If you’ve searched for “web design cost”, you’re likely planning a new website or thinking about redesigning your current one — and you want clarity on how much it will cost, what factors influence the price, and what you should expect for your investment.
In this in‑depth guide, we’ll break down:
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Typical web design cost ranges
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What influences pricing
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What you get at each price level
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Hidden costs to watch for
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How to budget for your project
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How 12dot8 (based in Malta) charges and delivers value
By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of what drives web design costs and how to get the most value for your budget.
Why Web Design Cost Varies So Widely
There’s no single number for web design cost, and that’s because websites can differ dramatically in:
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Purpose: Informational brochure site vs e‑commerce platform
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Complexity: Simple design vs advanced features
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Customization: Templates vs fully custom look
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Content Needs: Text, images, video, animations
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SEO, speed, security needs
Two websites may look identical on the surface but cost very differently when built to perform, scale, and drive results.
Typical Web Design Cost Ranges (2025–2026)
Below are general pricing categories most businesses encounter today:
1. DIY or Basic Website Builder — Free to $500
These include using tools like:
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Wix
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Squarespace
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Canva Websites
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Basic WordPress with a theme
What you get: Simple site with limited customization.
Pros: Cheapest upfront, easy setup
Cons: Limited branding, speed, SEO, and scalability
This is suitable if you’re testing ideas or need an online presence fast and cheap, but it’s not ideal for business growth.
2. Freelancer or Part‑Time Designer — $500 to $3,000
In this range, designers often use WordPress or similar CMS platforms.
Typical features:
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Custom layout based on a theme
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5–10 pages (Home, About, Contact, Services)
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Basic SEO
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Mobile responsiveness
Pros: More personal service, better customization
Cons: Quality varies, limited support after launch
Great for startups and small local businesses.
3. Professional Small Agency — $3,000 to $10,000
This is the most common range for businesses that want a professional, custom web design.
Typical features:
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Custom design & branding
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SEO fundamentals built in
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Content planning and UX
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Analytics setup
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Performance and security configuration
Pros: Strategic approach, quality control
Cons: Requires a clear brief and some budget planning
This range is ideal for service‑based businesses, professional services, clinics, local stores, and more.
4. Mid‑to‑Large Business Website — $10,000 to $30,000+
For businesses needing more advanced capabilities:
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E‑commerce
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Membership platforms
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Multiple integrations (CRM, booking, email)
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Custom animations or micro‑interactions
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Advanced SEO strategy
Pros: Full strategic design, scalable architecture
Cons: Higher upfront investment
Best suited for businesses serious about digital growth and conversions.
5. Enterprise or Custom Platforms — $30,000+
These projects include:
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Complex web applications
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Large e‑commerce ecosystems
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Custom backend systems
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API integrations and advanced features
Pros: Tailor‑made systems with business‑critical features
Cons: Highest cost tier
This is where digital products and platforms that compete at scale live.
What Affects Web Design Cost? (The Biggest Drivers)
Here are the major factors that determine what you’ll pay:
1. Scope and Pages
More pages = more time. A 5‑page site is much simpler than a 50‑page corporate hub.
2. Custom Design vs Templates
Templates reduce cost but limit uniqueness. Custom design increases cost but improves brand impact and UX.
3. Responsive Design
Mobile‑friendly design is standard today — but complexity (multiple breakpoints, custom layouts) adds time.
4. Content Creation
Who writes your text? Who sources or edits images?
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Client‑provided content → lower cost
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Agency/writer provided → increases cost
Content strategy and copywriting are often overlooked but crucial.
5. SEO and Performance Optimization
Good SEO isn’t optional. This includes:
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Keyword research
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Meta tags
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Fast performance
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Schema markup
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Local SEO (if applicable)
More extensive SEO increases the budget but improves long‑term traffic.
6. E‑commerce Features
Online stores need:
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Product pages
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Cart and checkout
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Payment gateways
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Shipping/returns setup
Each adds cost based on complexity.
7. Integrations
Integration with CRM systems, email marketing platforms, booking systems, payment processors, or databases increases time and cost.
8. Security and Compliance
SSL, backups, privacy policies, cookies, and GDPR/CCPA compliance — all add legitimate costs.
9. Revisions and Feedback Cycles
Every iteration adds design and development hours. Clear briefs and structured feedback save money.
Hidden Web Design Costs to Watch For
Some costs are easy to overlook:
Domain Registration
Annual cost for your website address (e.g., yourbusiness.com).
Hosting
Reliable hosting is critical. Cheap hosting can hurt speed and uptime.
Maintenance & Updates
Websites require security patches, content updates, performance monitoring, and backups.
Plugins/Extensions
Premium plugins for forms, SEO, security, backups, or e‑commerce may have annual fees.
Licenses
Graphics, stock images, fonts, and design software may require licensing.
Content & Photography
Professional copywriting or custom photography/video increases quality — and cost.
How to Budget for Your Web Design Project
A good budget starts with clear planning.
Step 1 — Define Your Goal
What will success look like?
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More leads?
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Online sales?
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Brand credibility?
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Portfolio showcasing?
Your goal changes scope and cost.
Step 2 — Prioritize Features
List must‑haves vs nice‑to‑haves. Prioritizing helps control cost without sacrificing ROI.
Step 3 — Get Multiple Quotes
Compare proposals, not just pricing. Look at portfolios, processes, and warranties.
Step 4 — Ask About Post‑Launch Support
Budget for at least one year of maintenance.
Step 5 — Consider ROI
A slightly higher upfront investment can pay off through leads, sales, or branding impact.
Examples: What You Get at Different Price Points
Basic Small Business Website — ~$3,000
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Custom design using a theme
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5–10 pages
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Basic SEO
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Responsive design
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Contact forms
Mid‑Range Business Site — ~$8,000
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Custom design
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Content planning and basic copy edits
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Advanced SEO setup
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Analytics setup
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Performance optimization
E‑commerce Store — ~$15,000–$25,000
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Product setup
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Payment gateways
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Shipping rules
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Promotions and discount structures
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Inventory features
Custom Enterprise Platform — $30,000+
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Automated systems
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Custom backends
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Multi‑language support
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API integrations
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Scalable architecture
Why Investing in Quality Web Design Pays Off
Choosing the cheapest option isn’t always the best strategy. A well‑designed website:
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Builds trust and credibility
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Improves search engine visibility
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Boosts conversions and revenue
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Strengthens brand identity
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Reduces long‑term maintenance costs
Poor design, slow loading, or weak SEO can actually lose money in missed opportunities.
How 12dot8 Approaches Web Design Cost
At 12dot8, we believe in transparent pricing and strategic investment. Here’s how we guide clients:
Discovery and Strategy First
Before cost, we clarify:
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Your business goals
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Audience needs
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Competitive landscape
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Required features
This helps avoid surprises later.
Proposal With Clear Breakdown
Our quotes include:
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Design cost
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Development cost
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SEO/Foundation setup
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Maintenance options
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Optional features
Tailored Solutions
No generic templates unless that’s the best choice for your needs and budget.
Value‑Driven Approach
We focus on deliverables that produce results — leads, sales, engagement, and growth.
Support and Maintenance
Ongoing plans ensure your website stays secure, up‑to‑date, and performing well.
Frequently Asked Questions About Web Design Cost
How much should a small business website cost?
For a custom, professional site: $3,000–$10,000 depending on pages, SEO, branding, and features.
Is a cheaper website always a bad idea?
DIY or template solutions can work short‑term, but they often lack speed, SEO, and scalability.
Can I pay in installments?
Many professional agencies offer payment plans aligned with milestones.
Should I include SEO in the web design cost?
Absolutely — SEO setup at launch improves long‑term visibility and traffic.
How long does a web design project take?
Typical timeline: 6–12 weeks depending on complexity and revisions.