How Much Does a Website Cost for a Local Business?
Website prices are all over the place, from free DIY builders to agencies charging tens of thousands. Here's what actually matters for a local service business and what you should expect to pay for.
By Eva Lockwood, Lockwood Marketing
Your main options
- DIY website builders. Low monthly cost, but you do the work, and many DIY sites end up slow, generic, and hard to find on Google.
- Freelancers. Prices vary widely. Quality depends entirely on the person, and ongoing updates can be hard to get.
- Agencies and done-for-you services. Usually a setup fee plus a monthly fee that covers hosting, updates, and support. You get a professional site without managing it yourself.
What a local business website actually needs
- Loads fast and looks great on phones, since most local searches happen on mobile
- Your phone number visible and tap-to-call on every page
- A clear page for each main service you offer
- Photos of your real work and reviews from real customers
- A simple form to request a quote or call
- Basic SEO setup so Google understands what you do and where
What's usually not worth paying for
Fancy animations, dozens of pages nobody reads, and expensive custom features rarely bring more calls. For most local businesses, a clean, fast site with clear services, real photos, and an easy way to contact you outperforms a flashy one.
Ownership matters
Whatever you choose, make sure you own your domain name and can get your content if you leave. Some providers make it hard to take your site with you, which can leave you starting over.
Website + SEO from Lockwood Marketing
Our Website + SEO plan starts at $500/month plus a one-time setup fee. It includes a custom site that's live in about 7 days, hosting, security, ongoing updates, and Google Business Profile optimization. You own your domain and content.