How to Budget for a Website as a Small Business in Nigeria

Let’s be honest — as a small business owner in Nigeria, you already have enough on your plate. Between managing sales, dealing with suppliers, and keeping customers happy, the idea of building a website might feel overwhelming, especially when it comes to cost. Some people tell you it should cost ₦250,000, others quote ₦500,000 or more, and you’re left wondering who’s trying to scam you and who’s actually being realistic.

We get it. Budgets are tight, and no one wants to throw money at a website that doesn’t deliver results. You want to look professional, attract more customers, and grow your business online — but without breaking the bank.

This guide is here to help. We’ll break down what building a website really costs in Nigeria, what you should prioritize, and how to create a smart budget that works for your business, whether you’re just starting out or finally ready to upgrade that “coming soon” page that’s been live for two years.

Why Every Business in Nigeria Needs a Website

In today’s Nigeria, being online isn’t a luxury — it’s a necessity. According to recent studies, over 100 million Nigerians use the internet, and that number is growing daily. Whether you run a small boutique in Port Harcourt, a catering business in Lagos, or a side hustle from your bedroom, your customers are online. The real question is: can they find you?

A website builds trust. It’s the digital equivalent of having a clean, well-located shop. It tells people you mean business. Plus, it’s working 24/7, even when you’re not. Imagine someone Googling for a tailor at 11 pm and landing on your beautifully designed site — that’s a potential sale without you lifting a finger.

For example, “Mama Ebere Foods” in Enugu. After launching a simple website with a menu and WhatsApp ordering, she saw a 40% increase in orders within three months. Visibility matters, and a good website can open doors you didn’t even know existed.

Website Costs Explained

So, how much does a website really cost in Nigeria? Let’s break it down into parts:

1. Domain Name (₦15,000 – ₦60,000+/year)
   Your domain is your online address (e.g., www.yourbusinessname.com). .com.ng domain are cheaper than international ones, with registrars like Whogohost or SmartWeb offering competitive rates.
2. Hosting (₦60,000 – ₦200,000+/year)
   Hosting is where your website lives. Nigerian providers like DomainKing or international ones like Namecheap offer shared hosting plans suitable for small sites.
3. Design & Development (₦250,000 – ₦900,000+)
   This varies greatly. A freelancer may charge around ₦150,000 for a basic site, while an agency might quote ₦250,000 or more for a custom design with added features.
4. Content Creation
   Good text, quality images, and maybe a promo video. If you do it yourself, it’s free. Hiring a copywriter or photographer? Budget ₦60,000 – ₦200,000+.
5. Maintenance & Updates
   Websites need regular updates. You might spend ₦30,000 – ₦100,000/month for ongoing support, or learn to do basic updates yourself.

Factors That Affect Website Cost

Several things influence how much you’ll spend:

• DIY vs Hiring a Developer/Agency: DIY tools like Wix or WordPress are budget-friendly but may require time and patience. Developers and agencies charge more but offer professional quality and save you time.
• Type of Website: A simple blog or portfolio will cost far less than an e-commerce site with payment integration.
• Features: Do you need appointment booking, live chat, a members-only area, or email signup? These add to the cost.
• Platform: WordPress is flexible and popular in Nigeria. Custom-built websites are more expensive but can be tailored exactly to your needs.
• Mobile Responsiveness & SEO: Essential for performance and search engine ranking. Most professionals include these, but double-check before paying.

How to Create a Budget That Works

Let’s build your website budget step by step:

1. Start with Your Goals: Do you want more visibility? Leads? Online sales? Your goal determines the type of site you need.
2. Prioritize Needs vs Wants: You might want a fancy animation, but you need a clean design, clear content, and a contact form. Start with the essentials.
3. Ask for Itemized Quotes: Whether you’re hiring a freelancer or agency, request a breakdown. Know what each line item covers and where your money is going.
4. Plan for the Future: Your first site doesn’t have to do everything. Begin with a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) — a basic but functional site — and scale over time.
5. Explore Payment Plans: Some agencies offer staged payments or subscription-style packages. Don’t be shy to ask.

Tips to Save Money Without Compromising Quality

• Use WordPress with a Premium Theme: Get a polished site for a fraction of the cost of custom design.
• Tap into Free Tools: Canva for graphics, Unsplash for photos, and Mailchimp for email marketing.
• Hire Freelancers for Micro Tasks: Need help with one thing? Hire a specialist on platforms like Terawork or Upwork.
• Look for SME Packages: Some Nigerian agencies (like ours) offer affordable packages tailored for small businesses.

Tola runs a small skincare business in Abuja. Her budget was just ₦350,000. She spent:

• ₦7,000 on her domain (.com.ng)
• ₦35,000 on hosting
• ₦200,000 on a WordPress developer
• ₦70,000 on product photography

In 6 months, her website helped her triple her Instagram inquiries, build a mailing list, and get featured on a local lifestyle blog. The best part? She paid in two installments.

A website doesn’t have to cost a fortune, but it does require thoughtful planning. When you understand where your money goes and what to prioritize, budgeting becomes easier and smarter.

Whether you’re starting small or planning something big, the right website can help your business grow, attract more customers, and stand out online.

Need help budgeting for your website?
Book a free consultation with our team at Brela Agency. Let’s build something amazing — within your budget.