If you’ve ever wondered, “Can I afford costs to run a website?” you’re not alone. For many small business owners, the idea of adding a website feels like adding another big bill.

But the truth is that the cost to run a website in 2025 is smaller than most people think and when done right, your website actually pays you back.

In this guide, we’ll break down the real costs of running a ShowIt website, explain where your money goes, and show you why it might be the smartest business expense you make this year. In fact, understanding the cost to run a website is crucial before starting.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO RUN A WEBSITE IN 2025?

The average ShowIt website costs between $34–$44 per month to run, plus a $12–$20 annual fee for your domain name. If you hire a designer, expect additional upfront design and setup fees that can range from $500 to $5,000+, depending on customization. Considering these, the total cost to really run a website depends significantly on these choices.

Here’s the breakdown:

• DOMAIN NAME — your web address, like YourBusiness.com.
  💰 Cost: $12–$20/year
• SHOWIT SUBSCRIPTION — the platform your site lives on.
  💰 Cost: $19–$34/month
• SHOWIT & BLOG (WordPress integration) — if you want a blog.
  💰 Cost: $34–$44/month
• SSL (security certificate) — included with ShowIt.
  💰 Cost: $0
• DESIGN & SETUP — one-time cost if you hire a designer (ranges from simple templates to full custom builds)
  💰 Cost: $500–$5,000+
• ONGOING MAINTENANCE — covers updates, small tweaks, backups, and troubleshooting. You can DIY or hire someone to manage it.
  💰 Cost: $50–$150/month if outsourced

“FREE” SOCIAL MEDIA ISN’T REALLY FREE

Many business owners skip a website because they already use Instagram or Facebook. While social media might seem cost-effective at first, the real cost to run a website is often smaller than people expect and the long-term benefits are much greater.

Here’s the catch:

• You don’t own those platforms.
• Your reach depends on unpredictable algorithms.
• To grow, you usually end up paying for ads.

A website is different: you own it, control it, and set the rules. And unlike social media, your website can bring in clients through Google without paying for every click.

THE INVESTMENT VS. THE RETURN

Quick Answer:
Even a modest ShowIt website can pay for itself with just one new client per year.

Example:

• Setup/design: $800 (one-time).
• ShowIt subscription with blog: $34/month ($408/year).
• Domain: $20/year.
  Total first year cost: ~$1,228.

If your average client project is worth $1,200 or more, your site has already paid for itself with one booking. After that, it’s profit. Calculating your site’s costs accurately helps you see the return on investment.

A website builds trust, makes you easier to find, and works for you 24/7. Think beyond “just a business card online.” Instead, think of your website as your hardest-working employee.

HIDDEN WEBSITE COSTS TO WATCH FOR

Quick Answer:
The biggest hidden costs of running a website are security fixes, premium plugins, and redesign needs.

For ShowIt, the platform covers most of the heavy lifting (hosting, security, SSL). But small business owners should budget for:

• Premium fonts or plugins — $20–$200/year.
• Custom domain email (Google Workspace, etc.) — $6–$12/month.
• Redesign every 3–5 years — $2,000–$10,000 depending on scope.

HOW TO BUDGET FOR WEBSITE COSTS IN 2025

Quick Answer:
Plan to spend $500–$1,500 per year on your ShowIt website, plus one-time design fees if you hire a professional. Make sure to factor in all aspects to accurately assess the cost to run a website for budgeting.

Tips to keep costs manageable:

• Start simple — you can grow into advanced features later.
• Prioritize essentials — domain, subscription, and basic maintenance.
• Refresh strategically — a redesign every 3–5 years costs less than constant patchwork.

FAQs ABOUT WEBSITE COSTS

READY TO SEE WHAT YOUR WEBSITE WOULD COST?

The cost to run a website in 2025 is smaller than most people think and the benefits are bigger than most people realize. For less than the price of daily coffee runs, your ShowIt website can bring in clients, showcase your work, and give your business the credibility it deserves.

Ready to find out what your website would cost? Explore my Website Design Services page. Rates are currently 40% off.