When most people ask, “How much does a website cost?” they expect a number — but the real answer depends on what you want your website to do for your business.
At Kudzu Digital, we like to think of websites in two categories: functional and dysfunctional.
A functional website drives leads, builds trust, and helps your business grow.
A dysfunctional website looks pretty but doesn’t move the needle.
The difference between those two outcomes often comes down to how your site is built, maintained, and measured.
The 5 Core Costs of a Website
Every great website is more than pixels on a screen — it’s a system. Here are the main factors that drive cost and long-term value:
1. Strategy & Messaging
Before design ever starts, you need a clear plan for who you’re speaking to and what you want them to do. This is the foundation that turns browsers into buyers.
2. Design & User Experience
A site that looks great and works beautifully on every screen — from a 30-inch monitor to a phone — builds credibility instantly. Great design isn’t decoration; it’s conversion psychology.
3. SEO & Visibility
If nobody can find your site, it doesn’t matter how pretty it is. Proper SEO setup ensures your business shows up when customers search for what you offer.
4. Functionality & Integrations
From booking tools to e-commerce or membership portals, your site’s features should make life easier for your customers and your team.
5. Maintenance & Optimization
Websites aren’t “set it and forget it.” They need ongoing care — updates, backups, content improvements, and A/B testing — to stay healthy and competitive. Fortunately, most maintenance costs are minimal compared to the value they protect.
So, What’s the Price Range?
Based on industry standards and our experience building high-performing local business websites, here’s what you can expect:
- Basic small-business website: around $3,500+
- Mid-tier professional website: between $5,000 and $10,000
- Advanced custom builds or ongoing projects: up to $25,000+
Most businesses can expect to land in that $5,000–$10,000 range for a high-quality, mobile-friendly website that looks great and performs well on every device.
A Great Website Should Pay for Itself
The right website isn’t an expense — it’s an investment. It should generate new leads, improve visibility, and strengthen customer trust.
When done right, your website becomes your hardest-working employee — the one that never sleeps, never calls in sick, and never stops promoting your business.
Final Thought: You Don’t Need a Website… You Need a Process
Here’s the truth most agencies won’t tell you:
You don’t need a website to have a successful business.
You need:
- A great product or service
- A reliable process
- And people of integrity
Those things win every time. A great website just amplifies them.
Let’s Talk About Yours
If you’re thinking about building or refreshing your website, let’s chat.
I’d love to walk you through what to include, what to skip, and how to make it truly work for your business.
Because building a great website shouldn’t feel complicated.
It should feel exciting — and it should grow your business.
