How Much Does a Website Cost in 2024? The Definitive Guide

Are you confused about how much a website will cost you in 2024? From domain names to maintenance, there’s certainly a lot to consider, and making the wrong choices will cost you dearly in wasted time and money.

This guide breaks down everything you need to know about website costs in 2024, exploring the associated price points of different types of websites. We’ll cover all aspects, from budget-friendly DIY website builders to bespoke website development, offering average price ranges and practical advice to help you get your new website off to a fantastic start.

Key Takeaways

• The cost of a website depends heavily on factors such as build method, size, features, and security requirements.
• Custom-built websites cost from £960 to more than £15,000 (plus VAT), while website builder subscriptions range from £0 to £320 per month.
• Basic business websites with one to five pages cost between £960 and £1,110 when built by a professional or between £0 and £27 per month using a website builder.
• Ecommerce websites for small- to medium-sized businesses range from £2,000 to £15,500 when professionally built or £0 to £320 per month using an ecommerce platform.

What Impacts Website Pricing?

The cost of building and running a website can vary dramatically, from a few pounds per month to tens of thousands per year. This wide range is due to numerous factors influencing initial development costs and ongoing expenses.

1. Website type and complexity

The type of website you need is perhaps the most significant factor affecting cost. A simple blog or small business brochure site will be much less expensive than a large ecommerce platform or a custom web application that needs to be written from scratch by expert coders. The more complex your website’s functionality, the higher the cost.

For instance, a simple blog may only require a content management system (CMS) and basic design, while an ecommerce site would need product databases, payment gateways, and inventory management systems.
Similarly, a corporate website may need multiple language options, intricate navigation, and integration with internal systems that require significant development. The more complex your requirements, the more time and expertise are necessary to build your site, which directly impacts the cost.

2. Design approach

The design approach you choose can significantly impact your website’s cost. You have three main options:

• Using a premade template or theme
• Customising an existing template
• Creating a completely custom design

Premade templates are predesigned website layouts that you can customise with your own content and branding. They’re often the most cost-effective option, ranging from free to a few hundred pounds. However, they may limit your ability to stand out from competitors.

Customising an existing template offers a middle ground, allowing for some uniqueness without the full cost of a bespoke design.

Fully custom designs, while the most expensive option (potentially costing several thousand pounds), give you complete control over your site’s look and feel, ensuring it perfectly aligns with your brand identity.

3. Development method

How you choose to build your website is another important factor. Your options include:

• Using a website builder platform (like Wix or Squarespace)
• Building with a content management system (CMS) like WordPress
• Hiring a professional web developer or agency for custom development

Website builders like Wix or Squarespace offer drag-and-drop interfaces that allow you to create a site without any coding knowledge. These platforms typically cost between £10 and £30 per month for basic plans, with more advanced features available at higher price points.

Content management systems like WordPress are free to use, but you’ll need to factor in costs for hosting, themes, and plugins, which can range from £50 to £500 per year or more.

Custom development by a professional or agency offers the most flexibility but is also the most expensive option. Prices start from around £5,000 for a basic site and potentially reach £50,000 or more for complex, bespoke websites.

4. Content creation

High-quality content is essential for any website, but creating it is time-consuming and potentially expensive. This includes written content, images, videos, and any other media you plan to use on your site. You may need to factor in costs for:

• Copywriting services
• Professional photography or stock image purchases
• Video production
• Graphic design for logos, icons, and other visual elements

While it might be tempting to write your own content to save money, professional copywriting will often significantly enhance your website’s effectiveness. A skilled copywriter can craft messaging that resonates with your target audience, improves your search engine rankings, and drives conversions.

Expect to pay between £50 and £150 per hour for professional copywriting services. For a small website, you may want to budget £500 to £2,000 for content creation. Larger sites or those requiring ongoing content production will need to budget significantly more.

5. Functionality and features

The specific features and functionality you require will significantly impact the cost. Some examples include:

• Ecommerce capabilities
• User accounts and login systems
• Booking or appointment systems
• Integration with third-party services
• Custom databases or applications
• Multi-language support

Each additional feature increases the complexity and cost of your website. For example, adding ecommerce functionality—the ability to sell products or services through your website—could cost anywhere from £500 to £5,000 or more, depending on the number of products, payment gateways, and level of customisation required.

A booking system might add between £200 and £1,000 to your project cost. Integration with third-party services like CRM systems or marketing automation tools can range from £500 to £3,000, depending on the complexity of the integration.

Before you start adding lots of complex features to your website, consider their return on investment. Will they save you time, improve user experience, or directly contribute to your bottom line?

6. Security measures

Basic security measures like SSL certificates are now standard and often included in hosting packages. However, more robust security measures may be necessary, especially for ecommerce sites or those handling sensitive data. Advanced security features to consider include:

• Regular security audits (£500 to £2,000 per audit): Audits involve scanning for vulnerabilities, reviewing access controls, checking for outdated software, and assessing overall security practices. They help identify potential weaknesses before malicious actors can exploit them.
• Implementation of a WAF (£100 to £500 per year): A WAF (Web Application Firewall) is a security tool that monitors, filters and blocks traffic to and from a web application. It protects against common web exploits and attacks that could compromise your website or data.
• Malware scanning and removal services (£200 to £1,000 per year): These services continuously monitor your website for malicious software (malware). If detected, the service can often automatically remove the threat. This is important for maintaining site integrity and preventing your website from being used to spread malware to visitors.
• DDoS protection (£100 to £1,000 per month, depending on the level of protection): DDoS (Distributed Denial of Service) attacks attempt to overwhelm a website with traffic, making it unavailable to legitimate users. DDoS protection services use various techniques to identify and mitigate such attacks.

Proper security measures are often far less expensive than the potential cost of a security breach, which can include financial losses, damage to reputation, and legal consequences.

7. Hosting and domain

Every website needs a domain name (your web address) and hosting (where your website’s files are stored). While these are ongoing costs rather than one-time development expenses (we’ll discuss them in more detail later), they’re essential to factor into your budget. The cost can vary based on:

• The type of hosting
• The amount of traffic your site receives
• The level of support and security provided by the host

8. Maintenance and updates

A website is not a ‘set it and forget it’ asset. Regular maintenance keeps your site secure, up-to-date, and functioning correctly. This can include:

• Content updates
• Software and plugin updates
• Security patches
• Performance optimization
• Backup management

Depending on your technical skills and available time, you might handle some of these tasks yourself or pay for professional maintenance services.

Website Builders vs. Hiring a Web Designer

Choosing between a DIY website builder and a professional web designer is one of the first and most important decisions you’ll make when creating a website. Each option has pros and cons, and the right choice depends on your needs, budget, and technical skills.

Website builders typically offer drag-and-drop interfaces that allow you to visually design your website without writing code. They often come with a variety of predesigned templates that you can customise to fit your brand. Popular website builders include Wix, Squarespace, and Shopify.

To avoid the expense of hiring a web developer, use website builder software to make the entire website yourself. Many businesses do this. Expect to pay £0 to £50 per month, which includes web hosting and security. The only extra cost you must pay is the domain, at roughly £10 to £30 per year.

You can see the stark difference in pricing here:

Should I use a website builder or hire a web designer?

The main advantages of website builders are their ease of use and quick setup time. You can often have a basic website up and running in a matter of hours. They also usually include hosting, domain registration, and basic SEO tools, making them an all-in-one solution for many small businesses.

However, website builders do have limitations. They may offer less flexibility in terms of design and functionality compared to custom-built websites. As your business grows, you may find you need features or integrations that your chosen website builder doesn’t support. While many offer free plans, these often come with limitations, such as reduced functionality or prominent ads for the website builder on your site.

There are pros and cons to both approaches:

You’ll need to allow between five and 20 hours to set up your DIY website with a website builder. After that, expect to spend between two and 30 hours per month on content and usability updates. However, a web designer usually takes care of all that work, so if you were to hire one, you’d only spend time checking in over calls and emails.

You’ll also need at least some enthusiasm for design, writing, and marketing if you build your own site with a website builder. If you don’t care to spend your talents here, a web designer takes all that creative load off your plate.

What’s the cheapest option?

Between hiring a web designer and going the DIY route, the cheapest option is to build your own website with a free plan. Wix, for example, offers great business features, like the ability to take bookings via an online calendar. It has an intuitive drag-and-drop editor that enables beginners to create professional-looking websites without coding knowledge. For those who prefer a hands-off approach, Wix ADI (Artificial Design Intelligence) can create a unique website based on your preferences and needs.

The Wix App Market has hundreds of apps and integrations to enhance your website, from ecommerce tools to marketing solutions. All Wix templates are mobile-responsive, ensuring your site looks great on any device. And if you’re venturing into online sales, you’ll appreciate Wix’s robust ecommerce capabilities, including inventory management and secure payment gateways.

A premium plan with a domain (website URL) included for one year costs £7.50 to £119 (plus VAT) per month. Some plans have a monthly contract option at a higher price, which is why we recommend signing up for at least one year and paying upfront.

However, if you’re looking to invest in a custom site with features and functions you can’t find in a website builder, you can expect to pay £1,100 to £5,500 to hire a developer to build a small- to medium-sized website.

The true cost of DIY website building

While DIY website builders seem like an affordable entry point for many businesses, you should consider the time investment required to learn the platform and create a professional-looking site. This can be substantial, especially if you’re not naturally tech-savvy or design-oriented.

Many DIY platforms offer free templates, but paid themes offer improved aesthetics. These can range from £50 to £200 or more. And while basic features are usually included, advanced functionality often requires paid plugins or apps. These costs can quickly add up, with each plugin costing £10 to £100+ per year.

Another hidden expense is the opportunity cost. The time spent building and maintaining your website could be used for other business-critical tasks. If your hourly rate is £50, and you spend 40 hours building your site, that’s an additional £2,000 in ‘hidden’ costs.

How Much Does a Basic Website Cost?

A basic or ‘brochure-style’ website comprises one to five pages and requires very simple functionality. In addition to the core pages, it has a contact and landing page. Despite its simplicity, it should also be mobile responsive (meaning it works well on mobile devices). It’s always worth checking that this feature is included in the price.

Basic websites are great if you’re after a very simple, stripped-back online presence. It’s a place to showcase your business and receive enquiries. Think of it as a modern-day business card.

You can go down several routes when creating your basic website. Each option has its pros and cons.

Build your own basic website: Free or £7 to £50 per month (paying annually)

Website builders have become prevalent and sophisticated in recent years. They’re now a legitimate option for businesses and individuals alike, costing up to £50 a month for a website without any payment features. Besides a clear cost-benefit, website builders also allow you to get a website up and running in just a few hours, with no prior design experience required.

Here are the current prices of the top website builders:

If you want more details on these platforms, check out our overview of the best website builder tools for UK businesses.

Basic website from a design agency: £500 to £2,500

Design agencies offer you the chance to work with reliable and experienced website creators. Making slick websites with exceptional user experience is their bread and butter. As a rough estimate, a small one- to five-page website from an agency will likely cost between £500 and £2,500.

This is the perfect option if you want something truly unique in functionality. It’s also the ideal choice if you have a decent budget but little time or desire to create it yourself.

The price may be higher than working with an individual because of the additional overheads (such as paying multiple staff, office rental, and marketing costs). However, you could benefit from the range of experience agencies have in-house, including graphic designers, SEO experts, and marketing specialists.

Agencies or freelance designers will provide a quote for the project as a whole based on what you need, so we always recommend comparing quotes before selecting a service.

However, we recommend you avoid choosing the cheapest agency. The last thing you want is to lose thousands of pounds in revenue because of an unprofessional website that doesn’t work.

We’ve written an in-depth guide on London’s web design agencies to help you get a better idea of the hiring process.

Freelance developer pricing for a basic website: £960 to £1,500

Using a freelance developer is a convenient option to create a basic website. However, finding one takes more research than an agency, and you may want to go off a recommendation rather than a Google search. Since you’re working directly with a skilled professional, you’ll enjoy a high level of accountability and personalised service.

A UK-based freelancer typically charges between £50 and £100 per hour. However, it’s common to charge per project, too. A basic website will likely cost between £960 and £1,500.

Basic website from an offshore web company: £80 to £650

An offshore web company is a business that provides web development and design services from a country different from where the client is based, typically in regions with lower labour costs.

Using an offshore web company is one of the cheapest options (£5 to £20 per hour). However, offshore web companies are often far less reliable than other options. You’ll likely have to wait for responses to your questions because of time zone differences, plus language barriers may prove problematic, with the possibility of spelling mistakes throughout your site.

When creating your website, consider how your needs may change over the next few years. If you’re planning to expand your company or predict future surges in visitors, mention this when requesting quotes to ensure you get a website that is scalable and future-proof.

Of course, these prices depend on your site’s size and complexity. When requesting a web design quote, be specific and ensure you get the total cost. Transparency in the early stages of the web design process between you and your designer ensures everyone is on the same page and will help prevent costly amendments further down the line.

How Much Does a Small Business Website Cost?

A small business website has one to five pages and upfront costs between £500 and £1,100 (plus VAT) for the design and domain.

Additional features may include:

• Integrating social media
• Responsive design
• A content management system
• Integration with Google Analytics, Google Maps, and Google Business Profile

This type of website will have more pages than a basic website and more storage space for video and image galleries.

Small business websites are ideal for companies likely to update their content regularly. This makes them the perfect choice for startups, freelancers, or any growing organisation.

We cover the rough cost of a small business website below:

Paying for a well-designed website isn’t a guaranteed formula for internet success. Once you have your completed website, we recommend that you reinforce your presence with regular marketing and content updates to keep visitors coming back to your site. Allotting a monthly budget of time and money can be a great way to ensure this doesn’t get forgotten.

When choosing a web design company, select one with experience working with small businesses. Otherwise, you may find yourself lumbered with fancy features that won’t actually offer you any real benefit.

Again, website builders are a great option for creating your small business website. Wix categorises its templates by industry, making it easy to find the one that’s right for you.

How Much Does an Ecommerce Website Cost?

A website with payment features and a product catalogue costs between £2,300 and £16,000 (plus VAT) per year. It’s more expensive than a basic business brochure website because of the extra data security needed. We also recommend regularly updating the content (images and product descriptions), which can add to the ongoing costs.

If you hire a freelancer to build your online shop, they may provide a cost breakdown or include one or more of the below elements in the overall price. We’ve compiled this quick reference table to give you an idea of market rates for a typical small- to medium-sized online shop.

To work out this estimate, we researched prices for www.buymoreclothes.com and compared domain registrar quotes.

When budgeting for an ecommerce website, you need to think about ongoing costs beyond just hosting and maintenance. These can include:

• Payment gateway fees: Most payment processors charge a percentage of each transaction plus a fixed fee. For example, PayPal typically charges around 2.9% + 30p per transaction. These fees allow your website to securely process credit card payments from customers.
• Inventory management software: As your business grows, you may need specialised software to track inventory across multiple channels. This helps prevent overselling and ensures you always know what’s in stock, whether you sell items on your website, in a physical shop, or through other online marketplaces.
• Customer service tools: Chat plugins, helpdesk software, or CRM (customer relationship management) systems help you efficiently handle customer queries, track issues, and maintain a record of your interactions with each customer.
• Marketing automation: Email marketing tools, abandoned cart recovery systems, and other automation help to boost sales. Abandoned cart recovery, for instance, automatically sends reminders to customers who have left items in their online shopping cart without completing the purchase, encouraging them to return and complete their order.
• Security measures: Enhanced security features, such as fraud detection tools, may be necessary for ecommerce sites. These tools can help identify suspicious transactions, protecting your business and customers from fraud.
• Product photography: Regular updates to your product catalogue may require ongoing professional photography services. High-quality, attractive product images are important when customers can’t physically handle the items before purchase.

Note that many ecommerce platforms offer tiered pricing based on your sales volume or number of products. As your business grows, your monthly costs may increase, but this is usually offset by increased revenue.

Due to the many variables involved, it can be hard to guess the price of an ecommerce website. If you hire a web designer, being as specific as possible about your requirements will help you arrive at an accurate quote early on.

The easiest way to get the right price for your website is by comparing free quotes. We can help you with this. Simply let us know what you’d like from your website, and we’ll match your business with trusted web designers that suit your requirements. They’ll then be in touch with obligation-free quotes for you to compare.

How Much Does a Specialist Website Cost?

Bespoke websites are great for larger companies that require more functionality, have a higher number of visitors, or have more information to share.

Such websites are database-driven. They have advanced functionality and unlimited subpages (pages created within the subcategories of your site). Businesses in certain industries, such as financial services, recruitment, property, and architecture, are likelier to choose this type of website.

When building a bespoke website, it’s highly beneficial to work with a dedicated partner. Unless you have a strong relationship with a talented freelancer, we recommend looking for an agency to work with where you will have access to a broader range of skill sets.

Get a quote for the project as a whole rather than a ‘per hour’ rate since larger projects can potentially produce time-consuming problems that are outside your control as a customer.

Advanced Website Features and Their Costs

Depending on your needs, customer base, and industry, you might want to add additional website features.

• User authentication systems: These allow users to create accounts, log in, and access personalised content or features. Implementing a secure, user-friendly authentication system can cost anywhere from £1,000 to £5,000 or more, depending on the complexity of the user roles and permissions required.
• Advanced search functionality: For websites with large amounts of content or products, an advanced search feature with filters, autocomplete, and relevance ranking can greatly improve user experience. Depending on the volume of data, such a system could cost £2,000 to £10,000.
• Membership areas: Creating gated content or exclusive areas for members can be a great way to generate recurring revenue. Developing a robust membership system with different access levels and payment integration can cost £3,000 to £15,000 or more.
• Custom integrations: Many businesses need their website to integrate with other systems like CRM software, marketing automation tools, or inventory management systems. These custom integrations, which can automate many business processes, can be complex and cost from £2,000 to £20,000 or more per integration.
• Multilingual functionality: For businesses operating globally, having a website that supports multiple languages is a must. Implementing a robust multilingual system that allows easy content management across languages can cost from £3,000 to £10,000, not including translation costs.
• Contact forms: While basic contact forms are often included in website builders, more advanced forms with custom fields and integrations can cost £100 to £500.
• Real-time chat: Adding a live chat feature for customer support can significantly improve user engagement. Costs can range from £500 for a basic third-party plugin to £5,000+ for a custom-built solution integrated with your customer service systems.
• Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning: AI can personalise user experiences, automate customer service, and provide intelligent product recommendations. Implementing AI features can range from £5,000 for basic chatbots to £50,000+ for advanced, custom AI solutions.

While these advanced features come with higher price tags, they can provide significant value by improving user experience, increasing engagement, and driving conversions, so they’re worth considering.

Comparing Website Costs Across Industries

It’s worth noting that website costs can vary dramatically across different industries due to their unique requirements.

• In the ecommerce industry, websites tend to be more expensive because of the need for robust product catalogues, secure payment gateways, and inventory management systems. A small online shop may start at around £5,000, while larger ecommerce sites can easily exceed £50,000. The costs increase with the number of products, custom features like personalised recommendations, and integration with warehouse management systems.
• Professional service industries such as law firms and consultancies often require less complex websites. However, they may invest more in content creation and management systems to showcase their expertise through blogs, whitepapers, and case studies. These sites typically range from £3,000 to £15,000, with ongoing content costs being a significant factor.
• Healthcare websites often require special features such as appointment booking systems, secure patient portals, and strict compliance with data protection regulations like GDPR and HIPAA. These additional requirements can increase costs, which can range from £10,000 to £50,000 or more for larger healthcare providers.
• Non-profit organisations often work with tighter budgets but require features such as donation systems, volunteer management, and event calendars. The cost of these sites can range from £3,000 to £20,000.
• Media and entertainment websites often need high-performance hosting to handle video content and large user bases. They may also require features such as content monetisation systems. Costs for these sites can start at £10,000 and go well into six figures for larger platforms.

Understanding Recurring Website Expenses

Beyond the initial outlay to build your website, you must consider ongoing expenses. In the long run, operating and maintaining your website will cost much more than the cost incurred to build it.

Domain costs

As mentioned earlier, all websites need a web address or ‘domain’. For example, the Expert Market domain name is ‘expertmarket.co.uk’.

Domain costs vary according to:

• Which registrar you choose
• Which type of TLD (top-level domain) you want (e.g., .co.uk, .com, .net)
• Whether someone already owns the domain
• If you add extra security protection
• How many years you buy the domain for

Here are some examples of different TLD prices:

Sometimes, you may find that the perfect domain name for your business has already been taken. In this case, you have the option of buying an existing domain from its current owner. This process is known as domain acquisition. Prices for existing domains can vary widely, from a few hundred pounds to tens or even hundreds of thousands of pounds, depending on factors like the domain’s age, length, keywords, and perceived value.

Short, memorable domains with popular TLDs like ‘.com’ are typically the most expensive. If you’re considering this route, it’s important to budget accordingly and potentially engage a domain broker to help negotiate the purchase. While an existing domain might be costlier upfront, it could provide benefits like established search engine rankings or built-in traffic that makes it worthwhile for your business.

Need help deciding where to start with a domain name? We can provide you with quotes from hosting and domain name providers, including Bluehost, GoDaddy, and HostGator. Simply enter your contact details, and we’ll connect you with those companies.

We strongly suggest you purchase a domain for at least five to 10 years. If you allow your domain name to expire, you will lose access to the web address, and someone else can host their own website at that web address. There’s usually a discount on the first year, so you should look beyond that and consider the cost over time. Generally, it’s less expensive per year to pay for a longer rental.

Even if you decide to close your website, you should continue to pay for the domain. Why? This protects your professional reputation for customers who try to access your website after it’s closed down. Otherwise, it’s easy for an opportunist to set up a gambling, gaming, spam, or scheme website at your old web address to take advantage of your customers.

SSL security certificate

SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) security certificates are digital certificates that authenticate a website’s identity and allow for an encrypted connection between a web server and a browser.

Without a security certificate, it’s easy for cybercriminals to hack into your website. This could mean website outages, stolen credit card details, reputation damage, and even legal action. It’s your responsibility as a website owner to keep your website protected from malware and password theft.

Website visitors can check for a valid security certificate by looking for the padlock symbol in the address bar. If your security is outdated, browsers may block visitors from entering your website.

SSL pricing differs according to:

• The number of websites you have
• The amount of data you need to protect
• How tough your security measures need to be

You will often find that a freelancer or website builder tool will include the SSL certificate in the overall price package. Higher SSL security certificates, used by large businesses and financial institutions, cost between £100 and £500 per year.

Hosting costs

Every website needs to be hosted on a web server. While your domain is your virtual address, your server is the physical location of your website. Hosting means renting some ‘space’ on the internet. Fully understanding what hosting means isn’t necessary, but you should know that your website will need it in some form, and you have a few options for this:

Shared hosting

Shared hosting is the cheapest and most common form of web hosting. You share your hosting platform with a number of other sites, which means you’ll be sharing the cost as well. The downside is you also share bandwidth. So, in effect, you fight for server space. Shared hosting can be a great low-cost option for basic or new sites that don’t yet get many visitors.

Prices range from £3 to £12 per month.

WordPress hosting

You may be familiar with WordPress, an open-source website-building software that includes a content management system (CMS). In fact, ExpertMarket.com is built using WordPress.

You can now find WordPress-specific hosting packages that help your site run fast and may come with automatic updates, scheduled data backups, and other tools.

WordPress offers two options:

• WordPress.com: A hosted solution similar to other website builders, where the company manages the technical aspects of running your site.
• WordPress.org: The self-hosted version, where you download the WordPress software and install it on your own web hosting.

While WordPress.org offers more flexibility and control, it requires more technical knowledge to set up and maintain. You’ll need to handle tasks like security updates, backups, and performance optimisation yourself (or hire someone to do it for you).

WordPress-specific hosting is optimised for running WordPress sites. It often offers features like one-click WordPress installation, automatic updates, and specialised support, which can make managing a WordPress site easier, especially for those new to the platform.

Prices range from £3 to £20 per month.

Virtual Private Server (VPS) hosting

Virtual Private Server (VPS) hosting offers a middle ground between shared and dedicated hosting. In a VPS environment, a physical server is divided into multiple virtual servers, each operating independently. This means you get your own allocated resources (CPU, RAM, storage) and greater control over your hosting environment without the full cost of a dedicated server.

VPS hosting is ideal for websites that have outgrown shared hosting but don’t yet need the resources of a dedicated server. It offers better performance, security, and flexibility than shared hosting, as your site won’t be affected by other websites on the same server. However, it does require more technical knowledge to manage than shared hosting, so it’s best suited for users with some server administration experience or those willing to learn.

Prices range from £17 to £50 per month.

Dedicated hosting

With this option, a server is dedicated to hosting your website. Websites that are particularly large, complex, or require exceptionally high levels of data security will benefit from this type of hosting. Dedicated hosting is often the best option for websites with a high and steady amount of traffic. You don’t have to compete for bandwidth, so the price is higher.

Prices range from £60 to £250 per month.

Pro tip: Websites such as IONOS, 123reg, and GoDaddy regularly offer package deals for domain names and web hosting.

Content production

Producing written content is something that you can do yourself to keep costs down. However, it can be worth getting a freelancer or agency to help. Expect to pay £30 to £100 per hour for web copywriting.

While creating content yourself can save money, consider the value of your time and the quality of the content you can produce. Professional web copywriters understand how to structure content for the web, incorporate SEO best practices, and create compelling calls-to-action that can drive conversions.

When budgeting for content, consider these potential needs:

• Homepage copy that clearly communicates your value proposition
• ‘About’ page that tells your brand story
• Service or product descriptions
• Blog posts or articles to demonstrate expertise and improve SEO
• FAQ sections to address common customer queries
• Privacy policy and terms of service (which may require legal review)

Imagery

Content isn’t just text. You may also need to budget for professional photography, custom illustrations, or videos to enhance your website’s visual appeal and effectiveness. Hiring a photographer to collect a bank of images for your brand or product is always advisable for creating a strong brand identity.

Professional photography can set your business apart, showcasing your products or services in the best light and conveying your brand’s unique personality. Depending on your location and the photographer’s experience, a full-day professional photo shoot can cost anywhere from £300 to £2,000 or more.

Custom illustrations can add a unique touch to your website, making it more memorable and engaging. Illustrators typically charge £50 to £500 per illustration, depending on complexity and style. For a full website’s worth of custom illustrations, you might budget £500 to £5,000.

You can also buy stock images and graphics from sites like Depositphotos or download free images for commercial use on Unsplash.

SEO/marketing

Let’s say you own a small independent bookshop in Bristol. Googling ‘bookshop Bristol’ returns pages of results. So, how do you ensure your business appears near the top?

This is where SEO comes in.

SEO stands for search engine optimisation. It’s the process of making a site the best it can be in terms of search engine visibility. Search engines give preference to sites that load fast and offer the information that people are searching for, among other things.

SEO is a long-term strategy that continues to yield results over time, unlike paid advertising, which stops the moment you cease paying. For small businesses, local SEO can be particularly powerful, helping you compete with larger companies by targeting customers in your specific area.

For smaller websites, it’s a good idea to check if web design and SEO services are included in your overall package. For websites with a lot of content, consider getting a freelancer or agency specialising in SEO to review your site every month to ensure it remains optimised.

While some basic SEO can be handled in-house, many businesses choose to work with professionals to maximise their online visibility. Costs for SEO and digital marketing services can vary widely:

• Basic SEO audit (£500 to £2,000): Analysing your site structure, content, backlinks, and technical aspects to identify areas for improvement. The audit provides a roadmap for enhancing your site’s visibility in search engine results.
• Ongoing SEO services (£500 to £5,000+ per month): Continuous efforts to improve and maintain your website’s search engine rankings. This can include keyword research, content optimisation, link building, and technical SEO improvements.
• Pay-per-click advertising management (10% to 20% of ad spend or £500 to £5,000+ per month): Managing your paid search campaigns on platforms such as Google Ads or Bing Ads. Professionals handle keyword research, ad creation, bid management, and performance analysis.
• Social media marketing (£500 to £5,000+ per month): Strategy development, content creation, posting, community management, and paid social media advertising. The cost varies based on the number of platforms you’re active on, the frequency of posts, and whether you’re running paid campaigns.
• Content marketing (£500 to £5,000+ per month): Services can include blog writing, ebook creation, infographics, video production, and content strategy.

If you want to make sure SEO services are included in your pricing information, use our quote-finding tool below.

How Long Does It Take To Build a Website?

Now that you have a rough idea of the cost of your site, it’s time to explore question number two: How long will it take to build?

As with many aspects of web development, the answer isn’t straightforward and depends on several factors. The size and complexity of your desired site, the agency or method you choose, and your own level of involvement all play significant roles in determining the timeline.

Let’s start with your quickest option—website builders. These user-friendly platforms allow individuals with little to no coding experience to create their own websites. If you need a basic site with a predesigned template and minimal customisation, you could potentially have your website up and running in just a few hours.

However, while these platforms do offer speed and convenience, they can limit your ability to create a truly unique and feature-rich website.

If you’re seeking a more personalised approach, working with a professional web development agency is often the preferred choice. The timeline for agency-built websites can vary dramatically, ranging from a couple of weeks for simpler projects to several months for more complex, custom-built sites.

Let’s take a look at the main factors that affect this timeline.

1. Project scope: The size and complexity of your website are the primary determinants of development time. A small business website with a few pages and basic functionality might take two to six weeks, while a large ecommerce site with hundreds of products, custom features, and integrations could take three to six months or more.
2. Design complexity: If you’re aiming for a unique, custom design that stands out from template-based sites, expect to add more time to the process. The design phase alone, including revisions and approvals, can take anywhere from one to four weeks.
3. Functionality requirements: Advanced features like user accounts, payment gateways, booking systems, or custom applications will significantly extend the development timeline. Each complex feature may add days or weeks to the project.
4. Content preparation and creation: Often overlooked, content creation can be a time-consuming process. If you provide the content (text, images, videos), ensure you factor in time for this. Some agencies offer content creation services, which can streamline the process.
5. Client feedback and revisions: Your involvement in the project can impact the timeline. Quick, clear feedback helps keep the project moving, while delayed responses or multiple revision rounds are a recipe for longer development times.
6. Testing and quality assurance: You must allow time for testing to ensure your website functions flawlessly across different devices and browsers. This typically takes one to two weeks but can be longer for complex sites.
7. Agency workload and team size: The agency’s current workload and the size of their team can affect how quickly they can complete your project. Larger agencies may have more resources to dedicate to your site, potentially speeding up the process.

It’s also worth noting that web development is often an iterative process. While you might have a ‘finished’ website after the initial development phase, most businesses continue to refine and expand their sites over time. This ongoing development can include adding new features, optimising for search engines, or refreshing the design to keep up with current trends.

When discussing timelines with potential agencies, be sure to ask for a detailed project plan that breaks down the different phases of development. This will give you a clearer understanding of what to expect and when. Also, enquire about their communication process and how they handle potential delays or issues that may arise during development.

It’s natural for you to want your website up and running as quickly as possible, but prioritise quality over speed. A well-designed, properly functioning website that effectively represents your brand and meets your business needs is worth the wait.

Hiring a Web Developer

If you choose to hire a web development company, consider the following points:

The long-term ROI of professional web design

Investing in professional web design may seem costly upfront, but it can yield significant returns over time. For one, professional design significantly enhances a website’s effectiveness through improvements in user interface (UI) and user experience (UX).

UI design focuses on the visual elements and layout of a site, making it aesthetically pleasing and easy to navigate. Studies have shown that a well-designed user interface alone can increase a website’s conversion rate by up to 200%.

UX design encompasses the entire user journey, including factors like site speed, content relevance, and overall usability. When comprehensive UX improvements are implemented, conversion rates can be boosted by 400%.

Search engine optimisation is another area where professional design shines. Developers can build your site with SEO best practices in mind, including proper heading structures, fast loading times, and mobile responsiveness. This can lead to higher search engine rankings, driving more organic traffic to your site.

Considering that the first page of Google captures 71% of search traffic clicks, a professionally optimised site could significantly increase your visibility and customer acquisition. It also instils trust and credibility. In the blink of an eye—literally 50 milliseconds —visitors judge your website and choose whether to engage further or bounce.

Professionally designed sites are typically more scalable and easier to maintain. As your business grows, your website can adapt without requiring a complete overhaul, saving you money in the long run.

Support levels vary

You could be quoted £1,000 and £50,000 for the same project. This is because an agency will give you an account manager and connect you with graphic designers, marketing professionals, and possibly social media services.

A freelancer will generally work alone to deliver what you need. You should work out how best to communicate a website project and if having a range of marketing professionals at hand is preferable over just one point of contact.

Standards vary from agency to agency

As with any industry, the quality of work will vary from agency to agency. It’s a good idea to look at customer reviews and examples of previous work when deciding which agency to go with. Remember, the cheapest option isn’t always the best—your website is an investment in the growth of your business. It goes beyond a good-looking business card and can be central to facilitating your services.

When evaluating potential web developers or agencies, consider the following:

• Portfolio: Look for projects similar to what you need. Pay attention to design quality, functionality, and overall user experience.
• Client testimonials: Reach out to past clients, if possible, to get honest feedback about their experience.
• Technical expertise: Ensure the developers or agencies have experience with the technologies and platforms relevant to your project.
• Communication skills: Clear, prompt communication is important for a successful project.
• Project management approach: Understanding the development process can help you gauge how smoothly the project will run.
• Post-launch support: Clarify what support is available after your website goes live.

15 questions to ask your web designer

Communication is key to making the web design process as streamlined as possible. You need to know exactly what you’re getting from your web designer, and they should know exactly what you expect of them. With this in mind, we’ve put together a few questions to ask your designer:

1. Do you arrange the purchase of the domain name and hosting for the site, and is this included in your quote?
2. How easy will it be to report on and update my website? If it requires specialist knowledge, will you provide training for my staff and me?
3. Will there be any ongoing costs for general site maintenance?
4. Will you optimise the website for search engines?
5. Will the site be mobile-responsive?
6. If I am unhappy with the finished design of my site, can it be amended, and is there a cost associated with this?
7. Will you provide content and imagery for the site, or must I provide it?
8. What is the scope for future development of the website? Is it built to grow quickly?
9. How much will future amendments to the site cost?
10. How is my website protected if something goes wrong?
11. How do you approach website security, and what measures do you implement?
12. Can you provide a detailed project timeline with milestones?
13. How do you handle testing and quality assurance?
14. What is your policy on post-launch bug fixes and support?
15. How do you ensure the website is optimised for speed and performance?

Asking thoughtful questions during the initial consultation can help ensure clear expectations and a successful collaboration.