Creating a strong digital presence is more essential than ever—and your website plays a major role in that. But if you’re asking yourself, “How much does a website cost in Australia?” you’re not alone. From domain name and design to functionality and maintenance, the price of a website can vary significantly depending on your needs.
In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about website pricing so you can make an informed investment in your business’s online success.
Key Takeaways
- Your website is a long-term business investment, not just a marketing expense.
- Costs vary based on functionality, customisation, content, and maintenance.
- Partnering with a trusted web design agency ensures a site that performs well, looks professional, and grows with your business.
Table of Contents
- Key Takeaways
- Understanding the Purpose of Your Website
- Domain Name and SSL Certificate Costs
- Template vs. Custom Design
- Website Hosting Costs
- Copywriting and SEO Services
- Ongoing Maintenance & Security
- Website Design and Multimedia
- Estimated Website Costs in Australia
- Why Cheap Websites Can Cost More Long-Term
- Frequently Asked Questions
Understanding the Purpose of Your Website
Before you can determine your budget, it’s crucial to understand what kind of website your business needs.
1. Basic Brochure Website
Perfect for small businesses that only need a few pages to showcase services or contact details. This acts as a digital business card and is typically low-cost and simple.
2. Conversion-Focused Website
For businesses wanting to generate leads or bookings, a more refined design with calls-to-action, testimonials, and service pages is ideal. These are tailored to drive inquiries.
3. eCommerce Website
If you plan to sell products or services online, you’ll need an eCommerce website. Features include product listings, shopping carts, payment gateways, and shipping configurations.
4. Custom Website with Advanced Features
Larger businesses often require unique functionality—like CRM integration, booking engines, or membership portals. These sites are more expensive but are built to match specific business workflows.
Domain Name and SSL Certificate Costs
Every website needs a domain name (e.g., yourbusiness.com.au), typically costing between $20–$50 per year. You’ll also need an SSL certificate, which secures your site and builds trust with visitors. Many hosting plans include this, but premium certificates may cost extra.
Tip: Always renew your domain and SSL certificate to prevent downtime or trust issues.
Template vs. Custom Design
Template-Based Websites
Using platforms like WordPress or Wix, template websites can be quick and cost-effective. Setup costs may range from $500–$2,000, depending on the builder and features.
Custom-Built Websites
For a unique design and scalable functionality, custom websites are the way to go. These usually cost between $5,500–$10,000+. The higher cost includes branding, layout design, and functionality tailored to your business.
Website Hosting Costs
Website hosting keeps your site live on the internet. Hosting fees vary depending on the website’s complexity:
- Basic hosting: Around $55/month
- Advanced hosting (eCommerce, high-traffic sites): $100–$300/month
Look for hosting that includes backups, security, performance monitoring, and customer support.
Copywriting and SEO Services
Professional content and SEO are vital if you want to be found on Google.
- Copywriting: Expect to pay between $100–$300 per page
- SEO Services: Ongoing SEO typically starts at $500/month, depending on competition and goals
These services help your site rank better and convert visitors into customers.
Ongoing Maintenance & Security
Websites aren’t “set and forget.” Regular updates, backups, and plugin maintenance are necessary to keep your site secure and functional.
Maintenance Costs
- DIY Maintenance: Free to minimal cost, if you’re tech-savvy
- Professional Maintenance Plans: Around $100–$250/month
Maintenance ensures your site stays up-to-date with security patches, plugin updates, and platform upgrades.
Website Design and Multimedia
Custom Graphics & Multimedia
Photos, videos, iconography, and animations enhance user experience. These may be included in your web design package or billed separately:
- Stock imagery: Often included
- Custom photos/videos: $500–$2,500+
- Graphic design (icons, infographics): $50–$500+ per asset
Visual Design
Even with templates, visual branding—colour scheme, typography, layout—adds value. A professional designer ensures consistency with your brand identity.
Estimated Website Costs in Australia
Here’s a breakdown of average website prices in Australia:
| Website Type | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Basic Brochure Website | $1,000 – $2,500 |
| Custom WordPress Website | $5,500 – $10,000+ |
| eCommerce Website (WooCommerce) | $8,500 – $25,000+ |
| Website Maintenance (monthly) | $100 – $250+ |
| SEO & Copywriting (ongoing) | $500 – $2,000+ |
Why Cheap Websites Can Cost More Long-Term
Budget websites under $2,000 may seem attractive, but they usually lack:
- SEO optimisation
- Professional copywriting
- Strong branding or visual appeal
- User experience design
- Security measures
- Conversion elements
What you save upfront may cost you later—in leads, sales, and redesign fees.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to build a website for a small business?
A basic brochure-style website typically costs $1,000 to $2,500, while a more advanced, conversion-driven site can cost $5,500 or more.
Is a custom website better than using a template?
Custom websites are more flexible, scalable, and tailored to your brand. While templates are budget-friendly, they often lack uniqueness and advanced functionality.
Do I need to pay for my website every year?
Yes. You’ll need to renew your domain, hosting, and possibly an SSL certificate. Maintenance and SEO services are also usually ongoing costs.
Can I build my website myself?
You can! DIY platforms like Wix or Squarespace offer simple tools. However, these often lack customisation and SEO capabilities compared to a professionally built site.
How much does SEO cost for a new website?
SEO costs vary but typically start at $500/month. For competitive industries, this may increase depending on your goals and the scope of the work.
Summary
Businesses that invest in their online presence stand to gain significant success from their website. A website for your business should be viewed as an investment, not simply just as a ‘cost’. And, as is the case with most things in life, you get what you pay for. Sure, you can obtain a website very cheaply if you outsource overseas, or sign up to a free web builder, but anticipate poor communication, zero-project management, and overall sub-par project quality.
By engaging a high-quality website design by a respected, professional web design company, your business will flourish online in ways you never anticipated.
When you’re convinced to make the jump from a brick-and-mortar setup to a digital one, engaging the services of an established web design agency like Digital Rescue would be a wise move. Our industry experts and vast experience in building websites will surely come in handy as you navigate through the web development process.
