings. 

The cost of an SSL certificate can range from $0 to $1,500 per year, depending on the level of protection and features you require. 

Investing in a reputable SSL certificate provider ensures advanced encryption levels and additional protections, making your website both secure and optimized for search engine visibility. 

Additionally, ongoing website security measures, such as security software, may incur additional costs but are crucial for maintaining the integrity and reliability of your site.

SEO and marketing

There may be some upfront costs related to search engine optimization (SEO) and marketing when setting up your website, particularly if you use a web designer.

Other costs to consider when running a website

Depending on the type of website that you’re running, there can be other costs to building a website, including:

• Plugins and extensions: To add specific functionalities to your website, you may need to buy premium plugins or extensions that aren’t available for free.
• Email hosting: If you want a professional email address that matches your domain name (e.g., [email protected]), you may need to purchase email hosting.
• Analytics software: To track your website’s performance and user behavior, you might invest in advanced analytics tools beyond the free ones available.
• Legal: Depending on the nature of your business and website, you may need to consider costs relating to copyright, compliance, or consultation with a legal expert, particularly for privacy policies, terms of service, and GDPR compliance.

 Website design costs

Website design pricing at a glance: Web designer vs. website builder vs. WordPress

	Web Designer	GoDaddy’s Website Builder (Basic)	WordPress
Design	$200+	N/A	N/A
Website builder annual cost	N/A	$143.88	N/A
Web hosting	$150+	Included	$143.88
Domain name	$20/year	$20/year	$20/year
SSL certificate	$70/year	Included	$70/year
Maintenance	$200/year	N/A	N/A
Cost in first year	$640	$163.88	$233.88
Ongoing annual cost	$440	$163.88	$233.88

A website builder, a web designer, and WordPress can all help you create a great website. The main advantage of a website builder is that it is cheaper, while a web designer will help you achieve a unique look for your site. 

WordPress is another excellent DIY option with a much wider range of options compared to a website builder.

Read on to learn more about the pros and cons of using a website builder, web designer, or WordPress.

 How much does it cost to have a website built for you?

To have a website built for you, expect to pay upwards of $200, depending on the skill and experience of the designer you choose. Web designers can create websites of any size with any functionality, but they often charge a premium price for their skills. 

This means that while it’s possible to ask a web designer to build you a small site (a brochure-type site, for example), it might not be the most cost-effective option. 

You’ll have to pay the fee for the site to be designed, then a monthly fee for your web hosting, and perhaps even a monthly maintenance fee to your designer so the site stays in good condition. 

Web designers and agencies excel when it comes to more complex websites, such as large ecommerce websites and bespoke projects. 

Overall, hiring a web designer is likely to cost you much more than using a website builder. If you do need a designer for your project, don’t forget to ask for multiple quotes before agreeing on a price. (And bear in mind that sometimes a low price can be too good to be true.)

How much does it cost to make a website with a website builder?

Website builders are a great option if you don’t have a large budget and want complete control over your site, starting at $11.99 per month. GoDaddy Website Builder includes an intuitive drag-and-drop interface, making it easy to build your own site without having to pay for a designer. 

Recent advances in technology mean that website builders are now suitable for all but the largest of websites. 

If you’re looking to build a basic website, a hospitality sector website, or even a small ecommerce website, then you should consider using a website builder tool.

Prices for GoDaddy’s Website Builder start at just $11.99 per month, and since this price includes web hosting, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a cheaper option. 

Another bonus is that you won’t need to contact your web designer whenever you want to make a change to your site. Additionally, our Website Builder tool comes with a host of extra online marketing features to help promote your website.

How much does a WordPress website sost?

If you want more control than a website builder, WordPress hosting is an excellent option, beginning at $11.99 per month. 

WordPress is a powerful, flexible, and user-friendly platform for building websites. It’s suitable for businesses and individuals alike, offering an array of customization options to create unique and functional sites. 

One of the main benefits of WordPress is that it doesn’t require coding knowledge, making it accessible to beginners. However, it also provides extensions and plugins that allow for advanced customizations if needed. 

The vast WordPress community offers countless themes and plugins, both free and premium, which can greatly enhance your website’s functionality and appearance. WordPress is also scalable, meaning that the website can easily grow along with a business or personal project.

Website costs by business type

The cost for a website depends heavily on the functionality required. This includes e-commerce capabilities, the number of pages, and content types used (videos, podcasts, image galleries, etc.). 

Check out the table below for generalized pricing based on business type. 

	Web designer	GoDaddy Website Builder	WordPress
Small Business Website	$640+	$143.88	$143.88
Small to medium ecommerce site	$5,000+	$299.88	$203.88
Large-scale ecommerce site	$10,000+	$359.88	$359.88
Large bespoke business site	$15,000+	$359.88	$359.88

Small business website cost

Small businesses can expect to pay between $145 and $640+ a year to create and maintain a website, as they don’t need a site with hundreds of pages. A few core pages with details about your services, information about your business and happy customers, and your contact details will suffice. 

You might want a few added extras, such as a blog or links to your social media accounts, but nothing too elaborate. This type of small business website is suitable for tradespeople, freelancers, and other business owners generating leads from their site without needing to attract customers directly through the door. 

It’s also ideal for cafes, restaurants, bars, or similar businesses. 

Unlike service-based businesses, you’ll have different priorities, such as letting people know what you serve and where you serve it. 

Including features like a menu page, photos, comments and reviews, a map and directions, as well as a way to contact and perhaps even book with you will be your highest priority. 

You may also want a blog or news section to keep your customers updated about events and special offers.

Small to medium ecommerce site cost

The average cost to build a small to medium ecommerce website is between $230 and $5,000 if you want to have a website built for you. This is suitable if you have an existing real-world business that sells products and you’re looking to branch out online, or if you’re setting up a dedicated ecommerce business. 

The main focus of your website will be on the products you sell. If you need some ideas, we have a compilation of trending products to sell online. You’ll also need supporting content, such as contact details, a returns policy, a blog, support pages, and anything else that fits your business. 

If you’re also running a real-world business, you’ll want to include a map and directions too.

Large-scale ecommerce site cost

If you’re planning on selling hundreds of different products, your needs will be similar to a small-scale ecommerce site but will require a more powerful site. As you might guess, a large ecommerce site will cost you more than $5,000.

Large bespoke business website cost

Looking to launch the next Facebook? If you’ve got big plans, you’ll need a substantial website, and the cost will reflect that. Expect to pay more than $15,000 in the first year for a large, custom-made website. You’ll need to hire a web designer, and you may end up employing one (or more) on a full-time basis. 

Notes on pricing

Web designer costs are approximate. (Don’t forget to shop around!) Web hosting, SSL, and domain name prices are approximate and exclude any special offers that may be available. 

Website Builder and WordPress prices are correct at the time of writing but do not include any offers that may be available. The total cost of creating your website includes the cost of web design (if applicable), and one year of hosting, SSL certificate, and domain name registration. 

See how you can get a free domain with GoDaddy’s Web Design plans.

Tips to avoid overspending when building your website

Building a website can be a significant investment, but there are several strategies you can employ to keep costs under control:

Start small

Begin with a basic website that includes the essential features your business needs. As your business grows, you can expand and add more functionalities. This approach helps you manage your budget more effectively and prevents unnecessary expenditures from the outset.

Use free themes and plugins

Take advantage of free themes and plugins available on platforms like WordPress. These tools can provide the functionality and design you need without the added costs of premium options. Ensure that the free themes and plugins you choose are reliable and regularly updated to maintain your website’s security and performance. 

Prioritize essential features

Focus on the features that are crucial for your business operations and user experience. Avoid adding unnecessary features that can inflate your costs and complicate your website. By prioritizing essential functionalities, you can create a streamlined and efficient website that meets your business needs without overspending. 

Optimize user experience

A well-designed user experience can enhance your website’s effectiveness, leading to higher engagement and conversions. Invest in user-friendly design elements and ensure your website is easy to navigate. A good user experience can help you achieve your business goals without the need for expensive modifications or redesigns down the line.

Closing thoughts on website costs

Creating a website doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated. The advent of modern website builders means that the average small business owner can do it themselves. Keep in mind, though, that adding extra functionality to your website will typically increase your overall costs. 

Interested in creating your own business website? Check out GoDaddy Website Builder for yourself! 

Pricing is correct at the time of publishing and does not include any special promotions or discounts. Be sure to check current prices.

FAQ about website costs

Can you build a website for free?

Yes, a business owner can technically build a website for free using various website building platforms. However, free hosting plans come with limitations such as an inability to use your own domain, lack of customization, limited storage, and often the presence of ads on your website. 

While a free plan might suffice for a small or start-up business, as the business grows, using a paid hosting plan would be necessary to provide a more professional appearance and enhanced functionality.

 How much does it cost to create a one-page website?

The cost of creating a website can vary greatly depending on several factors such as the platform you use, design complexity, additional functionalities, and whether you hire a professional web developer. 

In general, you can expect to pay anywhere from $500 to $5,000 for a one-page website. However, there are several ways to reduce the cost, such as:

• Using a website builder
• Hiring a freelancer or small agency
• Doing some or all of the work yourself

Is it worth having a website for a small business?

Absolutely, having a website for a small business is worth it and highly recommended. A website offers several benefits:

• Accessibility: Your potential customers can learn about your business, products, or services any time, from anywhere.
• Credibility: A professional-looking website can enhance your business reputation and instill trust in potential customers.
• Marketing: A website is a powerful marketing tool where you can promote your business widely and cost-effectively. It also allows for digital marketing strategies such as SEO, content marketing, and email marketing to attract more customers.
• Sales: With e-commerce functionality, a website can act as an additional sales channel, allowing customers to purchase directly from you 24/7.
• Customer service: You can provide improved customer service through a website by offering FAQ sections, chatbots, or forums where customers can get answers to their queries.
• Business growth: A website helps you reach a wider audience, expand your customer base, and drive business growth.

Remember, your competitors are likely to have a web presence. A well-designed, user-friendly website can give your business a competitive edge.

How much does it cost to run a website for one year?

The cost of running a website for one year varies widely, depending on several factors. Depending on your business needs, a paid website can cost anywhere from $170 per year to thousands of dollars.

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