Lower End (~$2,500 - $3,500): A very clean, template-based (but customized) design from a skilled freelancer or a very small agency. The process will be efficient, but design customization may be limited.
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Mid-Range (~$3,500 - $5,000): The most common range for this project. You get a more custom design, better branding integration, and a more hands-on, strategic partnership. This is often the "sweet spot" for NJ small businesses.

Higher End ($5,000+): For a highly custom design, exceptional copywriting, advanced SEO setup, premium plugins, or complex integrations. Also, more established small agencies in higher-cost areas will be in this range.

1. Strategy & Planning (5-10% of cost): Discovery call(s) to understand your business, goals, and competitors. Planning the site structure (the 5 tabs) and user flow. This is crucial for effectiveness.

2. Design & User Experience (UX) (25-35% of cost):Custom design mockups (usually for homepage and one interior page).Ensuring the site looks professional, reflects your brand, and works perfectly on mobile (responsive design).Selecting fonts, colors, and creating a visual style.

3. Development & Build (35-45% of cost):Actually building the site, typically on a platform like WordPress (most common and recommended for flexibility) or webflow. Creating the contact form with proper spam protection and email routing. Ensuring fast loading speeds and technical SEO basics. Basic on-page SEO (title tags, meta descriptions, clean code).

4. Content & Assets (Variable Cost): This is a major cost driver. Who provides the text and images? You provide all text/photos: Lower cost.They help write/rewrite your copy: Adds $500 - $2,000+.They source/professionally shoot photos: Adds $500 - $3,000+.

5. Project Management & Communication (15-20% of cost):The time spent emailing, having calls, providing feedback, and managing the project smoothly. This is the "nimble service" you're paying for.

6. Training, Launch, & Hand-off (5-10% of cost):Basic training on how to update the site (if customer desires). Launching the site on your live domain. Providing documentation.

Domain & Hosting: This is typically NOT included in the design quote and is an annual recurring cost (for modestius we include it!).Domain: ~$15/year.

Hosting: Reliable, quality, managed Webflow hosting for a small site: $300-600/year

SSL Certificate (Non-negotiable): Essential for security ("https://"). Often included with quality hosting.

Maintenance & Updates (Optional but Highly Recommended): After launch, websites need updates for security and software. Some developers offer a monthly retainer for updates, backups, and security monitoring.

Contact Form Compliance: Ensure your contact form and any data handling are set up with privacy in mind. While a simple site may not need a complex GDPR/CCPA setup, your developer should know best practices.

To get an accurate quote and avoid surprises, ask these questions:

"Is this a custom design, or will you customize a pre-made template?"

"What platform will you build it on (WordPress, Webflow, other)? Why?"

"What is included in the quoted price? Please break down the phases."

"How do you handle website hosting and domain setup?""Who is responsible for writing the text and providing images?"

"Do you include any basic SEO setup?"

"What is your process for revisions and feedback?"

"Do you provide training and documentation after launch?"

"What are the ongoing costs after launch (hosting, maintenance)?"

Recommendation for a Small Business:
‍Aim for the $3,500 - $4,500 range with a small agency or experienced freelancer. At this price, you should expect:
- A custom, mobile-friendly design.Build on WordPress (so you own it and can easily find help later).
- Clear communication and a structured process.
- Basic SEO and security setup.
- Training on how to make simple updates.insecure, or you can't update it yourself.