Ask five agencies what a website costs and you'll probably get five different answers, nearly all starting with "it depends". And while it's true that it depends, that vagueness often hides a lack of transparency. Let's talk pricing head-on, because you deserve to know what you're getting into before signing.
Honesty note: we're not going to give you a table with exact figures to the dollar, because the real price does vary by what you need, and promising you a fixed number without seeing your case would be exactly the kind of dishonesty we criticize. What we will do is explain how pricing works, so you can judge any quote.
The taboo of talking about prices
Many agencies avoid posting prices and force you to book a meeting to "chat", where only then do they tell you the cost, often after sizing you up to see how much you can pay. That opacity favors the seller, not the buyer. A business that talks pricing clearly from the start is respecting your time and your wallet.
The real ranges
The price of a digital project varies enormously by scope, and that's normal. A simple one-page site doesn't cost the same as an online store with hundreds of products. Basic branding doesn't cost the same as a full identity. A month of social media management doesn't cost the same as an integral content strategy. What matters isn't the absolute number, but that you understand exactly what that number includes: how many pages, how many revisions, what happens if you need changes, what stays in your hands at the end.
The hidden costs they don't mention
This is where many get surprised. Things that often aren't included in the initial price and appear later:
- Limited revisions: they give you two rounds of changes and charge for the third.
- Hosting and domain: annual costs sometimes not mentioned upfront.
- Maintenance: the site is delivered, but keeping it updated and secure is another charge.
- Ownership of the work: in some cases, what you paid for isn't fully yours, or you're tied to the agency for any change.
The key question to always ask: "What is NOT included in this price?" The answer tells you more than the price itself.
A low price with many hidden costs can end up more expensive than a higher price that includes everything. Don't compare numbers, compare what you get for that number. And be wary of anyone who won't put in writing what's included.
Per project or per month
There are two common ways to charge. Per project: you pay once for something with a clear start and end (a website, a branding). You know exactly what you get and when it ends. Per month (retainer): you pay each month for an ongoing service (social media, maintenance, SEO). Neither is better in the abstract: the project is ideal for one-off things, the retainer for what needs constant work. What you should avoid is paying a retainer for something that's really a one-time project.
Why paying upfront works for you
It may sound counterintuitive, but paying upfront (done right, with a clear scope) works in your favor. It means resources are assigned to your project immediately, there's no ambiguity about what will be done, and the provider has every incentive to deliver well to keep the relationship. With a scope defined in writing and clear guarantees, paying upfront is a sign of an orderly process, not of risk.
Want to know what your case would cost?
We won't give you a random number. Tell us what you need and we'll assess your case to give you a clear scope and price, in writing, with no hidden costs. The prior assessment is a paid service, and that fee counts in your favor if you move forward with the project.
Request your assessment →About timelines: when we mention timeframes like 24 hours for a reply or proposal, that's our target under normal conditions. For complex cases or high demand, it may extend to 48 hours or more. We'd rather tell you upfront than promise something we can't always deliver to the minute.