What You’re Really Paying For in a Website (2025 Edition)
Let’s be honest—when it comes to website costs, the answer is “it depends.” But as a professional website designer, I believe in transparency, so when I give my client a proposal I give them a realistic, honest breakdown of what you can expect to invest in a website in 2025.
I’ve been designing websites for many years and have had a website design business for over four years. I have worked with clients across a wide range of industries—startups, established businesses, and nonprofits, both in the U.S. and internationally. Thanks to Zoom, I can collaborate closely with my clients throughout the entire website design process, no matter where they’re located.
📌 Annual Website Costs (Squarespace Example)
Even before hiring a designer, it's important to understand the basic recurring costs that come with running a website. These are costs every business or nonprofit should budget for annually.
Domain
This is your website address (URL), like www.maywebdesign.com.
Cost: Typically $20/year
Squarespace includes a domain for free in the first year, but after that, the renewal is around $20. You may also purchase your domain from third-party providers like Google Domains or GoDaddy and either point to the Squarespace platform or transfer the domain to Squarespace. For the most accurate information please check your domain provider.
Hosting
Hosting is what keeps your website live and accessible online. Squarespace provides built-in hosting as part of their website plans, which also include platform updates, security, and support.
Cost: Varies depending on your plan—pricing begins at $192/year.
Squarespace updated their pricing in 2025. You can check current pricing here for the most accurate info.
💬 What About Website Design Costs?
This is where things can vary the most—and where I tailor my services to each client. While platforms like Squarespace offer templates, professional website design goes far beyond choosing a theme.
My Custom Design Process:
Initial Consultation – I meet my clients via Zoom to discuss goals, audience, and design preferences.
Proposal & Contract – I provide a clear proposal outlining the scope, pricing, and timeline.
Design & Collaboration – The client will provide any available content for the website (such as images, videos, and copy), and I will begin building a custom website using the materials provided. I’ll also supplement with additional content and images as needed to complete the design.
Review & Revisions – At the end of Week 1 I meet the client to review the design and make refinements.
Launch & Training – By Week 2, any changes have been made and the website goes live. I provide a 1-on-1 training session so the client can confidently manage their website moving forward.
💰 Typical Investment
This amount depends on the initial conversation about the needs of the business or organization. I wait until I discuss the needs and wants from clients and then give them breakdowns of the cost of a website design build.
There are no ongoing royalties or hidden fees—you’re investing in the value of my time, expertise, and design work.
⏱️ Ongoing Support at an Hourly Rate
After the website is launched, I offer continued support for updates, additions, or changes as the business or nonprofit evolves. Whether my client needs help adding a new page, updating images, or making seasonal changes, I’m here to assist.
This allows the client to request support as needed—without being locked into a maintenance contract—while still having access to a designer who knows the website inside and out.
🛠️ What You’re Really Paying For
When you invest in professional website design, you're not just getting a pretty website—you're getting:
A strategic layout that speaks to your audience
A mobile-optimized experience
SEO best practices built in
A custom design that grows with your brand
🎯 My Goal as a Designer
My mission is simple: to bring my client’s vision to life. Whether they are launching a new business, refreshing an old website, or building a better nonprofit presence. I will help them create a website that reflects who they are and where they are headed.
If you're ready to explore what your custom website might cost—or just want to talk through ideas—I’d love to hear from you.
May Web Design, LLC, creates affordable websites on the Squarespace platform that empower clients to confidently manage and update their own content. I love helping businesses and nonprofits boost customer engagement and strengthen their overall web presence with clean, effective design.
One of the most important parts of my process happens after the website is built: I take the time to walk clients through how to update and maintain their website, so they can keep things fresh and relevant moving forward.
A well-designed website is more than just a digital brochure—it’s a 24/7 welcome to your audience. It should highlight what your business or organization has accomplished, share your mission, and guide visitors through your content in a clear, friendly way.
If you're thinking about creating a website for your business or nonprofit, I'd love to chat! At May Web Design, LLC, I help clients get started with clean, easy-to-manage websites—sometimes all you need is a simple brochure-style site to make a big impact.
The best part? Your website can grow and evolve right alongside your business. Whether you're just getting started or ready to level up, I'm here to help you build something that works now and adapts as your needs change.
