If you run a business in North Idaho and you've started shopping for a new website, you've probably noticed the prices are all over the map. One quote says $500, another says $8,000, and a third is a monthly subscription that never ends. So what should a small-business website actually cost? Here's an honest breakdown.
What actually goes into the price
A website isn't one thing — it's several. The price depends on how much of this you need:
- Design — a custom look built for your brand, versus a generic template.
- Number of pages — a simple 5-page site versus a large one with service and location pages.
- Local SEO — the behind-the-scenes work that helps you show up on Google.
- Features — online booking, e-commerce, forms, payments, or custom software.
- Content — who writes the words and sources the photos.
Typical ranges for a local business
For most North Idaho small businesses, a professional, mobile-friendly site built to actually bring in calls lands in a sensible mid-range — not the bargain-bin $500 template, and not the $10,000 agency invoice. The right number depends on your goals. A tradesperson who needs to be found in three towns has different needs than a shop selling products online.
The cheapest option is rarely the cheapest in the long run. A $500 template that no one can find on Google costs you every customer who searched and didn't see you.
Don't forget the ongoing costs
Every website has some recurring cost, and honest providers tell you up front:
- Hosting and domain — usually small, sometimes bundled.
- Maintenance — updates, security, and support so the site stays fast and safe.
- Local SEO — ranking is ongoing; it's a monthly effort, not a one-time switch.
What we recommend
Get a clear, itemized quote — not a vague number. Ask exactly what's included, what's monthly, and what happens if you want changes later. At Great Escape, every project is quoted to your business with honest, upfront pricing and no surprise fees.
Want a real number for your project? Reach out for a free consultation and we'll walk you through it.