AI can save time.
Drafting, repeated layouts and code changes can move faster. The saving varies with scope, content and reusable work.
The agency guide · 2:10
How AI affects
website pricing.
AI can save substantial production time. The final quote still depends on what it takes to deliver the complete website.
Usage has a cost.
Paid API usage depends on the model, context and generated output. Subscription allowances and API charges are different billing methods.
Delivery takes people.
Content, the editor, integrations, testing, revisions and launch still need attention. Compare the complete scope of each quote.
Read at your own pace
Video transcript
01A fair question
If AI can write website code, should websites cost less? Sometimes, yes. The useful question is how much work it saves, and what it takes to deliver a finished website.
02Where time is saved
AI can accelerate layouts, first drafts, repeated pages and code changes. Those savings can be substantial. Their size depends on the project, the content, and how much of the work can be reused.
03The work around the code
Take a ten-page business website. Someone still needs to understand the business, check the content, connect forms, configure the content editor, test mobile layouts, fix problems and manage revisions. AI changes that work. Human responsibility remains.
04How AI usage is billed
AI also introduces a production cost. Anthropic, OpenAI and Grok publish paid API pricing. Models process instructions, project files and conversation history, then generate responses. These units are called tokens. Repeated requests, debugging and revisions can all add usage.
05Manage the cost
The bill varies with the model and workflow. Reusing cached context can reduce charges. Subscription allowances and API billing are different, so the same included usage should never be counted twice. Efficient use matters.
06Page count is only one input
Ten pages using approved content and a shared layout can be quick. Ten pages with custom designs, migrations, integrations and an editable backend can involve much more work. The page count alone cannot tell you the cost.
07From cost to a clear quote
Production cost combines human time, paid tools and AI usage. A sustainable price also covers overhead, responsibility and margin. AI fees alone do not explain a website price. Compare the complete scope, quality and agreed deliverables.
08A better agency conversation
At Murphy Consulting, we use AI to improve how we build. Before approving a quote, confirm the content, editor, integrations, revisions, testing and included AI usage. Your agency should know exactly what it is buying, and what your client receives.
Clear scope. Clear expectations.
Let’s define your next website.
Bring the page list, content and functionality. We’ll help you scope the work.