Are you planning to take your business online and launch a website? Before you do that, let me tell you that many business owners overestimate what they need and underestimate what it should cost. Some hold off for too long, thinking it’ll drain their budget. Others jump in too fast with the cheapest option and regret it later.
Here’s the truth: you don’t need the flashiest design to succeed but you do need something functional and made with care. That’s where cheap website designers come in but you have to know what you’re getting.
According to a study, 59% of Australian small businesses still don’t have a website. That’s a missed opportunity, especially when affordable options are out there.
Source: GoDaddy
In this guide, I’ll walk you through what different website designers charge in Australia, what affects the pricing and how to get real value without wasting your money. Read on!
DIY vs Cheap Website Designers
I’ve seen plenty of business owners try to cut corners by building their own websites. It might feel like the cheaper option upfront, but many end up frustrated or rebuilding from scratch. That’s why it’s worth knowing when cheap website designers are a smarter choice from the beginning.
How Much DIY Platforms Actually Cost?
If you’re using platforms like Wix or Shopify, the base plans start around $15 a month. But add a domain, apps and premium templates, and you’re quickly spending over $600 per year. While it’s still affordable, it’s nowhere near free and the hours you’ll spend learning and fixing things add up fast. Unlike hiring cheap website designers, DIY means you’re on your own for setup and updates.
What’s Missing in Low-cost Website Builders?
DIY builders are fine for basic designs but they don’t give you the freedom or flexibility you’ll need later. There’s limited control over SEO, mobile optimisation and page speed. You might think it’s good web design, but if it loads slow or isn’t responsive, users will drop off. That’s why web design services from a pro are often worth it, even on a tight budget.
When Should You Hire a Web Designer?
If your business relies on leads, sales or visibility, hire someone who’s done it before. Cheap website designers know how to set things up so your customers get what they need fast. You’ll get responsive design, SEO basics and peace of mind. A good web design company gives your business more than just a page as it gives you a tool that works.
Price Breakdown by Website Type
Not every website needs the same setup or price tag. Over the years, I’ve seen everything from $500 one-pagers to $30,000 full eCommerce builds. It all comes down to how much you need the website to do. If you’re working with cheap website designers, here’s a realistic guide to what your money gets you. To understand the pricing better, take a look at the table below:
| Website Type | Estimated Cost (AUD) | What You Get |
| Basic 1–5 Page Website | $500 – $1,500 | Static pages, contact form, responsive layout, some SEO |
| Small Business Website | $1,500 – $3,000 | Services pages, basic SEO, mobile-friendly design, faster hosting |
| WordPress Website (Standard) | $2,500 – $6,000 | Custom layout, SEO setup, CMS training, plugins and blog |
| eCommerce Website (Basic) | $3,000 – $7,000 | Product pages, cart integration, payment setup, shipping tools |
| Advanced/Custom Website | $7,000 – $15,000+ | Custom functions, CRM integration, booking forms, client logins |
What Influences Website Design Costs?
It’s one thing to ask what a website costs. It’s another to understand why. I’ve seen projects range from a few hundred dollars to well over ten grand, all depending on what goes into it. Even when working with cheap website designers, a few key factors will affect what you pay and they are:
The Type of Website You Need
A simple website with a few pages is faster to build and easier to manage. But if you’re after something like eCommerce web design with product filtering, payment systems and stock control, you’ll need more time and a bigger budget. That’s why web design companies charge based on complexity, not just page count.
Custom Design vs Templates
If you’re happy to use a pre-designed layout, you’ll save a lot. Many web designers use templates to speed things up for budget-conscious businesses. But if you want full control over layout and branding, that takes extra planning and coding. Some clients start with templates and upgrade later.
Number of Pages and Features
More pages mean more content, images and formatting. Add features like quote forms, booking calendars or third-party integrations, and costs go up. A small website is one thing. A 50-page responsive web design with lead capture and dashboards is another story entirely.
SEO and Performance Add-ons
A lot of cheap websites skip SEO. If you want to rank on Google, expect to pay extra. Many web design firms now include basic keyword optimisation, image compression and faster hosting in their packages but it’s worth asking what’s actually included.
Hosting, Domain and Aftercare
Even if you use cheap website designers, you’ll still need to pay for hosting and your domain name. These usually cost around $100–$300 a year. Ongoing support or updates may cost more if you’re not on a maintenance plan. Some web design agencies offer support for the first month as part of the package. Read more