Cost Guides for Websites, Blogs, and Domains

Thinking about starting a site or a blog? The first thing most people ask is, “How much will it cost?” The answer isn’t one‑size‑fits‑all, but you can break it down into a few key pieces: domain name, hosting, design, and ongoing tools. Below we’ll walk through the biggest cost factors, point out where you can save, and show what free options really give you.

How Much Does a 20‑Page Website Really Cost?

A 20‑page site is a common size for small businesses, portfolios, or niche blogs. In 2025 the average budget looks like this:

• Domain name: $10‑$20 per year for a .com or .in extension.
• Hosting: Shared hosting starts at $3‑$5 per month, while managed WordPress plans hover around $10‑$15.
• Design & development: If you hire a freelancer, expect $500‑$1,200 for a custom theme and basic SEO setup. DIY templates on platforms like Wix or Squarespace cost $12‑$20 per month.
• Plugins & tools: Security, backups and SEO plugins can add $5‑$30 per month.

All together, a modest 20‑page site can run anywhere from $300 if you do most of the work yourself, to $2,000 if you outsource everything. The biggest jump is usually design – a ready‑made template trims costs dramatically.

Free Hosting: What You Get and What You Miss

Free hosting sounds great, but it comes with limits. Platforms like GitHub Pages, Netlify or the free tier of Wix let you publish a site at $0, but you’ll face:

• Branding: Your site URL will include the host’s name (e.g., username.github.io).
• Storage & bandwidth: Small limits mean a sudden traffic spike can take your site down.
• Features: No SSL certificates on some free plans, limited custom domains, and no server‑side code.
• Support: Community forums only – no guaranteed response time.

If you’re just testing ideas or building a personal portfolio, free hosting works fine. For a business that needs reliability and a professional domain, budgeting $5‑$10 a month for low‑cost shared hosting pays off quickly.

Other cost‑related topics you’ll find on this site include:

• Real prices for domain flipping in India.
• Breakdowns of blog writer salaries and monetisation potential.
• How much Google actually pays per 1,000 views in 2025.

Bottom line: Know where you’re spending money, compare free vs paid options, and match the cost to your goals. Start small, upgrade as you grow, and keep an eye on hidden fees like renewal prices or premium plugins. With the right plan, you can build a solid online presence without breaking the bank.