Why Monthly Website Fees Make Sense for You and Your Clients
Published on April 14, 2025
Introduction
One of the most common questions we hear from new web designers is this:
“Do small businesses actually want to pay a monthly fee for their website?”
The answer might surprise you—but it’s also what makes SiteSwan such a powerful business opportunity.
Let’s break down why monthly website fees not only make sense, but actually benefit both you and your clients in a big way.
Some web designers advertise “no monthly fee” websites and promise clients full ownership. But here’s the truth:
There’s no such thing as a truly “no monthly fee” website.
At the bare minimum, every website needs hosting to stay online and an SSL certificate to keep it secure—both of which are expected today. These two essentials alone can cost a small business $20–$30/month or more.
So when a designer offers “no monthly fee,” the business will likely:
⚠️ Get hit with hidden costs later
⚠️ Be left to manage hosting and security themselves
⚠️ End up with an outdated site and no support
With SiteSwan, the monthly fee covers everything clients need—including peace of mind.
A monthly fee is not only good for you because it provides predictable, scalable recurring revenue—it’s also more affordable for your clients in the long run.
Here’s why:
Traditional web designers often charge by the hour for updates. With average rates ranging from $75 to $150/hour, even a basic update like changing business hours or uploading a new photo can quickly add up.
By charging a flat monthly fee that includes routine updates, you offer clients more value and save them money.
If you're concerned about clients overusing this, you can set expectations—such as:
“Your monthly plan includes up to 1 hour of updates per month.”
It’s a simple way to provide ongoing value while protecting your time and margins.
Some designers claim clients “own” their site. But what they’re really selling is a pile of code—without support, hosting, or a simple way to manage it.
With SiteSwan, websites are built and hosted on our proprietary platform. As the reseller, you maintain full control, which means:
• You’re the point of contact for support and updates
• You control pricing and services
• You retain clients longer and build recurring revenue
That said, we recommend allowing your clients to keep the written content and imagery from their website if they decide to cancel. So in that sense, yes—they do “own” those elements and can reuse them elsewhere if needed.
It’s a fair and professional approach that shows your clients you care about doing right by them—even if they choose to move on.
Because SiteSwan websites run on our platform, they can’t be transferred to other hosting providers. If a client decides to cancel, the site will go offline. But their data is saved, and they’re always welcome to return and reactivate their site with you.
This setup:
• Protects your work
• Supports your recurring business model
• Encourages clients to stick with your full-service solution
And when clients compare your offering to piecemeal options or do-it-yourself builders, the value of your service becomes crystal clear.
• Every website has ongoing costs—hosting and SSL alone can cost $20–$30/month.
• Monthly fees save clients money while giving them better service and support.
• You earn reliable, recurring income instead of relying on one-time projects.
• Clients don’t “own” the platform, but they can take their content and images if they leave.
• This model builds long-term relationships and a scalable business for you.
The idea that small businesses won’t pay a monthly fee for their website is outdated. In today’s world, monthly service models are the norm—from streaming subscriptions to email marketing platforms, CRMs, and even accounting software.
Business owners are used to paying for value, convenience, and peace of mind—and that’s exactly what you’re offering with a SiteSwan-powered website. A monthly fee isn’t something to shy away from—it’s something to embrace.
It’s how you build a predictable, scalable business.
It’s how you keep clients happy and their websites running smoothly.
And it’s how you create long-term relationships built on support and results.
Want help confidently justifying your monthly service fee to clients?
We created a short video and free downloadable script that walks you through exactly what to say when clients ask, “What am I paying for every month?”
This valuable resource includes:
• A sample pitch you can use in emails or sales calls
• A breakdown of everything your fee includes—with estimated dollar values
• Tips to increase your perceived value and close more deals
👉 Click here to watch the video and download the script.
Introduction
One of the most common questions we hear from new web designers is this:
“Do small businesses actually want to pay a monthly fee for their website?”
The answer might surprise you—but it’s also what makes SiteSwan such a powerful business opportunity.
Let’s break down why monthly website fees not only make sense, but actually benefit both you and your clients in a big way.
Why “No Monthly Fee” Is Misleading—and Costly
Some web designers advertise “no monthly fee” websites and promise clients full ownership. But here’s the truth:
There’s no such thing as a truly “no monthly fee” website.
At the bare minimum, every website needs hosting to stay online and an SSL certificate to keep it secure—both of which are expected today. These two essentials alone can cost a small business $20–$30/month or more.
So when a designer offers “no monthly fee,” the business will likely:
⚠️ Get hit with hidden costs later
⚠️ Be left to manage hosting and security themselves
⚠️ End up with an outdated site and no support
With SiteSwan, the monthly fee covers everything clients need—including peace of mind.
A Monthly Fee Saves Clients Money and Builds Your Recurring Revenue
A monthly fee is not only good for you because it provides predictable, scalable recurring revenue—it’s also more affordable for your clients in the long run.
Here’s why:
Traditional web designers often charge by the hour for updates. With average rates ranging from $75 to $150/hour, even a basic update like changing business hours or uploading a new photo can quickly add up.
By charging a flat monthly fee that includes routine updates, you offer clients more value and save them money.
If you're concerned about clients overusing this, you can set expectations—such as:
“Your monthly plan includes up to 1 hour of updates per month.”
It’s a simple way to provide ongoing value while protecting your time and margins.
Who Really “Owns” a Website—and What Matters Most
Some designers claim clients “own” their site. But what they’re really selling is a pile of code—without support, hosting, or a simple way to manage it.
With SiteSwan, websites are built and hosted on our proprietary platform. As the reseller, you maintain full control, which means:
• You’re the point of contact for support and updates
• You control pricing and services
• You retain clients longer and build recurring revenue
That said, we recommend allowing your clients to keep the written content and imagery from their website if they decide to cancel. So in that sense, yes—they do “own” those elements and can reuse them elsewhere if needed.
It’s a fair and professional approach that shows your clients you care about doing right by them—even if they choose to move on.
What Happens if a Client Cancels? Here’s What to Expect
Because SiteSwan websites run on our platform, they can’t be transferred to other hosting providers. If a client decides to cancel, the site will go offline. But their data is saved, and they’re always welcome to return and reactivate their site with you.
This setup:
• Protects your work
• Supports your recurring business model
• Encourages clients to stick with your full-service solution
And when clients compare your offering to piecemeal options or do-it-yourself builders, the value of your service becomes crystal clear.
Key Takeaways
• Every website has ongoing costs—hosting and SSL alone can cost $20–$30/month.
• Monthly fees save clients money while giving them better service and support.
• You earn reliable, recurring income instead of relying on one-time projects.
• Clients don’t “own” the platform, but they can take their content and images if they leave.
• This model builds long-term relationships and a scalable business for you.
Conclusion: Monthly Web Design Fees Aren’t Just Acceptable—They’re the New Industry Standard
The idea that small businesses won’t pay a monthly fee for their website is outdated. In today’s world, monthly service models are the norm—from streaming subscriptions to email marketing platforms, CRMs, and even accounting software.
Business owners are used to paying for value, convenience, and peace of mind—and that’s exactly what you’re offering with a SiteSwan-powered website. A monthly fee isn’t something to shy away from—it’s something to embrace.
It’s how you build a predictable, scalable business.
It’s how you keep clients happy and their websites running smoothly.
And it’s how you create long-term relationships built on support and results.
Get the Script: How to Explain Your Monthly Fee Like a Pro
Want help confidently justifying your monthly service fee to clients?
We created a short video and free downloadable script that walks you through exactly what to say when clients ask, “What am I paying for every month?”
This valuable resource includes:
• A sample pitch you can use in emails or sales calls
• A breakdown of everything your fee includes—with estimated dollar values
• Tips to increase your perceived value and close more deals
👉 Click here to watch the video and download the script.
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