The real cost of a website

What’s the real cost of having a website?

Usually, you’re looking at three categories: design, development, and maintenance.

Design and development are usually a one-time investment, especially if you’re hiring someone to create a beautiful, strategic site for you.

If you’re comfortable with tech and DIY, a website template is a great way to get started at a lower cost.

But let’s talk about maintenance, because that’s where a lot of people are unknowingly throwing money away.

Maintenance fees are most common on WordPress sites, where monthly plans are often sold as a necessity.

For basic sites, those fees typically run $50–$150/month. Larger sites or agency-built sites can run $150–$400/month or more. Some agencies charge $500–$1,000+ per month for ongoing maintenance.

Here’s what’s usually included:

• Monthly hosting through companies like Bluehost, SiteGround, or HostGator

  → $12–$45/month (often cheaper the first year)

• Security certificate (SSL)

  → Basic SSLs are sometimes free, but premium ones are around $36/year

• Plugin and theme updates

  → Often just clicking a button, unless something breaks, which is rare

• Design updates

  → Usually not needed monthly unless you’re running e-commerce or events

Unless your site needs regular design tweaks, most of this maintenance takes less time than brewing a pot of coffee.

And these maintenance plans rarely include SEO or strategy - the things that actually grow your business.

That’s why I recommend all-in-one platforms like Squarespace.

(No plugins. No separate SSL. No surprise charges.)

My clients typically use the Core Squarespace plan, which costs $276/year.

(If you work with me, you’ll get 25% off your first year, bringing it down to $207.)

That one price includes:

• Hosting

• A solid built-in security certificate

• Automatic platform updates—no plugin management required

And those monthly design tweaks? Not necessary for most small businesses.

A yearly refresh is great, but unless you’ve had a major shift in your offers or audience, your site probably just needs a light tune-up.

I don’t offer website maintenance plans because I’d rather empower my clients to make small updates themselves and keep more money in their business.

Every website includes personalized video tutorials so you know exactly how to swap a photo, edit your text, or add a new page.

But if you’d rather not touch your website, I’m always available to jump in and make updates for you, big or small.

If you’re tired of paying monthly maintenance fees and wondering if Squarespace is a better fit - let’s talk. I’ve got 2 spots left in April and 3 in May for custom website design.

Let’s get some fresh spring energy into your site!

Stacey