Having a strong online presence is essential for any business aiming to thrive in the competitive Australian market. At the heart of this online presence lies your website—a digital storefront that not only showcases your brand but also serves as a powerful tool for engaging customers and driving growth. However, for many small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs), web design services can feel like a steep cost.
Learn why professional web design services are an investment that will help grow your business and revenue.
Understanding the Average Costs
The average cost of web design services for small businesses in Australia can vary significantly depending on several factors, including the complexity of the project, the level of customisation required, and the expertise of the service provider.
For SMBs with more specific requirements or a desire for a unique brand identity, custom web design solutions offer greater flexibility and functionality. However, they typically come with a higher price tag, ranging from several thousand to tens of thousands of dollars. While this may seem steep, custom websites are tailored to your business’s exact needs, ensuring a truly bespoke online experience for your customers.
This guide will help you understand the average cost to design different types of websites.
| Website Type | Cost Range | Description |
| Simple 7 – 10 Pages Website | $2,500 to $5,000+ | Ideal for businesses primarily running by word of mouth, requiring a basic online presence with general information, services, and opening hours. – Static Design. Starts at $2,500 but needs website management company for updates, incurring additional costs. – CMS-Based Design. Starts at $5,000; allows business owners to update content independently and create additional pages. Uses free or paid themes. |
| Custom 7 – 10 Pages Website | $4,500 to $8,500+ | Involves custom design and branding, offering greater flexibility and better consideration for mobile responsiveness and unique requirements. The cost can increase with CMS integration and additional design features. |
| WordPress Website Design | $5,500 to $10,000+ | A WordPress site uses the WordPress platform, known for its versatility and user-friendliness. It suits various types of websites, like blogs, business sites and eCommerce, offering customisation through themes and plugins. The lower end of the price range suits simple designs with limited functionality. More advanced designs or custom features increase the cost. |
| eCommerce Website | $8,500 to $25,000+ | An eCommerce site is for businesses with online shopping functions. It has features like payment gateway integration, product databases, and add-to-cart capabilities. Building an eCommerce site is more expensive due to additional components like product listings, cart, checkout, back-end management, and discount systems. Pricing varies based on the number of products, design quality, platform selection and SEO considerations. |
| Magento / Shopify | $9,500 to $20,000+ | Magento and Shopify are leading eCommerce platforms. Magento is best for large or complex eCommerce sites, offering flexibility and customisation but requires technical skills. Shopify is simpler, ideal for small to medium businesses, with easy setup and built-in features. A basic store with limited products starts at around $10,000, while increased complexity and additional features raise the price. |
| Custom Enterprise Website | $30,000+ | These are extensive websites designed for larger enterprises, incorporating integrations with your business’s backend systems, custom plugins and advanced features like client portals or bespoke tools. |
Factors Influencing Pricing
Several factors can influence the cost of web design services in Australia. These include:
Scope of Work
The complexity of your website’s design and functionality will play a significant role in determining the overall price.
Are you looking for a single-page application or a multi-page application?
Keep in mind that more intricate features, such as e-commerce integration or interactive elements, will require additional time and resources to implement.
Design Expertise
The level of expertise and experience of your chosen web design agency will also impact pricing. Established agencies with a proven track record may charge higher rates, but they also bring a wealth of knowledge and creativity to the table, ensuring a high-quality end product.
Timeline
Urgent projects or tight deadlines may incur rush fees or require additional resources to expedite the development process. Planning ahead and allowing ample time for your project can help minimise these costs.
Additional Services
Beyond web design, you may require additional services such as SEO optimisation, content creation or ongoing website maintenance. Be sure to factor these into your budget when considering the overall cost of your website.
Why Cost Considerations Matter
A common dilemma that business owners have is choosing between a freelancer that provides cheaper services, opting for a more established, albeit more expensive, provider, or simply hiring a web team full-time.
This breakdown will help you understand their differences so you can make an informed decision.
| Type | Pros | Cons |
| Freelancer | 1. Cost-effective. Freelancers often charge less than agencies due to lower overheads. 2. Direct communication. Work with one person, simplifying communication. 3. Speed and flexibility. Quick to act and not bound by specific working hours. 4. User experience focus. Some freelancers specialise in design practices that enhance UX, impacting conversion rates and engagement. | 1. Potential for low-quality. Freelancers might focus on speed over quality. 2. Limited skill set. One freelancer might not have all the skills needed for complex projects. 3. Hard to manage. Can be challenging to oversee and maintain control. 4. Limited availability. One freelancer managing multiple projects may lead to scheduling issues. |
| Web Design Agency | 1. Access to resources. Agencies have more in-house resources and expertise. 2. Comprehensive knowledge Offers a range of services beyond web design. 3. Professionalism. Agencies are usually highly professional and customer-focused. 4. Efficiency. Larger teams can handle projects more quickly and provide instant feedback. 5. SEO-friendly design. Agencies can implement SEO practices to improve visibility and ranking, enhancing organic traffic.6. Meets Google requirements. A professional agency knows how to prioritise user experience, optimise Core Web Vitals and ensure a consistent brand image. | 1. Higher cost. Agencies charge more due to overhead and professional staff. 2. Miscommunication. Working with multiple people may lead to communication challenges. |
| In-house Web Designer | 1. Control and consistency. Greater control over the final product and consistent design. 2. Direct contact. Continuous, direct communication with the designer. 3. Specialisation. Ideal for companies in specialized industries requiring specific skills. | 1. High cost. In-house designers require salary, benefits and other costs. As a permanent part of your team, they’ll also need to be paid even after the completion of your website.2. Limited skill set. One person may not possess all necessary skills for complex projects. 3. Resource intensive. Requires office space, equipment, software, and other design tools. |
Partnering with a trusted web design agency doesn’t mean you’re just paying for a website—you’re investing in the future success of your business. With a tailored digital strategy designed to meet your specific needs and objectives, you’ll be better positioned to compete with larger corporations and establish a strong foothold in the Australian market. Furthermore, a reputable agency will focus on optimising Core Web Vitals which can greatly enhance user experience, improve search engine rankings, and boost customer satisfaction. This focus on Core Web Vitals ensures your website provides a seamless and engaging experience for your visitors, leading to higher conversions and promoting business growth.
Your Path to Online Success
The cost of web design services in Australia can vary depending on your business’s unique requirements and the expertise of your chosen service provider. By understanding the factors that influence pricing and the value proposition offered by professional web design agencies, you can make informed decisions that align with your budget and objectives.
At SEO Services, we understand the dynamic nature of the digital landscape and the ever-evolving web design trends that shape it. With our team of experienced designers and developers, we’re committed to delivering high-quality solutions that not only incorporate the latest web design trends but also remain timeless and impactful.
Whether you’re a startup looking to make a splash or an established SMB seeking to revamp your online presence, we’re here to help you navigate the intricacies of modern web design and achieve your goals with confidence.
Take the first step towards online success and reach out to us today. Together, we’ll turn your digital vision into reality.