WEBSITE PLANNING

What should a small-business website quote include?

Know what is included, what is separate, and what needs a decision before the first design.

Start with deliverables

A useful quote names the pages, features, design work, and revision rounds included. It should explain who supplies text and photos and how much content support is part of the project. A page limit means the total page count, not an unlimited number of service pages on top.

Separate the build from ongoing costs

The build fee covers agreed project work. Hosting, domain renewal, email, booking software, store platforms, and paid integrations may have separate recurring charges. Ask which accounts you will own and what happens if you change providers.

Name the boundaries

Standard inquiry forms are different from custom applications. A booking link is different from a tailored booking system. List what is excluded, how new requests will be quoted, and what constitutes a revision rather than a change of scope.

Confirm the handoff

Agree on payment milestones, content deadlines, review steps, ownership, cancellation terms, and post-launch support in writing. A clear proposal helps both sides know when the work is ready to launch.