The six cost lines
| Cost line | What it covers | How it is usually charged |
|---|---|---|
| Design and build | Layout, pages, forms, mobile version | One-off (agency, freelancer) or bundled in a subscription |
| Hosting | The server that delivers your pages | Monthly or yearly |
| SSL certificate | The padlock and HTTPS encryption | Often free, sometimes bundled |
| Domain name | Your web address | Yearly, charged by the registrar |
| SEO set-up | Titles, schema, sitemap, speed, analytics | One-off set-up plus optional monthly SEO |
| Upkeep | Updates, backups, security, small edits | Yearly or monthly |
Three-year cost: three ways to get a site
| Option | Year 1 | Years 2–3 | Three-year total (excl. domain) |
|---|---|---|---|
| AWI simple 4-page website | $50 | $50 per year | $150 |
| AWI strong SEO-ready website with initial SEO setup | $250 (first-year hosting and SSL included) | $50 per year | $350 |
| Typical DIY builder at about $15/month (illustrative) | $180 | $180 per year, often rising at renewal | $540 and your own time |
The DIY line is an illustration, not a quote: builder prices vary and change, so check current plans. Domain registration is extra in every case.
What changes the price
- Number of pages and how custom the design is
- E-commerce, booking or member areas
- Content: who writes the copy and takes the photos
- Integrations: payments, CRM, WhatsApp, maps
- SEO depth: a basic set-up versus ongoing campaigns
- Special features such as 3D or animation, which are quoted individually
How to avoid overpaying
- Write the page list and goal first (calls, bookings, sales).
- Ask for the three-year total, not the first-year price.
- Insist you own the code, content and domain.
- Check that SEO basics (titles, schema, sitemap, speed) are included.
- Keep the first version small and add pages after you see traffic.
Get a website quote From $50/year
Tell us what you need. We reply with scope and a fixed price within 24 hours.
Frequently asked questions
Is a $50 per year website really possible?
Yes for a simple 4-page site on lean, modern hosting; it is built from a proven template system rather than custom design. Larger or custom sites cost more.
Do I pay for the domain separately?
Yes. The domain name is bought from a registrar and is not included in our prices.
When should I choose the $250 package?
When you want to be found on Google and AI search from day one: it includes initial SEO setup, schema, sitemap, analytics and speed tuning.
Get a free quote in 24 hours
Tell us what you need. We reply with scope, timeline and a fixed price.