How much does a small business website cost?

If you run a business in Tampa Bay and you've asked around, you've probably heard very different prices. One owner paid a lot up front. Another pays a small amount each month. A friend made one on a website builder. They can all be right, because they bought different things.

So how much does a small business website cost? This guide won't give you one magic number. It shows you the parts that make up the cost. Then you can compare quotes in a fair way.

The parts you pay for

1. Your domain name. This is your web address, like yourbusiness.com. You don't buy it forever. You register it for a set time, usually one to ten years, and you have to renew it before it runs out (ICANN). The company you register with has to send you reminders about one month and one week before it ends. Make sure those emails go to an inbox someone checks.

2. Hosting. This is the computer that keeps your site online all day, every day. It's an ongoing cost, paid monthly or yearly.

3. The lock icon (SSL). It's what makes your web address start with "https" and keeps the connection to your site secure. Many browsers show it as a little lock next to the address. You can get one for free from groups like Let's Encrypt. Many hosts include one. Someone still has to set it up and keep it working.

4. Design and building. This is the time it takes to plan your pages, write the words, pick the photos and make it all work well on phones.

5. Upkeep. Websites need care after launch: updates, fixes, new hours or photos, and checking that your contact form still works.

6. Your time. A do-it-yourself builder can cost less money, but it costs more of your time.

Three common ways to pay

Pay up front. You pay a bigger amount to build the site. Then you pay for hosting and your domain on your own, and changes may cost extra.

• Good if: you have the cash and want to handle the rest yourself.
• Watch for: who will fix things later, and what that costs.

Pay monthly. You pay little or nothing to start. A monthly fee covers the site and its upkeep.

• Good if: you'd rather not pay a big bill at once and want someone to take care of the site.
• Watch for: what's included, and how the plan works over time.

Do it yourself. You pay a website builder each month and do the work.

• Good if: you like doing it and have the time.
• Watch for: how many hours it really takes, and how it looks on phones.

Questions to ask before you choose

• What exactly is included in the price?
• What will cost extra later?
• How do I ask for changes, and how many can I make?
• Who renews my domain name, and when?
• Will the site work well on phones?
• What happens if I want to stop or switch?

Red flags

• A promise of the #1 spot on Google. Google itself says, "No one can guarantee a #1 ranking on Google" (Google Search Central).
• "Free" with no details. Ask what you'll pay later, before you agree to anything.
• No clear answer about who to call when something breaks.

How we do it at TampaWebCrew

We build a free mockup of your new site first. If you like it, there's no upfront cost, just one monthly plan. We'll go over your price on a quick video call or phone call, so you know it before you decide. If it's a no, you owe nothing.

Want to see what your site could look like? Get your free mockup. Want to know how the monthly plan works? Read about our website care plans.

Sources: ICANN, domain renewal FAQs · Let's Encrypt, About · Google Search Central, Do you need an SEO?