Project planning
What changes the cost of a small-business website?
A starting price is useful only when you understand what it covers. Two websites can look similar from the outside while requiring very different amounts of design, content preparation, integration, and testing. Use a quote to compare the actual work and responsibilities, not simply the number of pages.
Separate pages from page complexity
A short contact page and an interactive product configurator are not equivalent pieces of work. Ask which pages use a shared layout and which need a distinct design. A five-page company website can be a sensible first stage, but a booking workflow, product catalogue, or multilingual experience needs its own scope.
Account for content preparation
Someone has to write the copy, choose images, verify business details, and approve the final pages. Client-supplied content can keep the project focused, provided it is ready and accurate. Copywriting, photography, illustration, and brand development should be listed separately when needed. Repeated content changes after approval can also affect delivery time.
Identify ongoing costs early
Domain registration, hosting, paid software, email, and ongoing support are different from the build fee. Check who owns each account, how renewals work, and what happens if you change providers. A care plan can cover agreed maintenance and updates, but it should not be confused with unlimited development or every third-party subscription.
Use starting prices as a conversation opener
VIT currently lists landing pages from CAD $995, company websites from $2,495, redesigns from $1,995, and small custom web-app projects from $7,500. These are VIT starting prices, not Canadian market averages. Applicable taxes and separate costs are additional. Review the live pricing cards for their scope and request a fixed proposal before committing.
Your next steps
- Compare deliverables and revision limits.
- Identify who prepares and approves content.
- List third-party and ongoing costs.
- Agree on payment milestones and change requests.