What is included in small business website design costs?

Website design costs usually cover layout and visual styling, mobile responsiveness, user experience (UX) planning, page structure, and branding alignment. Some packages also include basic SEO-friendly structure, image selection, and content layout support.

What is the difference between website design and website development?

Website design focuses on how the site looks and feels—layout, user experience, and visual structure. Website development focuses on how the site works—functionality, performance, security, and integrations. Some providers bundle both, while others quote them separately.

Why do website design quotes vary so much?

Quotes vary based on design customisation, number of pages, complexity of layouts, UX planning, content requirements, branding work, and whether revisions, support, and strategy are included. A simple template design costs far less than a tailored, conversion-focused design.

Is a cheap website design worth it for a small business?

Cheap design can work for a basic online presence, but it may limit quality, usability, and conversion performance. If your website needs to generate leads or build trust quickly, investing in professional design often reduces the risk of needing a redesign later.

What increases the cost of designing a small business website?

Costs increase when you add custom layouts, more pages, advanced UX planning, brand development, content support, eCommerce page design, booking or enquiry flows, and more rounds of revisions.

How can a small business reduce website design costs without losing quality?

You can reduce costs by keeping the page count tight, preparing your content early, using a clear brand guide, and prioritising key pages first (Home, Services, About, Contact). A staged approach often delivers better value than trying to build everything at once.

How Much Does It Cost to Design a Small Business Website?

Q: How much does it cost to design a small business website?

Small business website design commonly ranges from $500 to $10,000+ depending on whether you use a template, a professional custom design, or a high-end UX-focused design. Many established small businesses typically budget around $2,000 to $5,000 for professional website design.

Website wireframes and budgeting tools used for small business website design planning.

For many small business owners, website design costs feel confusing. At first, one quote says $500, while another says $5,000, yet both claim to be “professional.” Because of this, the real question isn’t just how much it costs, but instead what you are actually paying for.

In practice, the cost to design a small business website depends on scope, design quality, as well as whether the site is meant to simply exist or instead actively support growth.

So, let’s break it down realistically, step by step.

Average Cost to Design a Small Business Website

In most cases, small business website design costs fall into three broad ranges.

Basic Website Design: $500 – $1,500 AUD

This usually includes:

Template-based design
Limited customisation
3–5 basic pages
Minimal branding input

In some cases, this option can work for very early-stage businesses that only need a basic online presence. However, over time, it often lacks strategic design, conversion focus, and as a result, proper SEO structure.

Professional Website Design: $2,000 – $5,000 AUD

Overall, this is typically the most common range for established small businesses.

It typically includes:

Custom design aligned with branding
Mobile-first layout
User-focused page structure
Clear calls to action
Basic SEO-ready design

At this level, the website is designed to support enquiries, trust, and usability, not just look good.

High-End or Custom Website Design: $5,000 – $10,000+ AUD

This applies when the website requires:

Fully custom layouts
UX/UI planning
Complex page structures
Industry-specific design considerations
Integration with systems or tools

As a result, these websites are often built for businesses that rely heavily on digital leads or operate in competitive markets.

While design focuses on layout and visuals, our Website Development services ensure the site also performs well in speed, security, and long-term scalability.

What Affects Small Business Website Design Cost?

Design Customisation

In general, more pages mean more design time, and as a result, a focused 5-page site costs far less than a 20-page service-based site.

Number of Pages

In general, more pages mean more design time, and as a result, over time, a focused 5-page site therefore costs far less than a 20-page service-based site.

User Experience (UX)

Good design is not just visual. Navigation, readability, mobile behaviour, and layout flow all add value and cost.

Content Support

Some designers expect you to provide all text and images. Others include layout-based content support, which affects pricing.

Design Cost vs Build Cost (Important Difference)

Design cost is not the same as website build cost.

Design focuses on layout, visuals, user experience, and structure.
Development focuses on functionality, performance, security, and integrations.

Some quotes bundle both. Others separate them. Understanding this difference avoids surprises later.

Is Cheap Website Design Worth It?

Cheap design can work only if expectations are clear.

It may be worth it if:

You only need a simple presence
You don’t rely on online leads
You expect to redesign later

However, many small businesses end up paying twice once for a cheap design, then again for a redesign when the site doesn’t convert or scale.

How Much Should a Small Business Really Budget?

For most Australian small businesses, a realistic design budget sits between:

$2,000 – $5,000 AUD

This range usually delivers:

Professional appearance
Clear messaging layout
Mobile-friendly experience
A site that supports growth, not limits it

In most cases, spending more only makes sense In most cases, spending more only makes sense when the website plays a critical role in sales or lead generation. the website plays a critical role in sales or lead generation.

Final Thoughts: Small Business Website Design Cost

The cost to design a small business website depends on what the website is meant to achieve. A basic design may save money upfront, but a well-designed site often delivers better trust, usability, and long-term value.

The smartest approach is to match the design investment to your business goals not just the lowest quote.

Google’s Search Central documentation explains that mobile usability and page experience influence visibility, showing why good website design affects more than appearance.