The True Cost of a Website: Freelancer vs Agency vs Subscription
Introduction
In 2025, the question isn't "Do I need a website?" — it's "What's the smartest way to get one without overpaying?" With the digital marketplace more competitive than ever, small business owners and entrepreneurs are faced with three main options:
- Hire a freelancer
- Work with a web agency
- Use a website subscription service
Each has its pros and cons, but when you factor in cost, time, and ongoing support, one option is standing out in 2025: Affordable subscription models.
1. Freelancer Websites – Custom but Inconsistent
Hiring a freelancer often feels appealing because of the customization and personal touch they can provide. You can negotiate your design, get unique branding, and have flexibility in communication.
However, the challenges in 2025 are bigger than before:
- Rising Rates: Experienced web freelancers are charging between $1,500 – $5,000 for a small business site.
- Time Delays: Many work with multiple clients at once, leading to extended timelines.
- Limited Support: Once the project is done, ongoing edits, security updates, or hosting are often billed separately — if they're offered at all.
📉 Bottom Line: Freelancers are great for one-off creative projects, but not ideal if you want ongoing support at a predictable cost.
2. Agency Websites – Full Service, Big Price Tag
Web agencies in 2025 are positioning themselves as all-in-one providers. They handle strategy, design, development, and sometimes marketing.
But there's a catch:
- High Upfront Costs: Even a small agency project can start at $3,000 – $10,000+.
- Ongoing Retainers: Monthly maintenance packages often range from $200 – $1,000.
- Slower Turnaround: Multiple internal processes can drag projects into weeks or months.
📉 Bottom Line: Agencies deliver quality but often over-serve (and overcharge) for small business needs.
3. Subscription Websites – The Best of Both Worlds
The website subscription model has exploded in popularity in 2025, offering the customization of a freelancer with the full-service support of an agency — but for a fraction of the price.
And Siteady is leading the charge.
Why Siteady's Subscription Wins in 2025
- ✔ Tailored Prices: Pick what you need and pay only for it — no surprises. Starting from just $19.99/month.
- ✔ Managed for You, Always: A dedicated site manager keeps your site running 24/7, so you can focus on growing your business.
- ✔ Everything You Need: Website, tools to grow, domain, business email, and full management — all included.
- ✔ Lightning Fast: Your website is live in less than 5 days. Guaranteed.
Compared to freelancers and agencies:
| Feature | Freelancer | Agency | Siteady Subscription |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upfront Cost | $1,500 – $5,000 | $3,000 – $10,000+ | $0 |
| Monthly Cost | $0 – $300+ (optional) | $200 – $1,000 | From $19.99 |
| Delivery Time | 2 – 6 weeks | 4 – 12 weeks | Under 5 days |
| Ongoing Support | Limited / Extra Cost | Included in retainer | Included |
| Customization | High | High | High |
| Hosting + Management | Often separate | Often separate | Included |
Real-World Example: 2025 Market Pricing
In August 2025, the average small business website cost in the U.S. and Europe:
- Freelancer: $3,200 upfront, $100/month for hosting and updates
- Agency: $6,800 upfront, $450/month for support.
- Siteady: $19.99/month - $99.99/month with pricing based exactly on what you need.
That means over 3 years, you could be saving over $6,000 by choosing Siteady — without sacrificing quality or support.
Conclusion: Why Pay More?
Websites aren't just about launching — they're about maintaining and growing. In 2025, Siteady's subscription model is proving to be the smartest investment for entrepreneurs, startups, and small businesses.
✅ No huge upfront bill. ✅ Fully managed service. ✅ Affordable monthly cost.
Your website, your way — without the financial headache.
Ready to get your website without overpaying?
Visit Siteady and start from just $19.99/month — have your website live in less than 5 days.