If you’re a small business owner in Australia planning to get online in 2025, you’re likely asking one big question: how much does a website cost? The answer depends on the type of site you want, how you build it, and the features your business needs.
In this guide, we’ll discuss the most common options, explore what contributes to website costs, and help you determine the best solution based on your goals and budget.
The Basics: Domain Name and Website Hosting
Every website needs a domain name (your online address) and web hosting (the server space where your site lives). These are ongoing costs, no matter how you build your website.
- Domain name: You can register a .com.au domain name for $9.95*
- Web hosting: Starting from $11/month. The price will increase depending on performance, features, and support.
VentraIP offers reliable, fast Australian web hosting and domain registration with local support, perfect for small businesses starting out.
Questions to Ask Before You Get Started
Before you build your website, it’s worth asking a few key questions to clarify your needs and avoid overcommitting:
- What’s the main purpose of my website? (e.g. sales, leads, education)
- What features are essential for my business? (e.g. blog, booking, e-commerce)
- Who will manage updates and content after the site goes live?
- How often will I need to update content or design?
- What’s my technical skill level? Am I willing to learn, or do I want help?
- Will I need multilingual support, advanced SEO tools, or integrations?
Thinking through these questions early will help guide your budget, timeline, and the type of platform or provider that’s right for you.
Building a Website: What Are Your Options and how much does it cost?
Option One: Use a Website Builder
Website builders like our free website builder let you create websites without needing to hire a designer or know how to code. You use a drag-and-drop editor to customise templates, upload images, and add content.
Typical cost: $0 – $50/month
Pros:
- Affordable and beginner-friendly
- Hosting, security, and updates included
- Quick to launch
Cons:
- Less flexible than custom sites
- Monthly subscription model
- Limited if you outgrow the features
VentraIP’s free website builder allows small businesses to get started at no cost, you only need to register a domain name to go live.
Option Two: Build a website with WordPress
WordPress is a CMS (Content Management System) used by millions of websites globally. It’s flexible and ideal for business owners who want control over their website design, SEO, and marketing tools.
Typical cost:
- Web Hosting with VentraIP starts at $11/month.
- You can install WordPress itself is free
- You may need to pay additional fees for page builder plugins like Elementor.
Pros:
- Scalable for any type of website
- Great for SEO and content-driven strategies
- Thousands of themes and plugins available
Cons:
- More setup and learning required
- You manage updates and security
This is a good option if you’re willing to learn how to build a WordPress website or hire freelancers via marketplaces like Upwork.
For help securing your WordPress site, read our guide on WordPress security best practices.
Option Three: Hire a Web Design Agency to build a website for you
For those looking for a custom website design and hands-off setup, working with a design agency or freelance web designer may be the way to go.
Typical cost: $2,500 – $10,000+ depending on project complexity
What affects the average website cost here:
- Number of pages and content required
- E-commerce features (if you’re selling products)
- Branding and design complexity
- Custom development or integrations (e.g. booking tools or databases)
Pros:
- Unique, professional result
- Developer handles everything
- Tailored to your business goals
Cons:
- Higher upfront investment
- May still require monthly maintenance
If your site is critical to your sales, it may be worth investing more upfront for higher quality and long-term value.
Other Factors That Impact the Cost of Your Website
- SSL certificate: Often included in hosting, but make sure your site is secure with https
- Responsive design: A must for mobile users in 2025
- E-commerce: Selling online adds complexity and cost
- SEO and marketing: Essential if you want to attract visitors
- Maintenance: Sites need ongoing updates, backups, and security checks
Hidden Website Costs to Watch Out For
While the headline costs are often easy to find, many businesses overlook smaller expenses that can add up fast. Being aware of these hidden charges can help you plan better and avoid surprises:
- Premium themes or plugins for WordPress
- Email hosting, especially if not included in your web hosting plan
- Ongoing content updates and graphic design assets
- Payment gateway fees for e-commerce stores
- Design or development revisions, particularly with freelance projects
These additional costs might not seem like much individually, but over time they can significantly affect your budget.
What’s the Best Option for Your Business Website?
Ask yourself:
- What is my budget?
- Do I need to sell online or just provide information?
- Do I want to manage the site myself, or let someone else handle it?
| Approach | Upfront Cost | Ongoing Cost | Best For |
| DIY Builder | $0 – $100 | $0 – $50/month | Beginners & low-budget businesses |
| WordPress | $200 – $800 | $100 – $300/year | Growth-minded businesses with some tech skills |
| Web Designer | $2,500 – $10,000+ | Varies | Established businesses seeking custom design |
Final Thoughts for Businesses Building a Website in 2025
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to how much a website costs. Your total website cost depends on your goals, technical ability, and how much time or money you’re willing to invest.
VentraIP offers flexible web hosting, domain name registration, and a free website builder, making it easier than ever for small businesses to get started online.
Get started today with VentraIP — the trusted Australian provider for hosting, domains, and website building solutions tailored to your business needs.
