The sticker shock of web design pricing is real. You get quotes from $99 DIY builders all the way to $10,000+ agency proposals for what sounds like the same thing. Here's an honest breakdown.
The $99 DIY Website (Wix, Squarespace)
You get a template, a drag-and-drop editor, and hosting bundled in. The result often looks okay on desktop but feels generic. You'll spend 10–20 hours building it, and it usually has bloated code that loads slowly. You're also locked into that platform forever.
The $5,000+ Agency Website
You get a project manager, a designer, a developer, possibly a copywriter, multiple revision rounds, and a lot of meetings. For complex sites with e-commerce or custom integrations — that price can be worth it. For a service business that needs a clean 5-page site? Probably not.
The $100 Driftocity Website
Custom-coded, mobile-first, SEO-ready, and delivered in 1–2 weeks. You work directly with the person building it. No templates, no lock-in, no unnecessary meetings. Designed for small businesses that need a professional online presence fast without paying agency rates.
So What's the Real Difference?
Complexity and features. A 5-page service business site with a contact form doesn't need a $5,000 budget. Know what you need before you get a quote.
Ready to get online for $100? Custom-built, mobile-first, SEO-ready. See what's included →
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