I just wanted a website for my Business, but the Agency quoted me $100K—Why?

If you’ve ever reached out to a web agency for a business website and received a shockingly high quote—maybe even six figures—you’re probably wondering: Why does a website cost so much?

Let’s break down what goes into these high quotes and whether you really need to spend that much.

1. Are You Asking for a Website or a Digital Platform?

   When you say, “I need a website,” agencies might assume you want more than just a simple online presence. Many businesses today need:

   • Custom design & branding – Not just a template, but a unique, strategic design.
   • Custom development – Features like memberships, e-commerce, or integrations.
   • SEO & marketing strategy – A website without traffic won’t help your business.

   If all you need is a basic website with 5–10 pages, you don’t need a $100K solution.

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2. Custom Development vs. Templates

   Websites can range from $500 DIY solutions to $100K+ enterprise platforms depending on complexity.

   • Basic template site (WordPress, Wix, Shopify, etc.) → $1K – $5K
   • Semi-custom site (using a theme with modifications) → $5K – $20K
   • Fully custom site (built from scratch with custom coding) → $30K – $100K+

   Many agencies focus on high-end custom builds, which are expensive but sometimes unnecessary.

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3. Who’s Doing the Work?

   A high quote often includes:

   • Developers ($75–$250/hour) for coding
   • Designers ($50–$150/hour) for UI/UX
   • Project Managers to keep things on track
   • Marketing & SEO Experts to make sure your site gets found

   If you’re working with a big agency, overhead costs can also drive up pricing.

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4. Functionality & Integrations
   
   The more complex your website is, the more it costs. Ask yourself:
   • Do I need custom software or integrations (CRM, API connections, etc.)?
   • Do I need e-commerce with thousands of products?
   • Do I need advanced security or compliance (HIPAA, GDPR, etc.)?

These features can quickly increase costs.

You might not need a $100K website—but understanding where those costs come from can help you make the right choice for your business.