"How much does a website cost?" is the first question almost every business owner asks us. The honest answer is: it depends on what you need. This guide breaks down real website pricing in Canada so you can budget with confidence and avoid paying for things you don't need.
The two ways to pay for a website
In Canada, small business websites are usually sold in one of two ways:
- One-time build: you pay a designer or agency a fixed price to create the site, then pay separately for hosting, your domain, maintenance and any changes.
- Monthly plan: you pay a flat monthly fee that covers the design, hosting, SSL security and support. There is little or no large payment upfront.
Neither is "better". A monthly plan is easier on cash flow and keeps everything in one place. A one-time custom build makes sense when you need special features, integrations or a fully unique design.
Typical website prices by type
| Type of website | What it usually includes | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Starter business site (about 5 pages) | Home, about, services, gallery, contact form, Google Map | Local services, new businesses |
| Growth site (7 to 11 pages) | More pages, SEO setup, keyword research, email automation | Businesses that want customers from Google |
| Ordering, booking or online store | Online ordering, reservations or bookings, payments, coupons | Restaurants, salons, retailers, service bookings |
| Custom web application | Customer portals, dashboards, integrations with your systems | Businesses with unique processes |
The bigger and more custom the site, the higher the price. Most small businesses do not need a custom application on day one. A clean, fast site that makes it easy to call, book or buy brings in most of the value.
What affects the price of a website?
1. Number of pages
Each page needs design, content and testing. A 5-page site costs less than a 15-page site. Start with the pages your customers actually need, and add more later.
2. Features
Online ordering, booking systems, payments, member logins and coupon codes add development time. Ask yourself which features will directly bring in revenue, and prioritise those.
3. Custom design vs template
A design created around your brand stands out, but takes longer than adapting an existing layout. A good agency will balance both so you get a professional look within budget.
4. SEO and content
A site nobody finds doesn't make money. Basic SEO setup, keyword research and on-page optimization help you appear in Google searches like "plumber in Markham" or "Thai food near me".
5. Ongoing care
Websites need hosting, security updates, backups and small changes over time. Make sure you know who handles this and what it costs.
Hidden costs to ask about before you sign
- Domain name registration and yearly renewal
- Hosting and SSL certificate (the padlock in the browser)
- Business email, like you@yourbusiness.ca
- Paid plugins, themes or software licences
- Hourly rates for changes after launch
- Who owns the website and content if you leave
Tip: ask every provider for one total price for the first year, including setup, hosting, domain and support. It's the easiest way to compare quotes fairly.
How our website plans compare
At Six Side Media we keep pricing simple: one flat monthly price in Canadian dollars, plus a one-time $30 setup and maintenance fee. Every plan includes responsive design, free SSL, a contact form, Google Map, social media and WhatsApp integration and basic SEO.
- Starter, from $14.99/month: 5 pages, ready in 3 to 5 business days. Starter Plus adds a free domain, admin panel and business email.
- Advanced, from $24.99/month: 7 pages with keyword research, on-page SEO and automated email. Advanced Plus adds an online ordering, restaurant or booking app.
- Premium, from $34.99/month: 11 pages with secure online payments, coupon codes, an event calendar and a monthly SEO report.
You can upgrade whenever your business needs more, and cancel whenever you like. See the full comparison on our pricing page.
How to choose the right option
- Write down your goal. More calls? More bookings? Online sales? Your goal decides the features.
- List the pages you need. Most local businesses need 5 to 7 to start.
- Set a monthly budget, not just a launch budget. Include hosting, care and marketing.
- Look at the provider's past work. Ask for real websites they've built, like our portfolio.
- Plan for growth. Choose an option you can upgrade without starting over.
Not sure what you need? Tell us about your business and we'll recommend the plan that gives you the most value for your budget, for free.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a basic small business website cost in Canada?
A basic 5-page business website can cost anywhere from a low monthly fee to a few thousand dollars as a one-time build, depending on who builds it and what is included. Our plans start at $14.99 CAD/month for a 5-page responsive website, plus a one-time $30 setup fee.
Is a monthly website plan better than paying once?
A monthly plan spreads the cost, and usually includes hosting, SSL, updates and support, so there are fewer surprise bills. A one-time build gives you more freedom to customize but you pay separately for hosting, maintenance and changes. Many small businesses start monthly and move to a custom build as they grow.
What hidden costs should I watch for?
Ask about domain renewal, hosting, SSL certificates, business email, plugin or software licences, maintenance, security updates and the hourly rate for changes after launch.
How long does it take to build a small business website?
A simple site can be ready in a few business days once your content is ready. Our Starter plan is ready in 3 to 5 business days, Advanced in 5 to 8 and Premium in 7 to 10.
Six Side Media is a Markham-based team with 12+ years of experience helping businesses across Toronto and Canada grow online. Get a free consultation and a clear plan for your project.
