If you're a Melbourne business owner looking at getting a new website (or rebuilding an old one), the first question is usually: how much is this going to cost me?
The honest answer? It depends. But not in the vague, unhelpful way most agencies say it. Let's break it down properly.
The short answer
| Website type | Typical range | What you get |
|---|
| Basic business site (5–10 pages) | $3,000–$8,000 | Professional design, mobile responsive, contact forms, basic SEO setup |
| Custom business site (10–20 pages) | $8,000–$20,000 | Custom design, blog, integrations, SEO-optimised, CMS training |
| Ecommerce site | $12,000–$35,000 | Product catalogue, payment processing, inventory management, shipping |
| Custom web application | $25,000–$80,000+ | Bespoke functionality, API integrations, user accounts, dashboards |
These are real Melbourne ranges in AUD based on what agencies and freelancers actually charge in 2026.
What you actually get at each price point
Under $5,000 — The starter site
At this level, you're typically getting a template-based site with your branding applied. It'll look professional, work on mobile, and have the basics — home, about, services, contact. Perfect for businesses that just need an online presence and aren't relying on their website for leads.
$5,000–$15,000 — The growth site
This is where most Melbourne businesses should be investing. Custom design, proper SEO foundations, a blog, integrations with your CRM or booking system. The site is built to convert visitors into customers, not just look pretty. You'll get a content management system you can actually use, training on how to update things yourself, and usually 3–6 months of support.
$15,000–$35,000 — The serious site
Ecommerce stores, membership portals, sites with complex functionality. Custom design, multiple page templates, advanced integrations, performance optimisation. At this level, you're getting a site that's a genuine business tool — not just a digital brochure.
$35,000+ — The custom build
Web applications, platforms, anything that doesn't fit the mould. Custom functionality, API integrations, user accounts, dashboards, complex data handling.
What drives the cost up (or down)
1. Design approach
Template-based sites are cheaper but look like every other template site. Custom design costs more but actually represents your brand. Would you rather save $3,000 on a template, or lose a $30,000 client because your site looked like everyone else's?
2. Number of pages and content
More pages means more design, more copywriting, more optimisation. The content itself can be a significant cost — professional copywriting for 20 pages might run $2,000–$5,000 alone.
3. Functionality
Basic contact forms are cheap. Booking systems, client portals, ecommerce, custom calculators — each adds complexity and cost.
4. Content creation
Some businesses come with all their content ready. Others need copywriting, photography, video production. Content creation can be 20–30% of a project budget.
5. SEO and marketing setup
A site that looks good but doesn't rank is an expensive business card. Proper SEO setup during the build costs more upfront but pays for itself many times over in organic traffic.
6. The agency you choose
Freelancers are cheaper. Big agencies charge more. Melbourne-based agencies with offshore teams often hit the sweet spot — quality work at rates that aren't inflated by Collins Street rent.
The hidden costs nobody talks about
Hosting: $20–$100/month for quality hosting. Free hosting is slow, unreliable, and terrible for SEO.
Maintenance: WordPress and Shopify need updates, security patches, backups. Budget $150–$450/month or handle it yourself if you have the skills.
Content updates: Your site isn't "done" when it launches. Regular blog posts, service updates, and seasonal content keep it relevant.
SSL certificate: Most good hosts include this free now. If yours doesn't, that's a red flag.
How to avoid overpaying
Get 2–3 quotes. Not to play agencies against each other, but to understand the market rate for your specific needs.
Ask what's included. Cheapest quote isn't always cheapest. Does it include SEO setup? Content? Training? Support after launch?
Check their portfolio. Do their past projects look like what you want? Can you see live examples, not just screenshots?
Ask about the timeline. A proper custom website takes 6–12 weeks. Anyone promising a "custom" site in a week is cutting corners.
Understand the ongoing costs. Hosting, maintenance, content updates, marketing — the launch price is just the beginning.
What we charge at Ven (being transparent)
We're a Melbourne-based agency with teams in Melbourne and Vietnam. Our pricing reflects that — quality work at rates that don't require a second mortgage.
- Small business website: $5,000–$12,000
- Custom business website: $12,000–$25,000
- Ecommerce (Shopify): $15,000–$35,000
- Custom web application: $25,000+
Every project includes responsive design, SEO foundations, analytics setup, and a real analytics dashboard so you can see exactly how your site performs.
We offer a free strategy session to scope your project properly. No obligation, no pressure — just an honest conversation about what you need and what it'll cost.
FAQ
How long does it take to build a website?
A basic site takes 4–6 weeks. Custom sites with more functionality take 8–12 weeks. We give you a detailed timeline before we start.
Can I update the website myself after it's built?
Yes. We build on platforms like WordPress and Shopify that let you update content, add blog posts, and manage your site without coding skills. We also provide training.
Is a cheap website worth it?
Sometimes. If you just need a basic online presence, a $3,000 site is fine. But if you're investing in growth, a properly built site with SEO will pay for itself many times over.
