How Much Does It Cost to Get Someone to Design a Website for You?
The cost to hire a website designer depends on site complexity, required features, and the experience level of the designer or agency.
When hiring someone to design a website, it is often one of the most common steps businesses take when building an online presence. However, many people are unsure what the actual cost looks like and therefore what they are paying for; as a result, website design prices can vary significantly depending on who you hire and what you need.
In Australia, the cost to get someone to design a website generally depends on factors such as website complexity, level of customisation, and, in particular, the experience of the designer or agency overall.
Cost to hire a website designer
Cost to Hire a Website Designer Explained
For Australian businesses and individuals, the cost to hire a website designer generally and most often falls within, the following, ranges overall:
- Freelance website designer: $1,000 – $4,000
- Small web design agency: $3,000 – $6,000
- Mid to large agency or custom projects: $6,000 – $10,000+
Typically, these figures cover website design and development only; however, in some cases, additional services may cost extra.
Cost to hire a website designer: Freelance vs Agency
cost to hire a website developer from a freelancer
Freelancers often offer lower pricing and flexible arrangements. They are suitable for:
- Simple websites
- Startups or sole traders
- Small projects with limited functionality
However, freelancers sometimes have limited availability and therefore may not offer long-term support.
Understanding the cost to hire a website designer also helps businesses plan long-term SEO and performance optimisation more effectively.
cost to hire a website designer from an agency
Agencies typically charge more but provide:
- Structured project management
- Design, development, and testing
- Better scalability and ongoing support
In contrast, agencies generally suit growing businesses that therefore want reliability and future expansion.
What Affects the Cost to hire a website designer?
Website Type and Complexity
In general, a basic informational website costs significantly less than an e-commerce or custom-built platform; however, features such as online payments, booking systems, or member portals typically increase development time and therefore cost.
Number of Pages
As a result, more pages require more design, development, and content work; for example, a 3–5 page website typically costs less than a 15–20 page business website overall.
Custom Design vs Templates
In comparison, template-based designs generally reduce cost but limit flexibility; however, custom designs instead offer greater branding control while increasing the overall price
Content Creation and SEO Setup
If you need:
- Professional copywriting
- Image sourcing
- Basic SEO optimisation
These services are usually priced separately.
Ongoing Costs you hire a website designer
Hiring someone to design a website is not always a one-time cost. Businesses should also consider:
- Hosting and domain fees
- Website maintenance and updates
- Security monitoring
- SEO and digital marketing
Ongoing costs typically range from $50 to $300 per month, depending on services included.
is it cost to hire a website designer worth paying more?
Cheaper website design options may save money upfront but can lead to:
- Poor performance
- Limited scalability
- Weak SEO foundations
- Costly redesigns later
Paying a fair price for quality design usually delivers better long-term value.
How to Choose a website designer for your budget
Before hiring someone, consider:
- Their portfolio and experience
- Transparent pricing
- Understanding of Australian businesses
- SEO and performance knowledge
- Post-launch support options
A good website designer focuses on results, not just appearance.
Final Thoughts on Website Design Costs
So, how much does it cost to get someone to design a website for you? In Australia, most businesses pay between $1,500 and $6,000, with custom projects costing more. The final price depends on your requirements, the provider you choose, and your long-term goals.
A professionally designed website remains one of the most valuable investments for building credibility and growth online.
Australian businesses often consult official government resources when budgeting for digital services and website development.