The $10,000 Question
"How much should a small business website cost?" It’s the most common question we hear, and historically, the answer has been incredibly frustrating: "It depends."
In 2026, as businesses scale to target international clients, the digital landscape has shifted. You no longer need to accept the massive, unpredictable capital expenditures of the past. Let's break down the true cost of a website today.
Model 1: The DIY Builder (The "Free" Trap)
Upfront Cost: $0 - $50 Monthly Cost: $20 - $100
Platforms like Wix or Squarespace seem incredibly cheap at first glance. However, the hidden cost is your time and lost revenue. DIY sites often suffer from poor SEO, slow global load times, and generic designs. If your goal is to attract high-ticket international clients, a DIY site signals that you aren't ready for the big leagues.
Model 2: The Traditional Agency
Upfront Cost: $3,000 - $15,000+ Monthly Cost: $100 - $500 (for hosting, maintenance, and basic edits)
This was the gold standard for years. You get a custom-coded, highly tailored website. The problem? It drains your operating capital right as you're trying to scale. Worse, you are often charged exorbitant hourly rates for simple text changes or security updates months down the line.
Model 3: Website as a Service (WaaS)
Upfront Cost: $0 Monthly Cost: $150 - $500 (Predictable and All-Inclusive)
The modern standard for service-based businesses in their "Scale Phase" is the WaaS model. Instead of buying a depreciating digital asset, you subscribe to a managed service.
What’s included in a proper WaaS plan?
- Professional, high-converting design
- Premium global hosting (essential for international clients)
- Unlimited content edits and updates
- Ongoing SEO optimization and technical maintenance
- Integration with your business automations
Why Predictable Pricing Wins
When scaling internationally, cash flow predictability is your biggest advantage. Dropping $10k on a website forces you to delay hiring or marketing. Subscribing to a managed WaaS plan at $197/month aligns your website cost with your ongoing revenue.
You stop paying for a static product and start investing in a dedicated technical partner.