If you've asked a web agency for a quote lately, you've probably gotten a wildly different number each time. That's not a dodge — websites genuinely vary in scope and cost. But there's a range most Utah small businesses fall into, and understanding what drives price makes it easier to budget realistically and avoid overpaying.
The Short Answer: Ranges by Project Type
| Website Type | Typical Range |
|---|
| DIY template (Wix, Squarespace) | $0–$50/month |
| Freelancer with a WordPress theme | $1,500–$4,000 |
| Agency WordPress site | $4,000–$12,000 |
| Custom-coded site (Next.js) | $5,000–$20,000+ |
| Full brand + web engagement | $15,000–$40,000+ |
These are Utah-market ranges. Agencies in Salt Lake City or Provo may quote toward the higher end; solo freelancers often quote lower.
What Actually Drives the Cost
1. Custom vs. Template
A template site (WordPress with a premium theme, Squarespace, Webflow) has a low floor because the heavy lifting — layout, animations, responsive behavior — is already done. You're paying for customization and content.
A custom-coded site (built in Next.js, designed from scratch) costs more upfront because every component is built to spec. But it's faster, easier to maintain, and doesn't carry the hidden costs of plugin bloat, security updates, and performance workarounds that WordPress sites accumulate.
2. Number of Pages and Sections
Most small business sites need: Homepage, About, Services, Contact, and a Blog or Portfolio. That's roughly 5–8 pages. Each additional service page, location page, or content type adds design and development time.
3. Content and Copywriting
Design agencies rarely include copywriting in base quotes. Professional website copy runs $75–$200 per page depending on research needed. If you can provide polished copy, you lower your overall cost.
4. E-commerce
Adding a shop changes the scope significantly. Payment integration, product pages, cart logic, and order management can double the cost of a simple marketing site. Expect $8,000–$25,000+ for a well-built custom e-commerce experience.
5. Integrations
CRM connections, booking systems, email marketing tools, and API integrations each add time. Be upfront about every third-party tool you need connected.
6. Hosting and Maintenance
A website isn't a one-time expense. Factor in:
- Hosting: $20–$100/month for managed hosting (Vercel, Netlify, WP Engine)
- Domain: ~$15/year
- Maintenance retainer: $100–$500/month depending on update frequency
What Utah Businesses Typically Buy
Most local service businesses — contractors, healthcare practices, law firms, restaurants — fall in the $4,000–$12,000 range for a solid marketing site. That buys:
- A professionally designed 5–8 page site
- Mobile-first responsive layout
- Basic SEO setup (meta tags, sitemap, structured data)
- Contact forms and integrations
- 30–60 days of post-launch support
If you're a startup or early-stage company needing brand + web together, budget $12,000–$30,000 for a team that covers both.
The Hidden Costs Nobody Mentions
Revisions over scope. Most agencies quote 2–3 rounds of revisions. If you change direction mid-project, expect a change order.
Content delays. Projects stall most often when clients haven't finalized copy or photography. Delays cost you in extended timelines and, sometimes, holdover fees.
SEO isn't automatic. A beautiful site that Google can't find is a sunk cost. Ask any agency you're talking to specifically what SEO work is included — technical setup, keyword targeting, and structured data are not the same thing.
How to Get an Accurate Quote
Come to your first conversation with:
- A clear goal ("I want to generate leads for my roofing company in Provo")
- A list of pages and features you need
- Examples of sites you like
- A timeline and budget range
The more specific you are, the more accurate the quote. Vague briefs produce vague (and inflated) proposals.
What AO WebDev Charges
Our prices are published. A website is $2,400 for up to 5 pages or $4,000 for up to 12, launched in 21 days or it's free. After that, one monthly plan: $97 (Care) or $197 (Growth). Prefer to spread it out? One payment for 12 months covers the site and the plan together. Larger custom projects start at $7,500. You can see the full pricing breakdown anytime.
If you want a specific number for your project, reach out. You'll get a straight answer after a 20-minute call.
