Small business website packages can vary considerably between providers.

One package may include only a few basic pages, while another may include custom design, copywriting, SEO setup, forms, hosting, analytics and ongoing support.

This can make comparing website quotes difficult.

The most important consideration is not simply how many features are listed.

It is whether the package includes the design, functionality, content and support your business actually requires.

If you are currently comparing providers, you can also explore our Web Design Services page.

What Is A Small Business Website Package?

A small business website package is a collection of website design and development services offered together for a defined price or project scope.

A package may include:

• Website planning
• Page design
• Website development
• Mobile optimisation
• Contact forms
• Content management
• Basic SEO setup
• Analytics
• Website launch
• Training
• Hosting
• Maintenance
• Support

Exactly what is included depends on the provider.

Some packages are designed for very small informational websites.

Others may include ecommerce, booking systems, integrations or more advanced functionality.

Before comparing prices, first understand what each package actually contains.

How Many Pages Should A Small Business Website Include?

There is no fixed number of pages every small business website requires.

A basic service business website might include:

• Home
• About
• Services
• Individual service pages
• Contact
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Blog
• Privacy Policy

Other businesses may require additional pages such as:

• Locations
• Pricing
• Portfolio
• Case studies
• Testimonials
• Team
• Booking
• Ecommerce
• Resources
• Terms and conditions

The right number of pages depends on the business, services and information customers need.

Avoid choosing a package solely because it offers a large number of pages.

A smaller website with well-planned content may be more useful than a large website filled with unnecessary pages.

Website Planning And Discovery

A professional website project should usually begin with some form of planning.

This may involve discussing:

• Business objectives
• Target customers
• Services
• Products
• Competitors
• Branding
• Existing website
• Required pages
• Required functionality
• Calls to action
• Content
• SEO requirements
• Integrations
• Budget
• Timeframe

The amount of discovery required depends on the complexity of the website.

For a straightforward small business website, this may be relatively simple.

For larger or more specialised projects, more detailed planning may be required.

Website Structure

The provider should determine how the website will be organised.

This may include:

• Main navigation
• Page hierarchy
• Service pages
• Contact pathways
• Footer navigation
• Internal links
• User journeys

Visitors should be able to quickly understand:

• What the business does
• Who it helps
• What services are available
• Why they should consider the business
• How to take the next step

A clear structure is one of the foundations of an effective business website.

Website Design

Website design should normally be included in a complete website package.

Design may cover:

• Page layouts
• Colours
• Typography
• Images
• Navigation
• Buttons
• Forms
• Calls to action
• Spacing
• Content presentation
• Mobile layouts
• Branding

Ask whether the website will use:

• A pre-existing template
• A customised template
• A page builder
• Custom layouts
• A completely custom design

These approaches can involve very different amounts of work.

For more information on the distinction between different website roles, see our Website Design vs Website Development guide.

Mobile Responsive Design

A modern small business website should work across common screen sizes.

This usually includes:

• Desktop computers
• Laptops
• Tablets
• Smartphones

Responsive design may require changes to:

• Navigation
• Columns
• Images
• Text sizes
• Buttons
• Forms
• Spacing
• Calls to action

Ask whether responsive design is included in the package rather than assuming it is.

Website Development

The package should explain how the approved website design will be built.

Development may include:

• CMS configuration
• Page building
• Navigation
• Forms
• Interactive elements
• Website functionality
• Plugins
• Integrations
• Responsive implementation
• Technical configuration

Many small business websites are created using platforms such as WordPress.

Others may use different website builders, ecommerce platforms or custom systems.

The platform should be appropriate for the requirements of the business.

Content Management System

A content management system, or CMS, allows website owners to manage website content without manually editing code.

Depending on the platform, this may allow you to:

• Edit text
• Change images
• Add pages
• Publish blog posts
• Update services
• Manage products
• Change contact information

Ask whether you will receive administrator access to the website.

Also determine whether training is provided.

Website Content

Content responsibilities should be clearly defined before the project begins.

Website copy may be:

• Supplied by the client
• Written by the provider
• Written by a copywriter
• Adapted from an existing website
• Developed collaboratively

Content may include:

• Homepage copy
• About information
• Service descriptions
• Product information
• Calls to action
• FAQs
• Testimonials
• Case studies
• Contact information

Do not assume copywriting is included simply because website design is included.

If the client is responsible for supplying content, determine when it needs to be delivered.

Images And Photography

A website package may use:

• Client-supplied images
• Stock photography
• Professional photography
• Custom illustrations
• Graphics
• Product photography

Ask whether stock-image licences are included.

If professional photography is required, determine whether it forms part of the package or is charged separately.

Image selection can have a significant effect on how professional the finished website appears.

Logo And Branding

Website design does not automatically include branding.

A website provider may expect the business to already have:

• Logo files
• Brand colours
• Fonts
• Style guidelines

If these do not exist, branding may need to be completed before or during the website project.

Possible additional services include:

• Logo design
• Brand identity
• Colour palette
• Typography
• Brand guidelines
• Graphic design

Clarify whether these services are included.

Contact Forms

Most small business websites require some way for visitors to make contact.

Forms may include:

• General contact form
• Quote request form
• Booking enquiry
• Consultation request
• Newsletter signup
• Service enquiry

Ask what happens after a form is submitted.

Consider:

• Email notifications
• Confirmation messages
• Spam protection
• Data storage
• CRM integration
• Automated responses

A form appearing on the website does not necessarily mean all of these features are included.

Calls To Action

Calls to action help visitors understand what to do next.

Common examples include:

• Request A Quote
• Contact Us
• Call Now
• Book A Consultation
• Compare Quotes
• Get Started
• Learn More
• Make A Booking

Calls to action should be positioned logically throughout the website.

They should support the business objective rather than simply filling space on the page.

Basic SEO Setup

A small business website package may include some SEO setup.

This can include:

• Page titles
• Meta descriptions
• Heading structure
• Search-friendly URLs
• Internal links
• Image alt text
• XML sitemap
• Indexing settings
• Mobile optimisation
• Basic structured data
• Google Search Console setup

However, basic website SEO is not necessarily the same as an ongoing SEO campaign.

The package should make clear what SEO work is actually included.

Keyword Research

Some website packages include basic keyword research.

This can help determine:

• Important services
• Page topics
• Page structure
• Search terminology
• Location targeting
• Content opportunities

More extensive keyword research may be provided separately as part of an SEO service.

If search visibility is important to the project, ask exactly how keyword decisions will be made.

Local SEO

Businesses serving specific geographic areas may require local SEO considerations.

This may include:

• Location information
• Service areas
• Local landing pages
• Google Business Profile considerations
• Local keywords
• Business information consistency

Local SEO should only be included when it is relevant to the business model.

Website Speed And Performance

Website performance affects usability and can also affect search visibility.

A website package may include:

• Image optimisation
• Caching
• Code optimisation
• Plugin configuration
• Hosting configuration
• Performance testing

Performance can also depend on the hosting environment and third-party systems used by the website.

Ask what level of optimisation is included before launch.

Website Security

Security responsibilities should be clear.

Potential inclusions include:

• SSL certificate
• Software updates
• Plugin updates
• Security configuration
• Spam protection
• Backups
• Malware monitoring

Some of these may be included during the initial project but require an ongoing maintenance plan afterwards.

SSL Certificate

An SSL certificate enables HTTPS and helps protect information transmitted between visitors and the website.

Many hosting companies now provide SSL certificates as part of hosting.

However, this should still be confirmed.

Ask:

• Is SSL included?
• Who manages renewal?
• Is there an additional charge?

Website Hosting

Hosting may or may not be included in the website package.

If hosting is included, ask about:

• Annual or monthly cost
• Storage
• Bandwidth
• Backups
• Security
• SSL
• Support
• Server location
• Renewal pricing

Also determine whether the hosting account belongs to your business or the web provider.

Domain Name

A domain name is separate from the website itself.

The website package may:

• Include domain registration
• Assist with domain configuration
• Expect the client to already own the domain

Businesses should ideally retain control of their domain registration account.

Clarify:

• Who registers the domain?
• Who owns it?
• Who pays renewals?
• Who has access to the account?

Business Email

Website hosting and email hosting are not always the same service.

A website package may not include business email accounts.

Email services could be provided through:

• Google Workspace
• Microsoft 365
• Hosting-company email
• Another email provider

Ask whether email setup is included if required.

Google Analytics

Analytics can help businesses understand how visitors use the website.

A package may include setup of:

• Google Analytics
• Conversion events
• Traffic measurement
• Form tracking
• Other website actions

Basic analytics setup can be useful from the day the new website launches.

Ensure the business has access to its own analytics account.

Google Search Console

Google Search Console provides information about how a website appears in Google Search.

Setup may include:

• Account verification
• Sitemap submission
• Indexing checks
• Search-performance monitoring

Ask whether Search Console configuration is included.

Conversion Tracking

Businesses running advertising or measuring enquiries may also require conversion tracking.

Possible conversions include:

• Form submissions
• Phone calls
• Purchases
• Bookings
• Downloads
• Account registrations

Tracking requirements should ideally be discussed before the website is built.

This can make implementation easier than adding everything after launch.

Social Media Integration

Website packages may include links to social media profiles.

More advanced integration may include:

• Social feeds
• Sharing tools
• Embedded videos
• Messaging tools

Not every website requires complex social integration.

Simple links may be sufficient for many businesses.

Ecommerce Functionality

If the business sells online, the website package may require ecommerce functionality.

This can include:

• Product pages
• Shopping cart
• Checkout
• Payment gateway
• Shipping
• Taxes
• Stock management
• Customer accounts
• Discount codes
• Order notifications

Ecommerce can significantly increase project scope.

Make sure the quote clearly states how many products and which ecommerce features are included.

Online Booking

Some small businesses require online appointment or reservation functionality.

A booking system may include:

• Service selection
• Staff selection
• Available times
• Customer details
• Confirmation emails
• Reminders
• Online payments
• Calendar integration

Booking systems may involve third-party subscription costs.

These should be identified before the project begins.

Third-Party Integrations

Businesses may need their website connected to other systems.

Examples include:

• CRM
• Email marketing platform
• Accounting software
• Booking system
• Payment gateway
• Live chat
• Customer database
• Marketing automation
• Inventory system

Ask whether integrations are included and whether third-party subscription fees apply.

Website Testing

Testing should normally occur before launch.

This may include checking:

• Links
• Forms
• Navigation
• Mobile layouts
• Desktop layouts
• Major browsers
• Images
• Buttons
• Ecommerce
• Payments
• Integrations
• Page speed

The provider should fix issues identified during agreed pre-launch testing.

Website Launch

The package should explain what is involved in launching the website.

This may include:

• Moving the website to live hosting
• Connecting the domain
• Configuring SSL
• Checking forms
• Checking analytics
• Checking redirects
• Testing the live website
• Submitting the sitemap

For existing websites, launch planning can be particularly important because existing URLs and search visibility may need to be protected.

Website Training

If your business will manage the website internally, training can be useful.

Training may cover:

• Editing text
• Changing images
• Adding pages
• Publishing blog posts
• Managing products
• Reviewing enquiries
• Updating menus

Ask whether training is:

• Included
• Live
• Recorded
• Documented
• Charged separately

Website Maintenance

A website requires ongoing maintenance after launch.

Maintenance may include:

• Software updates
• Plugin updates
• Security updates
• Backups
• Performance monitoring
• Technical support
• Small content changes

Maintenance may be included for a limited period or sold as a separate ongoing service.

Ongoing Support

Support arrangements should be clearly explained.

Ask:

• How do you request support?
• What support is included?
• Are minor changes included?
• What is the response time?
• Are support hours limited?
• Is there a monthly fee?
• Are larger changes quoted separately?

Do not assume unlimited ongoing support is part of the initial website price.

How Many Revisions Are Included?

Website packages commonly include a defined number of revision rounds.

Clarify:

• How many design revisions are included?
• What counts as a revision?
• When can revisions be requested?
• What happens if additional revisions are required?

Unlimited revision promises should also be understood carefully because providers may define what qualifies as a revision differently.

Who Owns The Finished Website?

Ownership should be clarified before starting the project.

Ask who owns:

• Domain
• Website content
• Design files
• Website files
• Custom code
• Images
• Plugins
• Theme
• Analytics accounts
• Hosting account

Some elements may remain licensed from third parties.

The important thing is to understand the arrangement in advance.

What Costs May Be Additional?

The quoted website price may not include every expense.

Potential additional costs include:

• Domain renewal
• Hosting
• Premium plugins
• Themes
• Stock images
• Photography
• Copywriting
• Logo design
• Ecommerce applications
• Booking software
• Email marketing tools
• CRM software
• Website maintenance
• Additional revisions
• Additional pages

Ask for these costs to be identified before approving the project.

How Long Does A Small Business Website Take?

Website timeframes vary.

Factors can include:

• Number of pages
• Design complexity
• Content availability
• Revision rounds
• Ecommerce
• Integrations
• Custom functionality
• Client response times

A simple website may be completed considerably faster than a complex website with custom functionality.

Providers should explain the expected timeframe and which dependencies may affect it.

Custom Website Or Template Website?

Small businesses may be offered either customised templates or more bespoke website designs.

Template-based websites can provide:

• Faster development
• Lower costs
• Proven layouts

Custom websites can provide:

• More design flexibility
• Unique layouts
• Greater control
• More specialised functionality

Neither approach is automatically appropriate for every business.

The decision should be based on the project’s requirements.

We cover this in more detail in our Custom Website vs Template Website guide.

What Should Be Clearly Defined In A Website Package?

Before accepting a website quote, make sure you understand:

• Number of pages
• Design approach
• Platform
• Functionality
• Mobile design
• Content responsibilities
• Images
• Forms
• SEO setup
• Analytics
• Hosting
• Domain requirements
• Third-party costs
• Revision rounds
• Ownership
• Training
• Maintenance
• Support
• Project timeframe
• Payment schedule
• Additional costs

A clear project scope helps both the client and provider understand what will be delivered.

How To Compare Small Business Website Packages

Avoid comparing website packages on price alone.

Two packages at similar prices may include substantially different work.

Compare:

• Design quality
• Number of pages
• Customisation
• Functionality
• Content
• SEO setup
• Mobile design
• Tracking
• Hosting
• Support
• Ownership
• Ongoing costs

Also consider whether the package is suitable for the business rather than simply whether it has the longest feature list.

Compare Small Business Website Providers

The best starting point is a clear website brief.

Outline:

• What your business does
• Who the website is for
• What pages you need
• What functionality you need
• Whether you already have branding
• Whether you need content
• Whether you need ecommerce
• Whether you need integrations
• Whether SEO is important
• Your preferred timeframe
• Your approximate budget

This makes it easier for providers to quote on a comparable scope.

Compare Digital Services helps Australian businesses explore professional digital service providers and request quotes based on their project requirements.

COMPARE WEB DESIGN SERVICES & GET FREE QUOTES

Frequently Asked Questions About Small Business Website Packages

What Is Usually Included In A Small Business Website Package?

Packages may include website planning, design, development, mobile optimisation, forms, basic SEO setup, analytics, testing and launch. The exact scope varies between providers.

How Many Pages Should A Small Business Website Have?

There is no universal number. The website should include enough pages to clearly explain the business, services and information customers require.

Does A Website Package Include Hosting?

Sometimes. Hosting may be included or charged separately, so confirm the hosting arrangement and ongoing renewal costs.

Does Website Design Include SEO?

Some packages include basic SEO setup such as titles, headings, URLs and indexing configuration. Ongoing SEO campaigns are usually a separate service.

Does A Website Package Include Copywriting?

Not always. Some providers include copywriting while others require the client to supply all website content.

Who Owns The Website After It Is Built?

This depends on the provider’s agreement. Confirm ownership of the domain, website files, content, design, custom code and accounts before beginning the project.

Should Website Maintenance Be Included?

Maintenance may be included for a limited period or offered as an ongoing service. Confirm what happens after launch and which ongoing costs apply.

How Do I Compare Small Business Website Packages?

Compare the actual scope, pages, design, functionality, content, SEO, hosting, support, ownership and ongoing costs rather than comparing the advertised package price alone.