The short answer
A monthly plan spreads the cost of a website over time, with hosting, updates and support included. A one-off build costs more upfront, but you own the site straight away and only pay for hosting and care afterwards. Neither is better for everyone. The right choice depends on your cash flow and how long you plan to keep the site.
How each option works
One-off build: you pay for the website once, usually in two parts (a deposit to start and the balance at launch). After that you need hosting and, ideally, someone to keep it updated and secure. That's often a separate care plan.
Monthly plan: there's no big upfront bill. You pay a monthly fee that covers the build, hosting, security, small edits and support. Most monthly plans have a minimum term, because the designer is spreading the cost of the build across it.
A real example with Tidemark's prices
Here's how the two compare using Tidemark's standard prices: a Business website at $3,900 one-off plus Essential care at $59 a month, versus the monthly plan at $179 a month. No GST is charged on either.
| After | One-off + care | Monthly plan |
|---|---|---|
| 12 months | $4,608 | $2,148 |
| 24 months | $5,316 | $4,296 |
| 36 months | $6,024 | $6,444 |
In this example the monthly plan costs less for roughly the first two and a half years (about 32 months), and the one-off build works out cheaper after that. The two options also include different things (the monthly plan bundles more edits and support), so compare what's included, not just the totals.
When a monthly plan makes sense
- You'd rather keep cash in the business than spend thousands upfront.
- You want edits, hosting and support handled without thinking about it.
- You're a newer business and want a professional site now, not in six months.
When a one-off build makes sense
- You can comfortably pay upfront and plan to keep the site for years.
- You want to own the site outright from day one.
- You rarely need changes, or you're happy to make small updates yourself.
Questions to ask any web designer
- Who owns the website, and when? On a monthly plan, find out when ownership passes to you and what it costs to leave early.
- Whose name is the domain in? It should always be yours.
- What's the minimum term, and what happens after it?
- What counts as an "edit"? Changing hours and photos is different from adding new pages.
- Are prices GST-inclusive? Many small studios aren't registered for GST, so check either way.
Not sure which suits you? The instant quote builder shows both options side by side, or book a free 15-minute chat.