how much does a website cost
If you’re a small business owner in the U.S. wondering how much a website costs, the honest answer is:
👉 It depends on the platform, features, design, and who builds it for you.
But don’t worry — this article breaks it down in plain English so you can make the right decision for your budget and business goals.
First: Why Costs Vary So Much
Website pricing depends on a few things:
- The platform (WordPress, Shopify, custom-built, etc.)
- The number of pages you need
- Whether it’s a simple brochure website or an online store
- Who’s building it — a freelancer, an agency, or a DIY approach
- Any add-ons like SEO, custom forms, appointment booking, etc.
Let’s look at the two most recommended platforms for small businesses: WordPress and Shopify.
Option 1: WordPress Website Cost (Best for Business Sites)
If you want a business website that’s fast, flexible, and SEO-friendly, WordPress is one of the best platforms out there.
Here’s what you need to build one:
✅ What’s Included in a WordPress Website:
- Domain Name – yourbusinessname.com (~$10–$15/year)
- Hosting – where your website lives (~$30–$60/year with a reliable company like Hostinger)
- WordPress Developer – a pro who designs and builds your site
- SEO & Design Optimization – for better Google rankings and performance
💸 Average Cost:
For a 15–20 page professional WordPress website:
$300 to $450 one-time, depending on design complexity and features.
✅ Pro Tip: Talk to a WordPress developer first, and let them recommend a good hosting company. Most developers will help you:
- Buy the right domain
- Set up hosting
- Install WordPress
- Design and launch the full site
That way, you only pay once, and can later do SEO or updates without starting from scratch.
Option 2: Shopify Website Cost (Best for Online Stores)
If you’re planning to sell products online and want a clean setup with built-in e-commerce tools, Shopify is a great choice.
It’s beginner-friendly but more limited in design flexibility compared to WordPress.
✅ What’s Included in Shopify:
- Monthly Shopify Subscription –
- $1/month for first 3 months
- Then $25/month standard pricing
- Domain Name – buy separately (~$10–$15/year)
- Design Setup – you can DIY with templates or hire a developer
- Apps & Add-ons – extra features (some are free, some paid)
💸 Average Cost:
Basic Shopify website setup starts at $300 (if you hire someone)
For more advanced stores, the cost can go up to $600+
⚠️ Keep in mind: Shopify is subscription-based, so you’ll keep paying monthly fees. That’s great for ongoing support but adds up over time.
WordPress vs. Shopify: What’s Right for You?
| Feature | WordPress | Shopify |
|---|---|---|
| Best For | Business websites, E-commerce,portfolio, blogs, SEO | Online product sales |
| One-Time Cost | ✅ Yes | ❌ No (Monthly fees) |
| Monthly Fees | Just hosting (~$2–$5/mo) | $25/month after trial |
| SEO Control | ✅ Full control | Limited |
| Design Flexibility | ✅ High | Limited to templates |
| Ownership | ✅ You own everything | Shopify controls platform |
Our Recommendation
We recommend WordPress for most small businesses because:
- It’s one-time investment
- You get full control over your site
- You can easily do SEO and grow your traffic
- You can add blogs, forms, booking tools, etc. anytime
- You’re not stuck paying monthly platform fees
Shopify is excellent if your main focus is selling products and you want everything handled for you — but be aware that it comes with ongoing monthly costs.
Final Thoughts: Invest Once, Grow Long-Term
Getting a website is like opening a new branch of your business — but online.
You want it to look professional, run fast, and show up in Google.
Whether you go with WordPress or Shopify, don’t just “wing it.”
Talk to a developer first, get the right hosting, and build it properly from the start.
Need Help Getting Started?
If you want a professional, affordable WordPress website built with SEO in mind — or need advice choosing the right platform — reach out to our team at Haashes Marketing Agency .
👉 We’ll help you go from idea to launch — without wasting time or money. Contact us here.
