Why can't I get one final number without discussing the project?

Because a site with a homepage, services page, and contact form costs differently than a site with dozens of pages, a CRM connection, and an active blog. Any serious quote has to be based on real scope - number of pages, content that already exists vs. needs writing, and required integrations - not a generic number that fits everyone and therefore fits no one.

What's the price difference between a builder (Wix) and custom code?

A builder is usually cheaper upfront because part of the work already exists in the template. Custom code costs more at the start because every component is built specifically for the business - but it doesn't limit you later: speed, SEO, and future integrations aren't boxed in by a template's limits. A business planning to grow over the next year or two should weigh that as part of the real price, not just the initial number.

Are there hidden costs after the site is ready?

Mainly two: domain and hosting (a fixed annual cost that exists for every website in the world, not unique to any one provider), and maintenance - if you want content updates, additions, or changes after launch. It's worth asking upfront how this works with your provider before signing, so there's no surprise in month two.

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Websites · Aug 22, 2026 · May I

How Much Does a Business Website Cost - What Actually Drives the Price

The honest answer: any number given without knowing what your business actually needs is a guess. A website's price is set by real scope - how many pages, what content already exists, which integrations are required (forms, CRM, payments) - not a flat price table. What you can know before talking to any provider is exactly what drives the price, and how to avoid paying for things you don't need.

The real driver: scope, not "how many pages"

Many businesses ask "how much does a 5-page site cost" - but real scope isn't a page count, it's how much work sits behind each page. A homepage that needs to tell a story, show a portfolio, and drive action requires far more thought and design than a "contact us" page with a form. Before requesting a quote, it helps to know: how much content is already written, how many real photos exist (versus photos that need to be commissioned or produced), and whether there are complex pages like a product catalog, an active blog, or a client login area.

Custom code vs. a builder - where the difference actually shows

A builder (Wix, Squarespace) costs less upfront because a large part of the structure already exists in the template - you're renting a "skeleton" and filling in content. Custom code costs more at the start because every component, animation, and page structure is built specifically for the business. The real economic difference isn't at launch - it shows up a year or two later: a custom-coded site isn't limited by what a template allows when you want to add an integration, improve speed, or connect a CRM system. A builder-based site sometimes needs to be rebuilt from scratch once it hits that ceiling.

What's actually fixed - and not provider-dependent

Domain cost - a small annual fee that exists for every website in the world
Hosting cost - depends on the platform, usually a fixed monthly or annual fee
Ongoing maintenance - if you want content updates or additions after launch, that's a separate service from building the site itself

A serious provider explains all three upfront, rather than hiding them inside the initial quote and revealing them only after you've signed.

How to get a quote you can actually compare

The only way to get a meaningful price is to describe the actual project: what's the site's goal, roughly how many pages, which integrations are needed, and what's the desired timeline. A quote given without any questions is usually a generic template - a quote that starts with a real conversation about what the business needs is the one worth trusting.

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