Learn how to make a website for your small business on a budget — plus how much it costs to maintain it long-term without overspending.
Building a website for your small business in 2025 doesn’t have to be expensive. You can create a professional, SEO-ready site using tools like WordPress or Elementor for less than $1,000 upfront. Maintenance can be as low as $100/year if you DIY, or up to $1,200/year with agency support.
Why Your Small Business Needs a Website in 2025
In an AI-driven search world, not having a website means not existing.
Over 85% of consumers now research a business online before engaging with it [source]. Google and AI engines like ChatGPT or Gemini prioritize structured, fast-loading websites when generating search responses. A simple Instagram page won’t cut it anymore.
Whether you’re a local bakery or a freelance consultant, your website is your business card, portfolio, and sales machine combined.
Step-by-Step: How to Make a Website for Your Small Business on a Budget
1. Choose a Platform (No-Code Preferred)
| Platform | Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| WordPress + Elementor | $0-$89/year | Flexibility, SEO, speed |
| Wix | $16+/month | Drag-and-drop simplicity |
| Shopify | $39+/month | Ecommerce businesses |
Our pick for budget and flexibility: WordPress + Elementor
2. Pick a Domain Name
- Use services like Namecheap, GoDaddy, or Google Domains
- Budget: $12–20/year
3. Buy Hosting
| Hosting Provider | Monthly Cost | Bonus Features |
| Hostinger | $2.99 | Free SSL, free email |
| SiteGround | $4.99 | Great performance & support |
| Cloudways | $14+ | Scalable cloud hosting |
Tip: Choose a provider with SSD, CDN, and 24/7 support.
4. Install WordPress & Choose a Theme
- Free themes: Astra, OceanWP, Hello Theme (Elementor)
- Premium themes: $49–99 one-time
5. Build Pages with Elementor
Use the free version or Elementor Pro ($59/year). Drag-and-drop design means zero coding.
Must-have pages:
- Homepage
- About Us
- Services / Products
- Contact (with form + map)
6. Optimize for Mobile & SEO
- Use SEO plugins (Rank Math or Yoast)
- Set up Google Search Console
- Compress images (TinyPNG, WebP format)
- Mobile-first testing (Google Mobile-Friendly Test)
How Much Does It Cost to Maintain a Website for a Small Business?
| Maintenance Element | DIY Cost (Year) | Agency Cost (Year) |
| Hosting & Domain | $50–200 | $200–300 |
| Plugin & Theme Updates | Free–100 | Included |
| Security & Backups | Free–60 | $100–200 |
| Content Updates | Free | $500–800 |
| Tech Support | $0–100 | $200–500 |
Typical DIY range: $100–400/year
With agency: $600–1,200/year
Pro Tip: Many agencies like Codechemy offer hybrid maintenance packages for growing businesses.
Budget Optimization Tips
- Start simple: Use 3–5 key pages instead of overbuilding
- Skip paid plugins initially unless required for SEO or design
- Repurpose social content for your blog
- Use stock libraries like Unsplash, Freepik for images
- Choose lifetime license tools (ex: Bricks Builder instead of Elementor Pro for some)
Real-World Examples
Case: Local Consultant Website (Toronto)
Tools: WordPress, Elementor Free, Hostinger ($3/mo)
Pages: Home, Services, Contact
Total upfront cost: ~$75 (domain + hosting)
Case: Small Ecommerce Site (Calgary)
Tools: WooCommerce, Astra Theme, Elementor Pro
Cost: ~$300 (plugins, domain, hosting)
Expert Opinion: Advice from Codechemy
“Many small business owners overspend on websites because they assume it’s all or nothing. At Codechemy, we build lean, effective sites for as little as $490 that outperform bloated ‘custom’ builds. The key is clarity, performance, and simplicity.”
Bonus: Timeline to Launch Your Business Website
| Week | Task | Notes |
| 1 | Pick domain + hosting | Prioritize providers with SSL + email |
| 2 | Install WordPress + Elementor | Free version is enough to start |
| 3 | Build homepage + key pages | Use template kits if needed |
| 4 | Test mobile, speed, forms | Use Google Mobile Test & GTmetrix |
| 5 | Launch + submit to Google | Via Google Search Console |
| 6+ | Add blog posts, improve UX & SEO | Ongoing content = better visibility |
Conclusion: Build Smart, Grow Fast
In 2025, building a website for your small business on a budget is not only possible — it’s smart. With tools like WordPress, a few well-designed pages, and consistent upkeep, you can create a powerful online presence without overspending.
Need help? Talk to the team at Codechemy and build a site that works as hard as you do.