How Much Does Website Design Cost? Let’s Chit Chat
So, how much does website design cost?
Ah yes. The question I know is burning in your browser tabs right now.
You’re scrolling through Instagram, seeing beautiful Showit sites, maybe creeping on a few designers’ pricing pages (hi 👋), and wondering…
“How much does website design actually cost? And like… why?”
If you’re new around here, hi, I’m Michaela. I design strategic, high-converting, personality-packed Showit websites (and logos!) for wedding industry pros who are so over doing it all themselves. I’m not here to shame your Canva site or make you feel bad for piecing it together. I’ve been there. I get it.
But if you’re wondering what the cost of website design really includes, and why designers charge what we do…..this post is for you.
Let’s break it all the way down.
Website design isn’t just about “making it cute”
Yes, a beautiful website matters ( like a whole lot). You want something that feels like you and looks elevated enough to reflect the experience you actually provide. But when you hire a designer, you’re not just paying for aesthetic.
You’re paying for:
- Strategy – The layout, flow, and content hierarchy that guides people to book you
- Conversion – Design that sells, bringing people to buy from you
- Custom features – Think mobile optimization, SEO setup, inquiry forms that actually work
- Time saved – So you’re not up until 2am Googling “how to make a Showit gallery not look weird”
- Peace of mind – Because done right, your website becomes your best salesperson
So if you’re asking “how much website design cost,” you’re really asking, what kind of business results am I ready for?
Sooo… what’s the actual price range?
Let’s get to the numbers.
Pricing for website design varies based on:
- The designer’s experience
- The scope of your project (one page? five pages? full brand + site?)
- The platform being used (hi, I’m a Showit girl through and through)
- Whether you’re getting copy support, SEO add-ons, or brand visuals included
Here’s a general breakdown when working with me:
Bite-Sized Website – starting at $1,500
Perfect for wedding pros who need one clear, scroll-stopping page that gets straight to the point. Great if you’re newer, rebranding, or need something yesterday.
Custom Showit Website Design – $6,500
This is the full shebang. Multiple pages. Custom layout. Strategic flows. Optional SEO. Designed to reflect your brand and convert dream clients. This is what I recommend when you’re ready to elevate, raise your rates, and stop hiding your site in your Instagram bio.
Semi-Custom or Template Customization – $2,500
A good option if you’ve bought a Showit template (or are using one of mine, wink wink), but want help customizing it to feel on-brand, intentional, and not like a copy-paste job.
Okay, but what am I actually getting?
You’re not just paying for a website that just exists. You’re paying for:
- Less stress
- Fewer tech meltdowns
- A website that works while you rest
- Confidence when someone says, “Can I see your site?”
My clients often tell me things like:
“I finally feel proud of my online presence.”
“I booked two inquiries the week we launched.”
“I’m spending way less time explaining what I do, my website says it all.”
That’s the real value.
A quick note on “cheap” design
I’m all for being scrappy, I was the queen of DIY when I started. But when it comes to investing in your website, just remember: you get what you pay for.
A $500 website might look okay… but if it doesn’t bring in inquiries, make people feel something, or clearly show what makes you stand out, it’s not really “cheap.” It’s just expensive later.
TBH just because it looks okay, might not mean it’s ranking, the fault of DIY is that you’re an expert at what YOU do. So things are bound to get missed and overlooked which could hurt you in the long run.
Final thoughts: If you’re asking how much website design cost
…you’re probably already feeling the itch to upgrade.
And here’s what I’ll say: It’s okay to want better. It’s okay to want ease. It’s okay to want to look legit, feel confident, and show up with your whole chest online.
Whether you’re going big with custom design or starting with a bite-sized one-pager, your website can change your entire business.
So ask the question. Do your research. Find a designer that gets you (hiii me again) . And then make the move.
Because a good website doesn’t just look good.
It makes your life easier.
But Before You Go…
If we haven’t officially crossed paths yet… hey, hi, hello! I’m Michaela, a designer and strategist for wedding industry professionals who are so ready for a brand and website that actually pulls its weight.
If you love real talk, thoughtful strategy, and the occasional “let’s cut the fluff” moment, you’re gonna feel right at home here.
Here’s how we can make magic together:
→ Need a website that finally matches the luxury experience you actually deliver?
I design Showit websites that don’t just look good—they book better clients. My sites are crafted to reflect your expertise, elevate your brand, and guide inquiries straight to your inbox.
[Explore my Showit design services →]
→ Just need something polished + professional like, yesterday?
The Bite-Sized Website is your one-page wonder: perfect for venues, stylists, planners, or photographers who need a streamlined, high-converting site fast.
[Peek the Bite-Sized Website offer →]
→ Want to DIY but crave a solid (and gorgeous) starting point?
Showit templates made specifically for the wedding industry are coming soon. Because your business deserves beauty, strategy, and simplicity, even without the custom price tag.
Stay tuned!
→ Loving this post? There’s more where that came from.
From tips on attracting aligned clients to design insights that’ll make your brand shine, the blog is packed with goodness.
[Catch up on the latest here →]
Still not sure what you need? Or just want to say hey?
I’m just a DM away on Instagram or you can email me at thedunndesignco@gmail.com. I’d love to hear what you’re building.
Talk soon,
Michaela