What does it cost to have a website created? Price overview

Jul 5, 2025

Karina Paviotti

What does it cost to have a website created? Price overview

What does it cost to have a website made? Read our guide for an overview of prices and options for creating a professional website.

The reality? A digital business card can be free, while complex online stores often cost more than a new car. What determines this huge price difference? The answer lies in your choices, from construction methods to functionalities.

Simple solutions with templates start around €200. Professional platforms with custom development quickly grow to €2500+. For specific business needs - think reservation systems or client portals - amounts can reach five figures. Fortunately, smart solutions exist for every budget.

Key factors? Developers' time investment, technologies used, and desired personality of the platform. A basic WordPress variant requires 20-40 hours of work, while custom development sometimes demands 200+ hours. Do you choose cheap freelancers or experienced agencies? That choice directly reflects in the final result.

Key Insights

  • Price differences arise from complexity and time investment

  • Template solutions are budget-friendly but less unique

  • Custom development offers precision at higher costs

  • Maintenance costs influence the total investment

  • Always compare multiple quotes for optimal choice

How much does it cost to have a website created?
How much does it cost to have a website created?

The world of website costs

In the digital age, your online presence is the first handshake with potential customers. A professional platform functions 24/7 as a sales representative, brand ambassador, and customer service in one. But how do you translate that value into concrete budgetary choices?

📈 Why investing pays off

A strong digital business card not only enhances your credibility – it also activates direct business opportunities. Companies with user-friendly platforms generate up to 50% more leads according to recent analyses. Today, customers expect:

  • Instant access to product information

  • Mobile-friendly navigation

  • Secure data handling

💸 Price-determining elements

Your budget is primarily shaped by three pillars:

  • Technical complexity: basic contact forms versus personalized API integrations

  • Design ambition: template adjustments versus a fully unique visual identity

  • Scalability: future-proof architecture for growth

A simple platform with five pages starts around €200. For advanced functionalities like live chat or reservation systems, this quickly moves up to €1500+. Choose wisely: cheap solutions often require later adjustments, while quality bespoke work lasts longer.


My web design services at Design by Karina

A website that works and suits you.

Your online presence deserves more than a standard template. At Design by Karina, we build strategic, custom websites that are not only beautiful but also genuinely effective.

What you can expect from us:

Personal strategy & brand deepening
We start with a conversation about your goals, target audience, and competition — so that your website really works for you.

🧠 Smart design focused on user-friendliness
From wireframes to design: it’s all about the right flow, a clear message, and conversion.

🔧 Technical realization in WordPress or Shopify
We build your site entirely bespoke, mobile-friendly, and SEO-ready — ready to grow with your business.

🙋‍♀️ Direct contact with the designer
No intermediaries or confusion. You work directly with me — Karina — ensuring your vision always stays paramount.

💰 Clear packages starting at €1399
For starting freelancers, we create quick, effective one-pagers or compact websites. Larger projects? Then we tackle them grandly with:

  • Custom product configurators

  • Booking systems and client portals

  • Conversion optimization based on data

  • Integrations with email marketing and social media

With over 10 years of experience and a passion for design that truly makes an impact, we create websites that let your business shine.

👉 Ready for a website that attracts and instills trust? Let's work together.

📊 How much does it cost to create a website?

Developing an online platform requires clear financial decisions. Budgets vary greatly depending on ambitions and technical requirements.

Een modern, minimalistisch prijsoverzicht van een website wordt weergegeven op een laptopscherm, tegen een heldere, strakke achtergrond. De laptop heeft een slank, metallic frame en een hoogwaardig scherm waarop een eenvoudige en intuïtieve prijstabel te zien is. De tabel bevat duidelijke typografie, helder afgebakende prijscategorieën en beknopte, gemakkelijk te begrijpen prijsinformatie. Het licht is zacht en natuurlijk, wat zorgt voor een professionele en betrouwbare uitstraling. De camerahoek is iets verhoogd, waardoor het prijsoverzicht goed en onbelemmerd zichtbaar is, en er een gevoel van toegankelijkheid en transparantie wordt overgebracht.

From basic budgets to high-end bespoke work

Option

Description

Price indication

1

Self-made via free CMS like WordPress.com

€0 - €100

2

Student or hobbyist

€100 - €1,000

3

Freelancer

€500 - €2,000

4

Low-code agency

From €3,500

5

Small web agency (bespoke)

From €10,000

6

Medium-sized agency

From €30,000

7

Large specialist agency

From €100,000


⚙️ Choosing between WordPress and Shopify

Benefits of WordPress for your website

  • With 43% market share, WordPress remains the undisputed leader

  • The open-source system provides full control over design and technology

  • Ideal if you:

    • Want to create a unique brand experience

    • Need expansions via 58,000+ plugins

    • Consider an SEO-friendly structure essential

When Shopify might be a better option

For online stores with 100+ products, Shopify is gaining ground. The closed system offers:

  • Integrated payment solutions

  • Automatic tax calculations

  • Inventory management with real-time updates

Entrepreneurs without technical knowledge appreciate the ready-made e-commerce functionalities. Note, however: monthly costs rise faster than with self-hosted solutions.


🧱 Low-code websites versus bespoke

Low-code solutions (from €3,500)

  • Quick implementation within 2-4 weeks

  • Less flexibility, lower maintenance costs

  • Standard integrations with popular tools

Fully bespoke (from €10,000)

  • Unique workflows needed

  • Communicate a specific brand experience

  • Future scalability essential

"A bespoke platform grows with your ambitions. It becomes a strategic tool, not a cost item."


🧾 Extra costs and monthly maintenance costs

A professional online platform requires ongoing attention – and budget. After the initial investment, fixed costs will impact your total expenses.

Examples

Item

Average costs

Domain registration

€10 - €30/year

Hosting

€5 - €100+/month

Maintenance

€10 - €100+/month

Support

One-time or monthly package

Note: always compare service inclusions. Some agencies offer free monthly updates with annual hosting payment.


🎨 The role of design and functionalities in pricing

Every click on your platform tells a story – but at what cost? Visual choices and technical possibilities together form the invisible cost driver.

Smart design decisions can double or halve your investment, depending on their impact on conversions:

  • Targeted call-to-action buttons increase click rates by 35%

  • Clear navigation structure reduces bounce rates by 40%

  • Responsive layout improves mobile conversions by 55%

How additional features can drive up the price

A basic contact form costs an average of €150. For complex systems like reservation modules or client portals, you quickly pay €2000+.

Ask yourself these questions:

  • Does this feature directly contribute to main objectives?

  • Are affordable plugins available as alternatives?

  • Does it require specific technical expertise?

Always prioritize core functionalities. A webshop integration pays for itself, while advanced animations often yield only a 2% increase in conversion.


🔍 Decision guide: How to find the right web designer?

Choosing a web designer sometimes feels like looking for a needle in a haystack. Professionals distinguish themselves through their communication style and focus on measurable results.

What should you look for?

Criteria

Professional

Amateur

Communication

Asks about target audience and business goals

Only talks about technology

Portfolio

Shows case studies with concrete results

Only shows pretty pictures

Guarantees

Offers maintenance contracts

Says "done is done"

During initial conversations, ask for recent references and make clear agreements about deadlines and revisions.

🛠 Tips for a successful collaboration

  • Make written agreements about deadlines and revisions

  • Ask for weekly progress updates

  • Test all functionalities yourself before delivery

Watch out for red flags such as:

  • Vague quotes without hourly specification

  • Pressure to sign immediately

  • Lack of interest in your brand identity

Good web designers invest time in your success, not just in their own process.


Comparison of price examples and options in the market

Price differences in the market help you make realistic choices. Let's examine concrete scenarios, from budget-friendly starters to premium solutions.

Examples from cheap to professional websites

A simple presentation site via platforms like Wix starts at €8.50 per month. But beware: cheap packages often have limitations:

  • No own domain name included

  • Limited storage space

  • Generic templates without customizations

Provider / Type

Price range

Inclusions

Suitable for

Wix Premium

€8.50 - €24.50 / month

Drag-and-drop editor, hosting

Starters with small budgets

JouwWeb / Webador

€5 - €25 / month

All-in-one solution, Dutch support

Freelancers and hobby projects

Student / hobbyist

€100 - €1,000 one-time

Theme-based site, limited experience

Simple presentation sites

Freelancer

€500 - €2,000

Customization, often WordPress

Small businesses / Freelanders

Low-code agency

€3,500 - €10,000

Modules + personal styling

SMEs with limited budgets

Bespoke agency (small)

€10,000 - €30,000

Fully custom, strategy, and UX

Ambitious SMEs

Specialist agency

€30,000 - €100,000+

Custom APIs, design, development, support SLA

Large organizations


Insights from the current market and trends

Webshops on average require 35% higher investments than informative platforms. Notable developments:

  1. Mobile-first design doubles development time

  2. Minimalist layouts reduce maintenance costs

  3. AI tools lower prices for basic optimization

Freelancers are increasingly opting for modular solutions. These combine affordability (€1,200-€2,000) with a professional appearance. Always consider:

  • Number of revision rounds included

  • Technical support after handover

  • Scalability options with growth


🌟 Why choose Design by Karina?

We help entrepreneurs looking for quality without the high costs of large agencies. Expect no standard approach from us, but strategic bespoke solutions that work.

At Design by Karina, you get:

  • ✅ Bespoke from €1399

  • ✅ Custom websites in WordPress or Shopify or Framer

  • ✅ Strategy before design: every pixel has a purpose

  • ✅ No intermediaries, but direct contact with the designer

  • ✅ Smart, scalable solutions for freelancers & small businesses

Projects grow with your vision. Whether you want a compact site or an advanced platform with reservations, we think along with you.

➡️ Schedule a no-obligation introduction or send a WhatsApp — I'd love to think along with you.
📞 010 307 2374
🌐 designbykarina.com


📌 Conclusion

The right website is not a cost item, but an investment in your visibility, your customers, and your revenue. Whether you choose a basic model or full bespoke work: choose wisely, invest smartly, and work with someone who understands your goals.

💡 With the right approach, you create a platform that effortlessly pays for itself — today, tomorrow, and in five years.


Ready for a website that works and impresses?

Ready for a website that works and impresses?

Ready for a website that works and impresses?

FAQ

Why do website costs vary so significantly?

The price depends on your requirements. A simple design with standard features is more affordable than custom solutions with advanced tools, such as a booking system or a personal customer portal.

Is WordPress or Shopify better for my business?

WordPress offers more flexibility for growing companies, while Shopify is ideal if you want to quickly launch an online store. Together, we’ll determine which platform aligns with your goals.

Are there any hidden costs I should be aware of?

Pay attention to hosting, domain name, and maintenance costs. At Design by Karina, you receive a transparent overview, including advice on affordable long-term packages.

How long does it take to develop a website?

On average, it takes 6-12 weeks, depending on complexity. A clear plan and prompt feedback can speed up the process. I will keep you updated at every stage!

Why does design have such an impact on the price?

A unique design requires more research, creativity, and technical adjustments than a template. The result? A website that truly stands out and converts better.

Can I add features later on?

Absolutely! We build your site so that you can easily expand. Consider adding a blog, newsletter tool, or additional service pages without high modification costs.

Need a website created?

Need a website created?

Ready to create your website in Rotterdam?

Don't let an outdated or poorly performing website hold your business back any longer. It's time to invest in a digital presence that truly reflects the value of your brand and helps you achieve your business goals. We are eager to understand your unique needs and would love to discuss how Design by Karina can create a website you will be truly proud of.