How Much Should a Website Cost? The Real Cost of Web Dev & Design.
Should your Designer also be your Dev? {Read below} // Gyde Newsletter
Every brand, from gritty startups to polished corporations, craves a killer website—but how much should you shell out?
Whether you’re a tech titan, a cozy café, or a retail rebel, hiring a web designer is a game-changer. But the price tag? That’s where things get wild. Costs swing based on the designer’s vibe—solo freelancer or high-flying agency—and the industry you’re rocking. Let’s dive into the sizzling world of web design pricing in the U.S., from hourly rates to full-on project fees, platform quirks, and what makes the dollars stack up. Buckle up—this guide, hot as of February 21, 2025, will help you budget like a boss and snag the perfect designer for your industry’s edge.
Web Design Pricing Exposed: From Gyde Insiders
Web design costs vary significantly depending on the industry you operate in and the type of designer you hire. For example, an e-commerce business requires more complex functionality than a simple site for a yoga studio, leading to differences in hours and pricing.
Web designer rates vary widely based on their experience level and location. Here’s a breakdown of typical hourly rates:
For example, a beginner designer might charge $25/hour to build a basic site, while a true professional like Todd Lininger (24 years of experience, Seattle) could require up to or over $100/hour for a sophisticated design.
The platform you choose for your website shapes its functionality, flexibility, and overall vibe. Each option offers unique strengths, depending on your business needs and goals. Here’s a breakdown of popular platforms and what they bring to the table, plus a look at whether your designer should double as your developer.
The total cost of a web design project depends on its size and complexity. Below are general estimates based on common project types:
Basic Website (Small Business or Personal Site)
Cost: $1,500 - $5,000+
Details: A straightforward 5-10 page site with a simple design and standard features. Perfect for a small business, looking to establish an online presence.
Custom Business Website
Cost: $5,000 - $15,000+
Details: Includes a custom design, responsive layout, CMS integration (e.g., WordPress), and basic SEO. Great for a growing business needing a professional edge.
E-Commerce Website
Cost: $10,000 - $50,000+
Details: Features an online store, product pages, payment gateways, and enhanced security. Ideal for a retailer launching an online shop.
Enterprise-Level Website
Cost: $25,000 - $100,000+
Details: Large-scale custom development with advanced functionality and integrations. Think of a corporation with a regional office.
Why hire an expert? What a good website delivers:
A well-designed website is more—it’s a powerful tool that drives results.
Professional First Impression: It’s often the first touchpoint for customers, conveying professionalism and credibility within seconds.
Custom Solutions: Experts tailor your site to your industry’s demands—think complex inventory systems for retail or portfolio showcases for creatives—rather than forcing you into generic templates.
Technical Precision: Professionals ensure your site is coded cleanly, loads quickly, and works seamlessly across devices, avoiding glitches that frustrate users.
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SEO Advantage: They build with search engine optimization in mind, giving you a head start on ranking higher than competitors.
Scalability: An expert designs with growth in mind, so your site can evolve as your business expands without needing a full redo.
Avoid Costly Fixes: Amateurs might save you money upfront, but errors or outdated designs can lead to lost customers and higher repair costs later. Paying an expert isn’t just about a pretty site—it’s about getting a reliable, high-performing asset that delivers long-term results.
Web Design Platform Options
WordPress: The king of customization, WordPress powers everything from blogs to full-blown e-commerce sites. With a vast library of plugins and themes, it’s ideal if you need flexibility—like adding booking systems for a service business or a shop for online sales. It’s hands-on, so you’ll need some tech comfort or a pro to manage it.
Wix: Simplicity is Wix’s superpower. Its drag-and-drop builder lets you craft a site fast, making it perfect for small businesses or solo entrepreneurs who want a polished look without the fuss. It’s less customizable than WordPress but shines for straightforward projects like landing pages or portfolios.
Webflow: Built for design enthusiasts, Webflow offers pixel-perfect control without requiring you to code. It’s a favorite among creatives—like photographers or agencies—who want a standout site with smooth animations and bespoke layouts. It’s less plug-and-play, so it suits those who value design over simplicity.
Squarespace: Known for its sleek, ready-to-go templates, Squarespace is a go-to for small businesses, artists, or anyone needing a professional site ASAP. It’s user-friendly and handles basics like contact forms or galleries well, though it’s not as expandable as others for complex needs.
-> Custom Code: Take your site in a custom direction
Each platform caters to different priorities: WordPress for versatility, Wix for ease, Webflow for design precision, and Squarespace for style with minimal effort. Your choice depends on your industry, audience, and long-term plans—think scalability for a growing retailer or simplicity for a local service provider.
Should Your Designer Also Be Your Developer?
When hiring a pro, a big question pops up: Should the person designing your site also build it? A web designer focuses on the look and feel—layout, colors, typography, and user experience. They craft the visual blueprint but might not touch the code or technical setup. You’d need a separate developer to bring it to life, especially for platforms like WordPress or Webflow that lean on custom coding.
Designer-Developer Combo: Some pros wear both hats. They’ll design your site and code it too, streamlining the process. This works well for simpler platforms like Wix or Squarespace, where the tools are built-in, or for custom projects where one vision carries through from sketch to launch.
What’s Best for You? If your site’s straightforward (say, a portfolio or small biz page), a dual-role expert could nail it.
For bigger builds with heavy functionality, splitting design and development ensures each piece gets top-tier attention. Match your platform and project scope to your team—solo or duo—and you’ll set your site up for success.
Ready to get started? Gyde will connect you with the perfect designer—whether you’re building from scratch or revamping an existing site. Take the next step toward bringing your vision to life!
Meet the Professionals: Gyde Web Design Experts
Gyde is here to connect you with professional web designers and developers. Here are a few examples:
Grace Kim (New Jersey) – 16 years as a designer and Webflow expert.
Nine Yards Studio (New York) – 10 years as a visual designer and Webflow specialist.
Ayrton.Tech (Cincinnati) – 5 years as a web designer and digital marketing specialist.
Kristina Horan (New York) – 8 years of experience as a web designer & developer specializing in Wix.
Check them out here: Gyde Web Design & Development Professionals
These professionals showcase how experience and specialization influence pricing.