How I Price Web Development: $1,500 Setup + $50/Month (And When I Break That Rule)

I get asked about pricing constantly. Most agencies hide their numbers behind "contact us" forms and discovery calls. I don't operate that way.

Here's exactly how I price web development at AyeZee Web Designs, what's included, and when the standard model doesn't apply.

The Standard Model: $1,500 Setup + $50/Month

Most small business websites fall into this tier. You get a fast, modern site built on Astro or Next.js, deployed to Cloudflare Pages or Vercel, and I stick around to keep it running.

What Setup Covers

The $1,500 upfront gets you:

• Custom design and development using modern frameworks (Astro for brochure sites, Next.js for apps)

• Mobile-responsive build with Tailwind CSS

• Deployment on enterprise-grade infrastructure

• Content migration from your old site (if you have one)

• Initial training on how to use your dashboard

• SSL certificates, CDN setup, and performance optimization

This isn't a template with your logo slapped on it. It's a custom build designed for your business, your audience, and your goals.

What the Monthly Fee Covers

The $50/month isn't just hosting. It's partnership. Here's what you get:

• Hosting and infrastructure management (no separate bills, no surprise overages)

• Minor content updates like text changes, image swaps, small tweaks

• Dashboard access where you can manage content yourself (on applicable projects)

• Uptime monitoring and support if something breaks

• Security patches and platform updates

You're not buying a website. You're buying peace of mind. If you're not sure what content to have on a website, what makes a good design for a web page or how to add your business to your Google Business Profile, I handle it. You focus on running your business.

When I Break the Rule

The standard model works for 80% of projects. Here's when it doesn't.

One-Time Builds: Full Ownership, No Ongoing Relationship

If you want to own everything and walk away, I can do that. Setup is $2,500–$5,000+ depending on complexity. No monthly fee. You get the source code, deploy keys, and full control.

This model makes sense if:

• You have in-house developers who can maintain the site

• You want full ownership of the tech stack

• You don't need ongoing support or updates

Most small businesses don't need this. Without a tech team, a one-off build usually turns into a slow, broken site and a frustrated call six months later asking me to fix it.

Custom Applications: Dashboards, SaaS Platforms, Complex Systems

Multi-tenant dashboards, member portals, and custom web apps require more upfront work and ongoing maintenance. Setup ranges from $5,000–$15,000+. Monthly retainers start at $100+ depending on complexity and support level.

Examples from my portfolio: membership platforms with Stripe integration, multi-tenant content management systems, and custom dashboards for clients managing multiple sites.

Equity or Revenue Share: When We're Building Together

If we're building something as partners like a startup, a long-term project, a product with shared risk, we can negotiate equity or revenue splits instead of upfront payment.

Nonprofits and Veterans: Case-by-Case Discounts

I offer discounts for nonprofits and veteran-owned businesses. Usually a reduced setup fee, same monthly rate.

I don't work for free, sustainability matters, but if the mission is right, I'll work with you.

Monthly vs One-Off: What's the Difference?

Monthly = I stay involved. You get ongoing support, updates, content changes, and someone who gives a damn if your site breaks. You focus on your business. I focus on the tech.

One-off = I hand over everything and step away. You own the risk. You handle hosting, DevOps, updates, and troubleshooting. I'm done after delivery.

Most small businesses need the monthly model. If you don't have a developer on payroll, a one-off build is a ticking time bomb.

What's Not Included in the Monthly Fee

The $50/month keeps your site fast, secure, and running. It doesn't cover:

• Major redesigns (treated as a new project)

• New features or pages beyond the original scope (billed separately or rolled into a higher monthly tier)

• Third-party service costs like Stripe fees, API overages, or premium plugins

• Custom integrations not outlined in the original agreement

• Content creation like copywriting, photography, video production

If you need more, we talk about it. I'll either adjust your monthly rate or bill it as a separate project. No surprises.

Why This Model Works

For you: Predictable cost. No surprise bills. No tech headaches. You get a website that works and someone who's invested in keeping it that way.

For me: Predictable revenue. I stay invested in your success. If your site is slow, I fix it. If you grow, we scale together.

This model filters out clients who just want the cheapest option and will ghost you after launch. It rewards long-term partnerships. And it works.

Is This Right for Your Project?

If you're a small business, local brand, or nonprofit that needs a fast, reliable website without the overhead of managing it yourself, this model is built for you.

If you're a larger company with in-house developers, need a complex custom application, or want full ownership of your stack, we'll price it differently.

Questions? Reach out. I'll tell you if I'm the right fit and if I'm not, I'll point you in the right direction.