Building a website is one of the smartest investments a small business can make. It helps you reach new customers, build trust, and grow your brand online. But before getting started, many business owners often wonder — how much does it cost to build a website for a small business?
The cost can vary based on your needs. If you’re looking for a simple website with a few pages, it can be done on a small budget. But if you want a custom design with added features like online payments or booking tools, the price can go higher.
Whether you choose to build the website yourself or hire a professional, understanding the cost breakdown is important. This article will guide you through the different pricing options, what affects the cost, and how to make smart choices when you plan to build a website for a small business.
Why Your Small Business Needs a Website
Before jumping into the costs, let’s understand why it’s important to build a website for a small business:
- It gives your business credibility.
- You can be found online 24/7.
- Helps you attract local customers through Google.
- Makes marketing and branding easier.
- Offers a professional way to showcase products and services.
Average Cost to Build a Website for a Small Business in 2025
There isn’t a single fixed price. The cost depends on what features you want, the type of design, and whether you’re building it yourself or hiring someone. Here’s a quick average range:
| Service Type | Estimated Cost (INR) |
| Domain Name | ₹800 – ₹1,200/year |
| Web Hosting | ₹3,000 – ₹7,000/year |
| Website Builder (DIY) | ₹5,000 – ₹15,000/year |
| Custom Design (Freelancer/Agency) | ₹15,000 – ₹80,000+ |
| Content Writing | ₹3,000 – ₹10,000 |
| Maintenance (yearly) | ₹5,000 – ₹20,000 |
Total Estimated Cost to Build a Website for a Small Business:
- DIY with builder: ₹10,000 to ₹25,000
- Custom-built by expert: ₹25,000 to ₹1,00,000+
Main Cost Factors for a Small Business Website
Let’s break down each element in detail.
1. Domain Name
Your domain is your online identity — like www.yourbusiness.com.
Cost: ₹800 – ₹1,200/year
Tip: Always go for a .com or country-specific extension like .in.
2. Web Hosting
This is where your website lives online.
- Shared Hosting (basic): ₹3,000/year
- Managed Hosting (faster & secure): ₹5,000 – ₹10,000/year
For a small business, shared hosting is usually enough at the start.
3. Website Builder or CMS
You can build the site yourself using platforms like:
- Wix, Shopify, or Squarespace (easy drag-and-drop)
- WordPress (more control, needs some tech skills)
DIY builder cost: ₹5,000 – ₹15,000/year
WordPress (free), but theme & plugins may cost extra
4. Design & Development
Here’s where prices vary the most:
- Freelancers charge ₹5,000 – ₹40,000
- Agencies charge ₹20,000 – ₹1,00,000+ for custom design
Templates can be used to reduce cost
Want to build a website for a small business on a budget? Use a WordPress theme and hire a freelancer for basic customization.
5. Content Writing
- Good content helps rank on Google and keeps users engaged.
- Homepage, About Us, Services, Contact pages, and 2-3 blogs
- Freelancers charge ₹3,000 to ₹10,000 for basic content
Tip: Try writing your content yourself if your budget is tight.
6. SEO & Mobile Responsiveness
- Today, your website must look good on phones and be SEO-friendly.
- Many themes are responsive by default.
- Basic SEO setup can cost ₹2,000 – ₹5,000
Make sure your site has fast loading speed, mobile view, and keywords like “build a website for a small business” placed naturally.
7. Maintenance & Updates
- Every website needs regular updates:
- Updating plugins or content
- Fixing bugs or broken links
Cost: ₹5,000 – ₹20,000/year
Or do it yourself if you’re using a builder with auto-updates.
Ways to Build a Website for a Small Business
Option 1: Do It Yourself (DIY)
- Perfect for those who are on a tight budget.
- Use platforms like Wix or WordPress.
Cost: ₹10,000 – ₹20,000 (including hosting & domain)
You’ll need to spend time learning.
Option 2: Hire a Freelancer
Best if you want a mix of budget and quality.
Cost: ₹5,000 – ₹25,000
You get a custom design and some help with SEO
Option 3: Hire a Web Development Agency
Best for businesses looking to grow fast.
Cost: ₹30,000 – ₹1,00,000+
You get design, development, SEO, and support in one place.
If you’re serious about online growth, it’s wise to build a website for a small business with professional help.
How to Keep Website Costs Low
Here are 5 smart tips:
- Use a free theme/template – Many are clean and modern.
- Start small – A 4-5 page website is enough to begin.
- Avoid unnecessary features – No need for complex animations.
- Use free tools – Canva for graphics and Grammarly for content.
- Bundle services – Some freelancers offer design + SEO + content packages.
What’s Included in a Small Business Website?
A basic site usually has:
- Home Page
- About Us
- Services or Products
- Contact Page
- Blog (optional)
- Testimonials / Reviews
- Call-to-Action buttons (like “Book Now” or “Call Us”)
These pages help create trust and convert visitors into customers.
FAQ’s
Q1. Can I make a small business website for free?
Yes, you can use free builders like WordPress.com or Wix. But free sites show ads and have limited features. A paid plan looks more professional.
Q2. What is the cheapest way to build a website for a small business?
The cheapest way is using WordPress with a free theme and buying only hosting and domain. This can cost ₹5,000 – ₹8,000 a year.
Q3. Do I need to hire someone to build my website?
Not always. If you’re comfortable using drag-and-drop builders, you can do it yourself. But hiring an expert saves time and avoids mistakes.
Q4. How long does it take to build a website for a small business
DIY: 5 to 10 days
Freelancer: 1 to 2 weeks
Agency: 2 to 4 weeks (depending on the project)
