“How much will it cost?” It’s the first question almost every business owner asks us, and fair enough. The honest answer is “it depends”. But that’s not very helpful on its own, so let’s break down exactly what it depends on and what you can expect to pay.
Typical website prices in Melbourne
These are the ranges we see for professionally built websites (see our full Melbourne website cost guide for more detail):
| Website type | Typical price | Typical timeline | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small business / brochure website | $3,400 – $4,900 | 3–6 weeks | Trades, clinics, consultants, local services |
| Lead generation website | $5,000 – $12,000 | 4–8 weeks | Businesses that rely on enquiries and quotes |
| E-commerce website | $8,000 – $30,000+ | 6–12 weeks | Selling products online |
You’ll see quotes outside these ranges. A $500 website exists, and so does a $100,000 one. But for most small businesses, the right answer sits in the table above.
What actually drives the price?
1. Custom design vs template. A template site is quicker and cheaper. A custom design is built around your brand and your customers, and it stands out from the competitor using the same theme.
2. Number of pages. A five-page site and a 40-page site with a page for every service and suburb are very different jobs.
3. Features and functionality. Online bookings, payment gateways, member logins, quote calculators and CRM integrations all add time.
4. Content and copywriting. Do you have your words and photos ready, or do you need them written? Good copy is often the difference between a site that sells and one that just sits there.
5. SEO setup. A site built with search engine optimisation in mind from day one costs a bit more upfront. It saves a lot of pain (and money) later.
6. E-commerce complexity. Ten products with one shipping option is simple. Hundreds of products with variants, stock syncing and multiple shipping zones is not.
Why cheap websites often cost more
It’s a story we hear a lot: “I paid $800 for a website and it doesn’t work.” Cheap sites often come with hidden costs. Think slow load times, poor mobile layouts, no SEO foundations, or a builder you can’t move away from. Then the designer disappears and you start again from scratch.
A professional website is an investment that should pay for itself in leads. If a site brings in even one or two extra jobs a month, it usually covers its cost quickly.
How to get an accurate quote
Before you ask for quotes, jot down:
- What you want visitors to do (call, book, buy, enquire)
- Roughly how many pages or services you need
- Any must-have features (bookings, payments, galleries)
- Two or three websites you like, and why
- Your budget range. It helps a good agency recommend the right fit.
And remember the build is only part of the picture. We cover hosting, maintenance and the rest in the typical costs of a professional website beyond the build.
Get a clear, fixed quote
At Cultivate Digital we give you a fixed quote with everything spelled out. No hidden extras, no surprises after launch. We’ve been building websites for Melbourne small businesses since 2004, and we’ll tell you honestly what you need and what you don’t.
Want to know what your website would cost? Get a Free Quote or call 0489 262 100.
