Cheap Websites for Small Business: Worth It or Waste of Money?

Searching for cheap websites for small business? You're not alone. Every entrepreneur wants to save money, especially when starting out. But when it comes to websites, "cheap" can mean very different things—and some options end up costing more in the long run.

What "Cheap" Actually Means

Let's define the budget ranges we're talking about:

• Ultra-budget: $0-500 (DIY builders, templates)
• Budget-friendly: $500-2,000 (freelancer or basic custom site)
• Value investment: $2,000-5,000 (professional custom development)

For a complete breakdown, check out our website development cost guide.

Ultra-Budget Options: $0-500

DIY Website Builders (Wix, Squarespace, Weebly)

Cost: $15-40/month ($180-480/year)

Pros:

• Very easy to use
• Get online quickly
• Decent templates
• Hosting included

Cons:

• Limited customization
• Generic look (your competitors likely use same templates)
• Platform lock-in (can't easily move)
• Ongoing monthly fees add up
• Limited SEO capabilities
• Slower performance

Best for: Testing a business idea, temporary sites, or very simple needs

Compare these with AI website makers and custom development.

WordPress.com Free/Basic

Cost: $0-96/year

Pros:

• Free option available
• Easy to use
• Good for blogging

Cons:

• WordPress.com branding on free plan
• Very limited customization
• Can't add custom plugins
• Not suitable for ecommerce

Best for: Blogs, personal sites, or absolute minimum online presence

Budget-Friendly Options: $500-2,000

Fiverr/Upwork Freelancers

Cost: $300-1,500

Pros:

• Low cost
• More customization than DIY
• Can get a unique design

Cons:

• Quality varies wildly
• Communication challenges
• Often no ongoing support
• May use cheap templates
• Risk of project abandonment

Best for: Very tight budgets, if you can vet developers carefully

Local Freelance Developer

Cost: $1,000-2,500

Pros:

• More reliable than overseas freelancers
• Better communication
• Custom design possible
• Ongoing support available

Cons:

• Limited features at this price point
• May be junior developer
• Less accountability than agency

Best for: Small businesses with straightforward needs

Value Investment: $2,000-5,000

Professional Custom Development

Cost: $2,000-5,000

Pros:

• Fully custom design
• Professional quality
• Optimized for performance and SEO
• Scalable as you grow
• Ongoing support and maintenance
• You own all code and content

Cons:

• Higher upfront investment
• Longer development timeline

Best for: Serious businesses that want to compete effectively online

The True Cost of "Cheap"

Here's what cheap websites often cost you:

1. Lost Credibility

Customers can spot a cheap website. 75% of users judge a company's credibility based on website design. A cheap-looking site can cost you sales.

2. Poor SEO Performance

Budget sites often have poor SEO, meaning you don't show up in Google searches. This costs you ongoing customer acquisition.

3. Slow Load Times

53% of mobile users abandon sites that take over 3 seconds to load. Cheap sites are often slow, costing you conversions.

4. Rebuilding Costs

Many businesses start with a cheap site, realize it's not working, and end up paying for a professional site anyway—essentially paying twice.

When to Go Cheap (and When Not To)

Go Cheap If:

• You're testing a business idea before committing
• You need a placeholder while planning a proper site
• Your business is truly hobby-level
• You have time to DIY and learn

Invest More If:

• Your website is a primary sales channel
• You're in a competitive industry
• You want to appear professional and established
• You plan to drive paid traffic to your site
• You need specific features or integrations

The Smart Budget Approach

Instead of going as cheap as possible, aim for the best value:

• Start with a professional 5-page site ($2,000-3,500)
• Focus on quality design and core features
• Add advanced features as revenue grows
• Invest in SEO from day one

This approach gives you a professional foundation that can grow with your business.

Get Honest Pricing for Your Needs

Not sure what you actually need? Schedule a free consultation and get honest advice about the right solution for your budget and business goals—no pressure, no upselling.