Are you planning to take your business online and launch a website? Before you do that, let me tell you that many business owners overestimate what they need and underestimate what it should cost. Some hold off for too long, thinking it’ll drain their budget. Others jump in too fast with the cheapest option and regret it later.
Here’s the truth: you don’t need the flashiest design to succeed but you do need something functional and made with care. That’s where cheap website designers come in but you have to know what you’re getting.
According to a study, 59% of Australian small businesses still don’t have a website. That’s a missed opportunity, especially when affordable options are out there.
Source: GoDaddy
In this guide, I’ll walk you through what different website designers charge in Australia, what affects the pricing and how to get real value without wasting your money. Read on!
DIY vs Cheap Website Designers
I’ve seen plenty of business owners try to cut corners by building their own websites. It might feel like the cheaper option upfront, but many end up frustrated or rebuilding from scratch. That’s why it’s worth knowing when cheap website designers are a smarter choice from the beginning.
How Much DIY Platforms Actually Cost?
If you’re using platforms like Wix or Shopify, the base plans start around $15 a month. But add a domain, apps and premium templates, and you’re quickly spending over $600 per year. While it’s still affordable, it’s nowhere near free and the hours you’ll spend learning and fixing things add up fast. Unlike hiring cheap website designers, DIY means you’re on your own for setup and updates.
What’s Missing in Low-cost Website Builders?
DIY builders are fine for basic designs but they don’t give you the freedom or flexibility you’ll need later. There’s limited control over SEO, mobile optimisation and page speed. You might think it’s good web design, but if it loads slow or isn’t responsive, users will drop off. That’s why web design services from a pro are often worth it, even on a tight budget.
When Should You Hire a Web Designer?
If your business relies on leads, sales or visibility, hire someone who’s done it before. Cheap website designers know how to set things up so your customers get what they need fast. You’ll get responsive design, SEO basics and peace of mind. A good web design company gives your business more than just a page as it gives you a tool that works.
Price Breakdown by Website Type
Not every website needs the same setup or price tag. Over the years, I’ve seen everything from $500 one-pagers to $30,000 full eCommerce builds. It all comes down to how much you need the website to do. If you’re working with cheap website designers, here’s a realistic guide to what your money gets you. To understand the pricing better, take a look at the table below:
| Website Type | Estimated Cost (AUD) | What You Get |
| Basic 1–5 Page Website | $500 – $1,500 | Static pages, contact form, responsive layout, some SEO |
| Small Business Website | $1,500 – $3,000 | Services pages, basic SEO, mobile-friendly design, faster hosting |
| WordPress Website (Standard) | $2,500 – $6,000 | Custom layout, SEO setup, CMS training, plugins and blog |
| eCommerce Website (Basic) | $3,000 – $7,000 | Product pages, cart integration, payment setup, shipping tools |
| Advanced/Custom Website | $7,000 – $15,000+ | Custom functions, CRM integration, booking forms, client logins |
What Influences Website Design Costs?
It’s one thing to ask what a website costs. It’s another to understand why. I’ve seen projects range from a few hundred dollars to well over ten grand, all depending on what goes into it. Even when working with cheap website designers, a few key factors will affect what you pay and they are:
The Type of Website You Need
A simple website with a few pages is faster to build and easier to manage. But if you’re after something like eCommerce web design with product filtering, payment systems and stock control, you’ll need more time and a bigger budget. That’s why web design companies charge based on complexity, not just page count.
Custom Design vs Templates
If you’re happy to use a pre-designed layout, you’ll save a lot. Many web designers use templates to speed things up for budget-conscious businesses. But if you want full control over layout and branding, that takes extra planning and coding. Some clients start with templates and upgrade later.
Number of Pages and Features
More pages mean more content, images and formatting. Add features like quote forms, booking calendars or third-party integrations, and costs go up. A small website is one thing. A 50-page responsive web design with lead capture and dashboards is another story entirely.
SEO and Performance Add-ons
A lot of cheap websites skip SEO. If you want to rank on Google, expect to pay extra. Many web design firms now include basic keyword optimisation, image compression and faster hosting in their packages but it’s worth asking what’s actually included.
Hosting, Domain and Aftercare
Even if you use cheap website designers, you’ll still need to pay for hosting and your domain name. These usually cost around $100–$300 a year. Ongoing support or updates may cost more if you’re not on a maintenance plan. Some web design agencies offer support for the first month as part of the package.
What to Expect from Cheap Website Designers?
Not every business has thousands to spend upfront, and that’s where cheap website designers come in. I’ve worked with plenty of them over the years, some offer great value, others cut too many corners. Knowing what to expect makes all the difference.
What’s Usually Included
Most budget designers provide the essentials: a clean homepage, 3–5 core pages, a mobile-friendly layout and a contact form. You might also get basic SEO setup, Google Maps integration and access to a CMS like WordPress. If you’re working with a web design agency, make sure this is all included in your base quote.
Where Things Often Fall Short
Don’t expect a full strategy. A lot of web designs at the lower end miss the mark on performance, load speed or proper structure. You may need to add features like advanced contact forms, popups or social feeds later. Without clear communication, you could end up doing double the work.
Red Flags to Avoid
If someone quotes under $400 for a full build, ask how long they’ve been doing this and what’s included. I’ve seen businesses pay for a “finished” job that didn’t even have mobile responsiveness or SSL installed. If they can’t show you working examples of good web page design, that’s a sign to move on.
This is where the best options often stand out as they know how to work within a budget without cutting the essentials. If someone offers unlimited revisions or a five-day turnaround without a clear plan, that’s usually too good to be true.
Cost Comparison: Cheap vs Custom Builds
Not every business needs a high-end custom website. At the same time, going too cheap can backfire if the end result doesn’t support your goals. I’ve worked with both ends of the spectrum, and the differences come down to what you get and what it can do.
| Feature | Cheap Website Designers | Custom Web Design Agencies |
| Cost Range (AUD) | $500 – $3,000 | $7,000 – $30,000+ |
| Design Approach | Templates or minor layout edits | Built from scratch around your business |
| SEO & Speed Optimisation | Basic (if included) | Fully optimised for performance and rankings |
| Mobile Responsiveness | Usually included but not always tested | Fully tested across devices |
| Add-on Features | Limited or extra cost | Custom features like booking tools, CRM, live chat |
| Support After Launch | Often minimal or none | Ongoing maintenance and updates |
How to Choose One of the Best Cheap Website Designers Without Risks?
Just because you’re hiring cheap website designers doesn’t mean you should take chances. I’ve seen too many business owners waste money on rushed jobs or unfinished work. If you follow a few simple steps, you can get a solid website without risk or regret.
- Be Cautious: If someone quotes under $500 for a full build but can’t show live examples, be careful. Avoid anyone who doesn’t offer a clear scope, timeline or payment terms. Some promise fast delivery but disappear after launch. A proper web design company will always be upfront even at lower prices.
- As Questions: Ask what happens after the website goes live. Will they help with changes or updates? Do you get access to the backend? Who owns the domain? These small details matter. A good website developer in Melbourne will have these things sorted from the start.
- Learn How to Get More for Less: Start with a short list of features you actually need. Focus on structure, responsiveness and SEO. The best cheap website designers will help you get there without overselling extras. A clear plan saves time and avoids the kind of mistakes that cost more later.
FAQs About Working with Cheap Website Designers
Do I need to pay extra for images or content?
Yes, usually. Most cheap website designers only include layout and basic structure. You’ll need to provide written content and images. If you want help with that, expect to pay extra for photography or copywriting services.
Can I edit my website myself after it’s finished?
In most cases, yes. If your website is built using platforms like WordPress or Shopify, you can log in and make basic changes. Just ask your web designer to show you how to update pages or add blog posts.
What if my business grows and I need more features?
That’s common. A good designer will build a site that’s easy to expand later. You can always upgrade with things like booking systems, live chat or SEO. Many clients start with a small company web page design and build on it later.
Can I get support if something goes wrong?
It depends on the agreement. Some web design agencies offer 30-day support after launch, while others charge hourly for updates. Ask in advance what kind of post-launch help is included so you’re not caught off guard.
Final Thoughts on Finding Cheap Website Designers That Deliver
There’s no shortage of people offering cheap websites. The real challenge is finding someone who can do it right the first time. I’ve seen businesses lose money and not because they spent too much, but because they settled for less and had to rebuild later.
If you’re on a budget, you don’t need to settle for low quality. You just need someone who understands what works and what doesn’t. That’s exactly what we do at PrintVideoWeb. We help small businesses get online with websites that are fast, mobile-friendly and easy to manage. Our cheap website design services in Melbourne are built for businesses that want results without wasting time or money.
