The short answer
| Option | Upfront | Monthly | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| DIY builder (Squarespace, Wix) | $0 | $19 to $99 | Brand-new businesses testing an idea |
| Subscription website companies | $0 to $500 | $199 to $499+ | Owners who want it handled but accept a template and a contract |
| Freelancer | $1,800 to $5,500 | $0 to $150 | Simple brochure sites |
| Local agency | $4,000 to $12,000+ | $75 to $200 maintenance; SEO often $1,000+ | Established businesses wanting a custom design |
| Custom site + back office (Ometz) | $5,000 to $20,000+ | $300 to $1,500 | Businesses that want the site and the system that runs the business |
Ranges are compiled from published San Antonio agency guides and vendor pricing pages as of 2026. Individual quotes vary.
What drives the price
- Custom design vs template. A template is cheaper to start and harder to make stand out.
- Number of pages. Service and location pages are what rank, and each one takes writing.
- Functionality. Booking, payments, client logins and lead management are where costs climb.
- Copywriting and photography. Often quoted separately.
- Bilingual content. Spanish pages written properly, not machine-translated.
The monthly costs people forget
Hosting, SSL, backups, security updates, plugin licenses, form tools, scheduling apps, CRM seats, texting fees and the hourly rate for "small changes" add up. A $3,000 site can easily cost $300 or more a month once you add the tools needed to run the business behind it. Ask every vendor what is included monthly and what is billed separately.
Questions to ask before you hire anyone
- Do I own my domain, content and data? Can I leave with them?
- What happens to the site if I cancel?
- Is there a contract term or early-cancellation fee?
- How fast does the site load on a phone? Can you show me?
- Where do my leads go, and how will I know when one comes in?
- How many update hours are included each month?
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