The short answer
For a small business in South Australia, a professionally built website usually costs from around $1,200 for a simple one-page site to $3,000 or more for a multi-page website, and more again for custom features like bookings, stores or integrations. Hosting and support are a separate monthly cost.
At Ripple & Rise, for example, our website plans are Starter from $1,200, Business from $3,000 and Custom from $6,000, all including GST. Hosting and support is $45, $65 or $95 a month depending on how much help you want.
What actually changes the price
- Number of pages. A single scrolling page for a new business costs far less than a site with separate pages for every service and suburb.
- Custom design or a template. Fully custom design takes more time than adapting a proven layout, and the price reflects it.
- Words and photos. Good copy and real photos of your work do more for enquiries than almost any design choice. If we write it or you need photography, that is extra time.
- Features. Online booking, quote forms that go into your calendar or CRM, payments, a shop or a members area all add build time.
- Search visibility. Basic SEO (clear page titles, local details, fast loading) should be included. Ongoing SEO campaigns are a separate service.
- Ongoing care. Hosting, backups, security updates and content changes are what keep a site working after launch.
What a fair price should include
- A design that works properly on phones, because most local searches happen there.
- Your own domain name and a professional email address, set up and working.
- Basic SEO foundations and your business details (name, address, phone, service area) set up so Google understands them.
- A quote or contact form that reaches you reliably.
- A handover: you know where everything lives, and you own your domain and content.
DIY website builders versus a professional
Website builders can be a fine start, and the monthly fee looks small. The real cost is your time, plus the gap between a template that looks fine and a site that is clear, fast and written to turn visitors into customers. If you are on the tools all day, an afternoon spent fighting a page builder is an afternoon not spent earning.
Many small businesses start with a simple, well-built site and add to it as they grow, which is exactly what our Starter plan is for.
Do not forget the running costs
- Domain name: a modest yearly fee that has to be renewed.
- Hosting: the home your website lives on. Cheap hosting is often slow or unsupported.
- Updates and fixes: new services, price changes, seasonal offers. Some plans include a few hours a quarter.
- Email: a professional address that matches your domain.
Warning signs in a quote
- No mention of mobile, hosting, or who owns what.
- A very low price with every real feature listed as an optional extra.
- Pressure to sign up on the spot.
- Long lock-in contracts for hosting, with no clear way to take your site with you.
How to get an accurate quote
Tell the provider what your business does, which services you want to promote, who your customers are, and any websites you like. A good provider will ask questions back. If you would like a quick, friendly opinion, you can book a free 15-minute call or send us an enquiry.
Common questions
How much does a one-page website cost?
A simple, professionally built one-page website for a new business typically starts around $1,200. Our Starter plan is $1,200 including GST and covers domain setup, mobile design and a professional email address.
Is website hosting included in the price?
Usually not. Hosting and support are normally a separate monthly cost. Our hosting and support plans are $45, $65 and $95 a month and include backups, security and real-human support.
How long does a small business website take?
A simple site is often 1 to 3 weeks. Larger sites with several pages or integrations take 3 to 5 weeks, depending on how quickly content and feedback come back.
Can I pay for a website in stages?
Many providers split payment into a deposit and a final payment on launch. Ask about payment terms when you request a quote.