How much does recruitment website design cost? (And what you should expect to pay)

If you’re running a recruitment agency, you’ve probably asked yourself this at some point:
“How much should I really budget for my website?”
We get this question all the time—and for good reason. Your website is no longer just a digital brochure. It’s your top salesperson, brand ambassador, and conversion engine rolled into one.
At OssmBrands, we’ve worked with enough recruitment firms to understand both the real costs and the real stakes when it comes to getting your website right.
So in this blog, we’re breaking down what affects the cost of a recruitment website, what’s worth investing in, and how to make sure you get the best value—whether you work with us or anyone else.
What actually drives the cost of a recruitment website?
Not all websites are created equal. The cost depends on a mix of practical, creative, and technical factors:
1. Template vs Custom Design
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Template-based websites may cost anywhere between $500 to $1,200. Quick to launch, but often rigid and look generic.
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Custom-designed websites start around $2,500 and can go higher based on complexity. These are tailored to your brand, ideal for agencies wanting to stand out.
Tip: If your agency thrives on personal branding or niche positioning (like tech recruitment, CXO hiring, etc.), custom design is worth the investment.
2. Number of Pages and Features
A typical recruitment site may include:
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Home
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About
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Job listings
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For Employers
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For Candidates
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Blog/Resources
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Contact
You might also need:
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Job board integration
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CV upload forms
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ATS plugins
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Advanced search and filters
Each of these adds to the scope and cost.
3. Copywriting & Messaging
Design attracts.
Words convert.
Many recruitment sites lose leads simply because their messaging is unclear or too generic. If your package includes website copywriting (like ours does), that’s a value-add worth paying for.
4. Branding & Visual Identity
If your logo, colors, or tone of voice feel inconsistent, your website won’t build trust. Some firms invest in branding separately, while others prefer bundled packages that include logo design, color palette, and typography guidelines alongside the website.
5. Maintenance & Ongoing Support
This is often overlooked. A great website isn’t a one-time cost—it needs:
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Security updates
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Speed optimization
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Content edits
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SEO fixes
Some agencies offer this as a monthly care plan; others charge per request. Make sure to budget for it.
What about no-code website builders like Wix, Squarespace, or Shazamme?
In recent years, no-code platforms like Wix, Squarespace, and even Shazamme have made it incredibly easy for recruitment firms to build a website themselves—without hiring a designer or developer. At first glance, these platforms seem like the perfect solution: low monthly cost, drag-and-drop design, and templates that help you get started quickly.
But after working with dozens of recruitment brands, here’s what we’ve observed:
✅ Pros of No-Code Platforms:
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Lower upfront cost (monthly fees usually range from $20–$100)
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Faster to launch (great for MVPs or testing)
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No developer needed for basic changes
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Easy-to-use interface for non-tech teams
⚠️ Limitations to Keep in Mind:
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Limited customizability
Most recruitment agencies need custom functionality—like job filters, integrations with ATS, or location-based listings. No-code builders often fall short here or require third-party hacks that break easily. -
Generic design
You’re working within a template. Even with your logo and brand colors, the end result may look like dozens of other recruitment websites using the same layout. -
SEO and performance limitations
While some no-code platforms have improved their SEO capabilities, they still don’t offer the same flexibility, speed, and optimization potential as a custom WordPress or coded site. -
Scaling becomes difficult
As your firm grows and your site needs more features (multi-regional listings, gated content, API connections), moving away from a no-code site becomes inevitable—which means rebuilding from scratch. -
Ownership and export issues
On platforms like Wix or Squarespace, you don’t technically own your full website infrastructure. Migration can be painful if you ever want to switch platforms.
So, what should you expect to pay?
Here’s a general breakdown based on what we’ve seen in the recruitment space:
Type | Estimated Cost (USD) | Best for |
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Basic Template | $500–$1,200 | Freelancers, early-stage solo recruiters |
Semi-Custom | $1,500–$2,500 | Small firms needing speed + branding tweaks |
Custom Website (Full) | $3,000–$5,000+ | Growing agencies, positioning-focused firms |
Where OssmBrands fits in
At OssmBrands, we’ve designed websites specifically for recruitment agencies—so we’ve built our plans around their actual needs.
Our most popular option:
✅ $3,500 – Intermediate Custom Website Design
Here’s what it includes:
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Custom design (no templates)
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5 unique pages + 5 inner pages (jobs, employers, candidates, etc.)
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Mobile-responsive design
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Designed in Figma, built on WordPress
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Contact form integration
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Brand-aligned visuals and messaging
Bonus: Need branding too? We offer bundled plans that include logo design and a brand guide to keep everything cohesive.
You can view the full details here: https://ossmbrands.com/plans/
How to get the best value from your website investment
A few things we’ve learned while working with recruitment brands:
Get clear on who your website is for – Is it built to impress employers? Attract talent? Both? Let that guide your design and structure.
Don’t underestimate the power of words – A polished design won’t convert if your copy doesn’t communicate clearly and confidently.
Prioritize mobile experience – Many candidates browse on their phones—make sure your site is built for them.
Bake in SEO from the beginning – If it’s not optimized to be found, it doesn’t matter how pretty it looks.
Keep your branding tight – Cohesive branding (logo, colors, tone) helps build instant trust and recognition.
Final thoughts
If you’re a recruiter or agency founder thinking of redesigning your website, don’t just ask “What’s the cost?”
Ask:
“Will this website help me grow?”
Because when it’s done right, your recruitment website becomes your most consistent revenue generator.
Want to explore what your next website could look like? Check out our pricing
or
Book a free discovery call — let’s talk about what’s possible.