- DIY builders run about $15 to $50 a month plus your time; freelancers commonly charge $1,000 to $5,000; agencies often start at $5,000.
- Page count, custom design, content and technical setup move the price most.
- Budget for a domain, hosting or a care plan, business email, photos and updates.
- Ten to fifteen pages covers most local service businesses.
The short answer
A DIY builder costs roughly $15 to $50 per month plus your time. A freelancer commonly charges from about $1,000 to $5,000. A traditional agency often charges $5,000 and up. AI-assisted agencies such as Guerrilla Local start at $500 for a 10 page site because AI removes much of the repetitive drafting work.
These ranges are market patterns rather than quotes, so always ask what is included before you compare prices.
What drives the cost
Four things move the price most: the number of pages, the amount of custom design, who writes the content, and what technical work is included.
- Page count: every service, location or practice area is another page to design and write.
- Custom design: templates are cheaper, custom layouts and illustration cost more.
- Content: writing and photography are often the largest hidden cost.
- Technical setup: SEO, schema, analytics, forms and speed work are sometimes extra.
Costs people forget
Plan for a domain name, hosting or a care plan, a business email, stock or original photos, and ongoing updates. A site that is cheap to build but expensive to change can cost more over three years than a flat-priced one with support included.
What a local business actually needs
Most plumbers, roofers, dentists and lawyers need a home page, one page per main service, an about page, a contact page and a few location pages. Ten to fifteen pages covers the majority of local service businesses.
How to compare quotes
Ask each provider for the same list: pages, revisions, who owns the site, what SEO is included, how long it takes and what monthly costs follow. Our own packages are on the pricing section of the home page so you can compare them against any quote.
Frequently asked questions
Is $500 enough for a real business website?
It can be, if the scope is clear. A 10 page template-based site with AI-written copy, forms, mobile layout and basic SEO is a realistic scope at that price. Custom features, large catalogs and bespoke design cost more.
Are there ongoing costs after the website is built?
Usually yes: a domain, hosting or care plan, and optional SEO. Ask for these costs in writing before you buy.
