If you've asked three agencies what a website costs and gotten three wildly different numbers, you're not imagining it. Prices for a small-business site in 2026 range from free (a DIY builder) to €10,000+ (a bespoke agency build). This guide explains what you're actually paying for, so you can tell a fair quote from an inflated one.
The short answer
For most small businesses, a professional, custom-designed website costs €1,500–€3,500 one-time, plus a small monthly fee for hosting and maintenance. Where you land inside that range depends mostly on how you'll manage the site and whether you sell online.
What actually changes the price
- Platform. Hand-coded sites are the fastest and most unique. WordPress costs a little more because it adds a content editor you can use yourself. A full online store (Shopify) costs the most because it includes products, checkout, and inventory.
- Number of pages. A five-page brochure site is quicker to build than a twenty-page site with a blog, booking, and a shop.
- Custom features. Booking systems, galleries, live chat, multi-language, and integrations each add work.
- Who maintains it. Paying someone to handle edits is convenient but adds a monthly cost; editing it yourself is cheaper but takes your time.
Custom code vs WordPress vs Shopify
| Option | Best for | Typical one-time cost |
|---|---|---|
| Custom code | Speed, uniqueness, a site you don't edit often | ~€1,500 |
| WordPress | Editing content and blogging yourself | ~€2,400 |
| Shopify | Selling products online | ~€3,200 |
There's no single "best" — the right choice is the one that matches how you'll run the site day to day.
The hidden costs to watch for
- Upfront deposits for work you haven't seen. You shouldn't have to pay before you know you like the result.
- Per-change fees. Ask whether small edits are included or billed hourly.
- Hosting lock-in. Your website should be yours — you should be able to host it anywhere.
- "SEO packages" that never end. Good on-page SEO should be built in, not sold as a permanent subscription.
How to avoid overpaying
- Get the price in writing, one number, before you commit.
- Ask to see a demo first — a real homepage, not a slideshow.
- Confirm that SEO and mobile-friendliness are included, not add-ons.
- Make sure you can leave with your site if you ever want to.
How Portawebia prices it
We keep it simple: one clear price per project (from €1,500), and you only pay after you've seen a free, custom homepage demo built for your business. Optional hosting starts at €20/month. No deposits, no per-change surprises, no endless SEO retainers.
Curious what your site would look like? Get a free demo homepage in 72 hours — no calls, and you pay only if you love it.