The Real Cost of a Website for Canadian Local Businesses in 2025

If you run a local business in Canada, whether it's a retail shop, restaurant, auto service, or salon, you’ve probably wondered:
“How much should a website actually cost?”

You might’ve heard everything from “$300 on Wix” to “$10,000 for a full build,” but most local business owners just need something that’s affordable, functional, and built to get results—not something complicated or bloated.

Let’s break down what a website really costs in Canada for local businesses in 2025—plus what to expect at each price point.

1. Why Local Businesses Need a Website in 2025

In a post-pandemic, search-first world, your website is your digital storefront. Even if most of your customers come from the neighborhood, they’re still Googling you first.

• 76% of Canadians use search engines to find local business info
• 60% of local customers say they won’t trust a business without a website
• Local SEO (with your website at the center) drives ongoing, free traffic

If you're relying on social media alone, you're missing out on the Google traffic, credibility, and lead capture your website provides.

2. Website Cost Breakdown for Canadian Local Businesses

Here’s what you can expect to pay depending on how you build your site:

✅ DIY Website Builders (Wix, Squarespace, Shopify)

Total Cost: $300–$1,200/year

• Template-based
• Drag-and-drop builder
• Hosting + domain included

💡 Great for: new businesses with minimal budget
🚫 Limitations: generic design, harder to rank on Google, limited custom features

✅ Freelancer or Basic Designer

Total Cost: $1,200–$3,000 CAD (one-time)

• Semi-custom design
• Basic local SEO setup
• Likely uses WordPress or Shopify

💡 Great for: businesses that want something unique but simple
🚫 Limitations: support may be limited; quality varies

✅ Local Web Agency (like Yugen Digital)

Total Cost: $1,500–$6,000 CAD (or low-upfront w/ monthly plans)

• Professionally designed & optimized
• Built for local SEO + mobile-first
• Includes hosting, updates, and support
• Options for booking, e-commerce, or review integrations

💡 Great for: businesses who want to grow, not just exist
🚫 Limitation: Slightly higher investment—but higher return over time

3. Hidden or Ongoing Costs to Plan For

Even if your site is done, there are a few ongoing costs to be aware of:

• Domain Registration: $15–30/year
• Hosting (if separate): $10–$60/month
• Maintenance & Updates: $50–$150/month (or included in a care plan)
• Content/SEO Updates: Optional, but highly recommended for ranking over time
• Booking or eCommerce Features: May add $10–$50/month depending on platform

💡 Pro Tip: At Yugen Digital, we bundle everything into one monthly plan—so you know exactly what you're paying, with no surprise fees.

4. What a Good Website Should Actually Include

Don’t overpay for things you don’t need—but don’t skimp on essentials either. Your site should include:

• ✅ Mobile-friendly design
• ✅ Click-to-call & quote buttons
• ✅ Google Maps & service area info
• ✅ Review integrations or testimonials
• ✅ Fast loading speeds
• ✅ SEO basics (titles, meta descriptions, keywords)
• ✅ Simple CMS (so you can update text or hours easily)

This isn’t about bells and whistles—it’s about bringing in customers.

Final Thoughts: Price vs. Performance

For local businesses, a good website doesn’t need to break the bank—but it should drive real value. Whether that’s more foot traffic, calls, bookings, or trust, your website is your most important online asset.

At Yugen Digital, we design affordable, lead-generating websites for Canadian local businesses—complete with SEO, support, and clean design that helps you stand out.

🚀 Let’s get your local business online the right way—without overspending.