Small Business Web Design Services | What to Look for (and Avoid)
Looking for small business web design services? Learn what’s included, how much it costs, red flags to avoid, and how to hire the right designer.
When you realize your website isn’t keeping up with your business anymore, an upgrade seems like the obvious choice.
But between figuring out what type of web design service you need, finding a designer you trust, and feeling confident about pricing, investing in small business web design services can get overwhelming… fast. 😰
Let’s kick those worries aside, shall we?
Here’s what web design services include, what they should really cost, and how to choose the right designer who will help your business grow.
What Are Small Business Web Design Services?
Small business web design services are when a professional creates a website for a small company that looks professional, is easy to use, and easy to find online.
Because web design services can vary so much from one designer to the next, it’s important to understand what each package includes before you invest. Some designers focus only on the visuals, while others guide you through strategy, design, and launch from start to finish.
Here are some things that might be included in small business web design services:
- Strategy
Clarifying your goals, audience, and messaging so your website is built on a strong foundation. - Design & Development
Custom visuals, user-friendly layouts, and responsive design that look and perform beautifully on any device. - Copywriting
Clear, compelling words that explain what you do and connect with your audience. - SEO optimization
Content and page structure that helps your site rank on Google. - Ongoing support
Continued maintenance and updates to keep your site performing well long-term.
Why a Professional Website Matters for Small Businesses
Having a professional website as a small business owner is nothing new. By 2013, a GE study found that 81% of shoppers researched online before making a purchase. Then 2020 hit, and overnight, people stopped walking into stores and started doing almost everything online.
Your website is your first impression for potential clients. When it looks dated, loads slowly, or doesn’t clearly communicate what you do, it won’t matter how excellent your service is.
This might seem unfair—but it’s the reality we live in.
With the right professional web designer, you’ll have a site built to help you:
- Show up on Google
- Build credibility and trust
- Attract better clients
- Grow your business with confidence
Investing in the Best Small Business Web Designer
Choosing the right web designer is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make for your business. Whether you work with a freelancer, a design studio, or a full-service agency, each option offers different levels of customization, strategy, and support. The best choice depends on your goals, budget, and how involved you want to be during your project.
Here’s what you can expect from each type of web design provider—and how to know which one fits your business best.
Freelancer
A freelance web designer handles your project from start to finish. You’ll often get a more personal experience and a lower price point—but you may miss out on extras like strategy, copywriting, or long-term support.
A freelancer is a good fit if:
- You’re newer in business (1–3 years)
- You have a smaller budget
- Your project is simple (like a one-page site or small updates)
- You already have branding and copy ready
- You want a close, collaborative experience
Agency
A web design agency brings a full team, from designers and developers to copywriters and strategists. Agencies can be fantastic for complex or enterprise-level projects, but for most small businesses, they’re usually overkill.
An agency is a good fit if:
- You need a complex or large-scale site
- You have a bigger budget
- You want everything handled under one roof
- You’re okay working through a project manager instead of directly with your designer
Studio
A design studio offers the best of both worlds: agency-level quality with a more personal experience. You’ll work directly with your web design strategist so every project gets individualized attention and premium quality—all without an overcomplicated process or cost.
A studio is a great fit if:
- You’re a growing small business ready to invest in results
- You want a designer who’s also a strategist
- You prefer collaboration over corporate processes
- You value long-term partnership and support
💡 Did you know Luma Liz is a web design studio that works with small businesses? Check out our small business web design services to see if we’d be a good fit for you.
Red Flags to Avoid
It’s easier than ever for someone to call themselves a web designer online—which makes it tricky for small business owners to know who to trust. Here are a few warning signs that might signal a disappointing experience.
🚩 Unusually cheap rates
If the price seems unusually low, there’s usually a reason. Rates that fall far below what most professional designers charge often mean the project is being rushed, outsourced, or handled by someone still learning. You might save money upfront, but you’ll likely spend more fixing it later.
🚩 No strategy
If your designer doesn’t ask questions about your goals, audience, or messaging, that’s a problem. A strong website starts with strategy (not just visuals) so you end up with something that actually helps your business grow.
🚩 “Free copywriting”
If copywriting is included for free, it’s usually auto-generated or pulled from generic templates. AI tools can be helpful, but your website copy still needs a professional to make it sound clear, compelling, and true to your voice. You can learn more about our website copywriting services here →
🚩 No portfolio or reviews
If you can’t find examples of past work or client testimonials, there might be a reason why. 👀 Strong designers are proud to show their work and share real client feedback. You can view my portfolio here →
🚩 Poor communication
If it’s hard to get a response before you even start, imagine how it’ll feel once the project is underway. Clear, timely communication is one of the best indicators of a smooth, professional experience.
How to Hire a Web Designer
If you’re ready to hire a web designer, the best approach is to plan ahead so you know exactly what you need, what to ask, and what to expect. Here’s a simple process to help you find the right fit for your small business:
- Outline your needs
Decide what pages and features you’ll need (Home, About, Services, Contact, appointment scheduler, blog etc.). The clearer your vision, the more accurate your proposals will be.
- Set your budget and timeline
Most small business websites cost $6,500–$15,000 and take 6–12 weeks to complete. Knowing your budget range and whether your deadline is flexible helps designers recommend the best web design package.
- Research and compare
Look at portfolios, reviews, and pricing structures (and keep an eye out for red flags! 🚩). You should be able to tell from their website if their work and values line up with yours.
- Ask the right questions
Before you sign, ask things like:
• What’s included (and what’s not)?
• Who writes the content?
• Will I own my domain and website?
• How do communication and revisions work?
- Sign the contract and pay your deposit
Before moving forward, make sure everything that’s being delivered is clearly outlined in writing. Most designers will require a signed agreement and deposit to secure your spot, so make sure to pay promptly.
How Much Do Small Business Web Design Services Cost?
The cost of small business web design services depends on your goals, the size of your website, and how custom you want your website to be. In 2025, most small business websites land somewhere between $6,500 and $15,000, with ongoing maintenance as a separate investment.
What Affects Pricing
If you’re getting a handful of quotes and one of them is much higher, don’t panic! It most likely means the designer’s process or deliverables are different. What matters most is that you know exactly what’s included before you sign.
Here are a few things that can affect your website cost:
- Number of pages and features
- Whether copywriting and SEO are included
- Strategy and research time
- Custom design vs. template setup
- Ongoing support and updates
Website Ownership & Maintenance
Before you sign a contract, think about how hands-on or hands-off you want to be with your website once it’s live. For small businesses that need frequent updates but don’t have the extra manpower, working with a designer who offers ongoing maintenance can be a huge help.
If you decide to go with a company that provides web management, make sure you understand what their agreement includes. Some companies limit your access or require you to forfeit parts of the design, which can make updates more complicated and costly than you’d expect. If you plan to make changes later, such as a redesign or bringing updates in-house, be sure your contract clearly states that you’ll retain full ownership of your website and its design.
Is Affordable Website Design Possible for Small Businesses?
Affordable website design for small businesses is possible—just keep in mind that if you’re hoping to lower costs, you’ll need to balance what you want with what you really need. When you set a realistic budget, a good designer will help you find that balance, creating a web design package that supports your long-term growth (and works with your budget).
Transform Your Online Presence with Strategic Web Design
Is your website making a first impression that’s… lacking? If you are a small business looking to invest in web design services, I’d love to chat.
At Luma Liz, our approach blends strategy, StoryBrand messaging, and SEO best practices. With your ideal client in mind, we’ll design a refreshing and effortless online experience that gets people excited to work with you.
Our best-fit clients:
- Want a website that performs as beautifully as it looks
- Value strategy and messaging as much as design
- Prefer a collaborative, hands-on process
If that sounds like you, let’s connect! Reach out here to start your project →
About the Author
Emma Hubanks is the founder + Web Design Strategist at Luma Liz, a web design studio transforming how established service providers show up online. With 11 years of experience in marketing, creative direction, and strategic design, she combines the proven StoryBrand framework with premium web design to help businesses become unforgettable in their markets.
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