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How Much Does a Website Actually Cost?

Have you ever wondered how much it would cost to launch your very own website? You're not alone. As more businesses make the leap to the digital world, the question of website costs becomes increasingly important. And let's face it, navigating the complex maze of website design and development pricing can be quite a challenge - even daunting at times. Thatโ€™s why in this article, weโ€™ll show you exactly how much it cost to build a website and reveal hidden fees you need to be aware of before you build your website.
A foldable tablet displaying a vibrant wellness website featuring citrus fruits and supplement products.

Letโ€™s be honest:
Youโ€™re not here because you want a website.
Youโ€™re here because you want a brand that looks the part, sells like a machine, and makes you proud to drop the link in your Instagram bio.

But how much does that cost?

At Aesthetic Studios, website packages start at $8,997. But before your eyebrows shoot up, letโ€™s unpack what that actually includes – because spoiler alert: itโ€™s so much more than a homepage and a contact form.

A Quick Reality Check

A website isnโ€™t just a digital business card. Itโ€™s your pitch, your sales team, your brand story and your first impression – all rolled into one sleek little package.

So no, this isnโ€™t a quick Wix job from your cousinโ€™s ex who โ€œknows a bit of codeโ€.

Youโ€™re here because you want it done right. And that means doing the groundwork.

Step 1: Ideation & Discovery (AKA the Interrogation Phase)

This is where the magic starts. We host a workshop thatโ€™s part strategy session, part therapy.

Weโ€™ll ask you a ridiculous number of questions about your business. Like, really personal ones. How do you want to be seen? What are your customers afraid of? Where are the gaps between what youโ€™re saying and what theyโ€™re hearing?

Itโ€™s invasive for a reason – we canโ€™t build a site that works without knowing what makes your brand tick.

What Youโ€™ll Get:

  • Consumer Persona Deep Dive: Psychographics, behaviours, fears, goals – we break down your dream client like a true-crime documentary (minus the creepy music).
  • StoryBrand Messaging Guide: Based on Donald Millerโ€™s StoryBrand framework, this doc gives you a crystal-clear message. Itโ€™s the strategic engine behind every word and design choice.

Step 2: Wireframes That Work

Next up, we map your site out in Figma. And we donโ€™t just mean the obvious stuff – weโ€™re talking every single page: 404s, blog post templates, thank you pages, all of it.

Why It Matters:

  • We analyse your real user data (Google Analytics, heatmaps, etc)
  • We talk to your sales team to understand customer pain points
  • We plan user journeys to answer key questions and drive conversions

We also craft your sitemap based on user behaviour and data insights – not guesswork. Itโ€™s like GPS for your siteโ€™s content.

Step 3: Copywriting That Sounds Like You

Once the wireframes are good to go, we move onto copy. But this isnโ€™t just a one way content drop – we co-create your website messaging together inside the Figma file.

You bring your expert voice, we bring the clarity, tone and conversion psychology. Together, we make your message unmissable.

Itโ€™s all built on your StoryBrand strategy, of course. (Read about how that works here.)

Step 4: UI Design That Actually Feels Like You

While the structure is being shaped, our design team is secretly building your dream look behind the scenes.

Want scrolling effects, animations, something wild you saw on Awwwards? Weโ€™ve got you. WordPress gives us flexibility to go hard. (Shopify or Squarespace? Weโ€™ll work creatively within the limits.)

And donโ€™t worry – we guide you through every design decision. No โ€œdesignyโ€ jargon. Just support and direction from people who get your mission.

Step 5: Development

Now we bring the whole thing to life.

Responsive, fast, secure, and SEO-ready – we donโ€™t mess around when it comes to the build. Whether itโ€™s a straightforward service site or something complex with booking systems and product templates, we get it done.

Extras? Always.

Every Aesthetic Studios site comes with these juicy inclusions:

  • Domain & Plugin Support: Confused by hosting, DNS or plugins? Weโ€™ll handle it.
  • Speed Optimisation: No oneโ€™s waiting 5 seconds for your homepage to load. We make sure it flies. (Unlike ours though, we like fancy 3D interactive elements)
  • Design Direction: We help guide the look and feel – ongoing.
  • Coaching & Support: From launch help to ongoing advice, weโ€™re not the ghosting type.

What You Get for $8,997

This package is perfect for small-to-midsize businesses, and includes:

  • Homepage
  • 1 – 2 service pages
  • About page
  • Contact page
  • Blog overview + article template
  • 404 & 505 pages
  • Thank you page
  • Pricing page
  • Calendar booking page
  • Product page template OR case study template

Bigger site in mind? Custom builds, eCommerce, membership functionality, complex integrations or big content-heavy projects can head upwards of $30,000+. Weโ€™ll scope it out based on what you need – no nasty surprises.

TL;DR?

Youโ€™re not buying a โ€œwebsite.โ€ Youโ€™re investing in:

  • A proven conversion based strategy
  • A collaborative, guided process
  • Design that reflects your brand (and looks ๐Ÿ”ฅ)
  • Copy that connects and converts
  • Tech thatโ€™s fast, smooth and scalable
  • Support that actually shows up when you need it

If youโ€™re serious about your business, your brand and your growth – this is where you build it properly.

Ready to make your website your best sales tool?
Letโ€™s chat.

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