This is one of the most common questions I hear from small business owners.
And I get why. A website is a meaningful investment, and if you have ever paid for something that did not deliver, you learn to ask better questions. You want to feel confident, not pressured. Supported, not sold to.
What most entrepreneurs never hear clearly enough is that there is no single “right” price for a custom website.
There are simply healthy ranges, helpful indicators, and a few red flags that can guide you toward the option that actually fits your business.
Let’s walk through what matters most so the decision feels grounded instead of overwhelming.
What a Website Actually Needs to Do
A website is not a digital brochure.
It is one of the only places online you fully own, and it should work for you long after it launches.
A strategic website should:
- Tell your story in a way that resonates with the right clients.
- Communicate your value clearly and simply.
- Lead visitors toward the next step with confidence.
If a designer focuses only on colors and layouts, pause.
Design is important, but without strategy, even the most beautiful website struggles to convert.
What You Can Expect to Pay
Here is a grounded overview for service-based businesses.
Template-based or semi-custom builds:
Typically 1,000 to 3,000.
A great option if you are newer, working with a smaller budget, or want a clean, professional presence without going fully custom.
Custom strategic builds:
Most reputable studios are in the 5,000 to 10,000 range depending on the level of strategy, messaging support, page count, and integrations.
This is for the entrepreneur who wants a brand-defining site that feels aligned and converts well.
High-end or boutique agency-level builds:
10,000 to 25,000 and beyond.
Usually reserved for businesses needing complex functionality or advanced systems. Most service providers do not need this level unless they are scaling rapidly.
Price alone does not tell you whether something is worth it.
Clarity, messaging, and conversion strategy do.
What to Look For Before You Commit
These questions reveal far more than a portfolio:
- Who is guiding the copy and messaging?
- How will this site improve conversions or client experience?
- What is included in the process and timeline?
- How many revisions are built in?
- Will I be able to update the site myself after launch?
- What level of support is available if something breaks?
A trustworthy designer answers all of these clearly and without making you feel rushed into a decision.
A Final Note
If you are in the season of researching or preparing for a website investment, give yourself credit.
You are thinking long term.
You are making a thoughtful decision.
That alone puts you ahead of where most entrepreneurs start.
And if you want clarity on your messaging or support choosing the right direction before you spend the money, that is exactly the kind of support we offer at VGC. Schedule a consult call to discuss what might be a good fit for you. You do not have to navigate this alone.
