In today’s digital-first world, your website is your storefront, sales rep, and brand ambassador — all rolled into one. But if you’re a small business owner asking, “How much does it cost to build a website for a small business?”, the short answer is: it depends.
From budget-friendly DIY builders to high-end custom development, the cost to build a website for a small business can vary widely. In this guide, we’ll break down the pricing models, what you get at each price point, and how to choose what’s best for your needs.
💸 Why Website Cost Varies So Much
Before diving into numbers, it’s important to understand the factors that affect the cost to build a website for a small business:
Type of website (informational, blog, eCommerce, etc.)
Design complexity and customization
Features (booking, forms, chatbots, payments)
Who builds it (DIY, freelancer, agency)
Hosting, domain, and maintenance
A basic one-page website may cost under ₹10,000 ($100), while a feature-rich custom eCommerce site can cost over ₹2,00,000 ($2500+).
💻 1. DIY Website Builders (₹5,000 – ₹15,000 / $50–$200)
Platforms like Wix, Squarespace, and WordPress.com offer drag-and-drop builders for non-tech users.
What you get:
Pre-designed templates
Hosting included
Easy to launch quickly
Limited customization
Best for: Very small businesses or solopreneurs needing a basic online presence.
Hidden cost: Time. You’ll be designing, writing, optimizing, and troubleshooting everything yourself.
🧑💻 2. Freelancer or Small Agency (₹20,000 – ₹75,000 / $250–$900)
Hiring a freelancer or boutique web agency can give you better quality and support while remaining affordable.
What you get:
Custom design aligned with your brand
SEO optimization
Contact forms, image sliders, blog setup
Training or handover documentation
Best for: Small businesses wanting a unique, mobile-optimized, SEO-ready website without breaking the bank.
🏢 3. Professional Web Development Agency (₹80,000 – ₹3,00,000+ / $1000–$4000+)
If you need a high-end solution with strategy, scalability, and advanced features, go with an established agency.
What you get:
Full consultation & competitor analysis
Advanced functionality (CRM integration, eCommerce, memberships)
Performance & security optimization
Ongoing support and maintenance plans
Best for: Growing or funded small businesses looking for serious digital presence.
🛍️ 4. eCommerce Websites (₹40,000 – ₹2,50,000+ / $500–$3000+)
Online stores require more functionality: product pages, shopping carts, payment gateways, and customer accounts.
Platform examples: Shopify, WooCommerce, Magento
Cost depends on:
Number of products
Payment/shipping integration
Custom vs theme-based design
Marketing integrations
Tip: Don’t forget to budget for product photography and copywriting!
📅 5. Ongoing Costs to Maintain Your Website
Your job isn’t done after launch. Include these in your yearly web budget:
| Service | Estimated Cost (per year) |
|---|---|
| Domain name | ₹800–₹1,200 ($10–$15) |
| Hosting | ₹3,000–₹15,000 ($40–$180) |
| SSL certificate | Often free with good hosts |
| Maintenance/support | ₹5,000–₹30,000 ($60–$400) |
| Premium plugins | ₹2,000–₹10,000 ($25–$130) |
🧾 Website Cost Breakdown by Type (2025)
| Website Type | Average Cost (INR) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| One-page/Portfolio Site | ₹7,000–₹15,000 | Basic branding only |
| Business Website (5–10 pages) | ₹25,000–₹60,000 | Custom design, contact forms |
| eCommerce Store | ₹40,000–₹2,50,000+ | Depends on products & complexity |
| Blog + SEO Optimization | ₹20,000–₹80,000 | Content strategy adds cost |
| Booking/Service Website | ₹30,000–₹1,20,000 | Calendar, payments, automation |
🔍 How to Choose the Right Option
Ask yourself:
What’s your primary goal (branding, sales, leads)?
How fast do you need it?
What’s your realistic budget?
Can you manage content/updates yourself?
If your small business is just starting out, go lean — but make sure your website is scalable as you grow.
💡 Pro Tip: Invest in SEO from Day One
No matter your website budget, invest a bit in SEO setup. Optimized titles, meta descriptions, mobile-friendly design, and fast loading speed can help you rank better on Google — and get customers without paid ads.
✅ Final Thoughts: Is It Worth the Investment?
A professional, user-friendly website builds trust, converts leads, and keeps your brand open 24/7. The cost to build a website for a small business may seem like an expense — but it’s an investment with long-term returns.
Whether you start small with a DIY builder or go for a premium agency package, having an online presence is non-negotiable in 2025.
