If you’re a small business owner or startup, one of the first questions you’ll ask when planning a website is: “How much is this going to cost?” The truth is, the cost of building a website varies widely depending on your approach, design requirements, functionality, and whether you do it yourself or hire a professional. This guide breaks down everything you need to know so you can make an informed decision.
1. DIY Website: How Much Could You Spend?
So, How Much Does It Cost to Build a Website? Building your own website has become more accessible thanks to user-friendly platforms. Here’s a rough breakdown of the costs involved:
| Item | Approximate Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Domain Name | £10–£20/year | Your website’s address, e.g., www.yourbusiness.co.uk |
| Hosting | £3–£15/month | Platforms like Bluehost, SiteGround, or WP Engine |
| Website Platform | Free–£20/month | WordPress is free, Wix/Squarespace may have subscription fees |
| Theme/Template | Free–£80 one-time | Professional themes cost more; free templates are available |
| Plugins/Add-ons | £0–£100+ | Needed for SEO, forms, eCommerce, security |
| SSL Certificate | Often included in hosting | Needed for secure HTTPS connection |
| Stock Images | Free–£50+ | Optional, for professional look |
Estimated Total DIY Cost (First Year): £100–£500
Note: DIY is budget-friendly but requires your time and effort to learn how to set up, design, and maintain the website.
2. Professional Website Build: Rough Cost Estimates
Hiring a professional web design agency or freelancer comes with higher upfront costs but brings expertise, time savings, and a polished, high-performing website.
| Type | Approximate Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Small Business/Startup Website | £400–£2,000 | Basic website with 5–10 pages, custom design, responsive layout |
| Advanced Business Website | £1,200–£5,000 | Custom design, more pages, interactive elements, enhanced SEO |
| E-commerce Website | £1,200–£10,000 | Online store with payment integration, product catalog, inventory management |
| Monthly Maintenance/Care Plans | £20–600/month | Optional; keeps website secure, updated, and optimised |
Costs vary depending on the agency, design complexity, and functionality.
3. Benefits of Hiring a Professional Web Design Agency
While DIY websites can work, a professional web design agency offers significant advantages:
a) Time Savings
- Professionals can launch your website weeks faster than you could DIY, allowing you to focus on your business.
b) High-Quality Design
- Agencies provide custom, professional designs that match your branding and appeal to your target audience.
c) Optimized for Conversions
- A professional website isn’t just about looking good—it’s designed to convert visitors into leads or customers. Clear calls-to-action, fast loading times, and structured layouts improve results.
d) Technical Expertise
- Handling hosting, security, SEO, plugins, and responsive design can be challenging for DIY builders. Agencies ensure everything works seamlessly across devices and browsers.
e) Long-Term ROI
- A well-built website attracts more visitors, increases trust, and can ultimately lead to higher sales or inquiries—making the investment worthwhile.
4. Factors That Affect Website Costs
- Number of pages: More pages = more design and development work.
- Custom features: Forms, eCommerce, animations, memberships, or integrations can increase cost.
- Design complexity: Unique designs take more time than pre-made templates.
- Content creation: Professional copywriting, photography, and videos may add to costs.
- SEO optimization: On-page SEO and technical optimization can be included in professional packages.
5. DIY vs Professional: Which is Right for You?
| Factor | DIY Website | Professional Agency |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Low | Medium–High |
| Time | High | Low |
| Customization | Limited | Fully Custom |
| Technical Knowledge | Required | Not Required |
| Conversion Optimization | Limited | High |
| Maintenance | Self-managed | Agency-managed (optional) |
Bottom Line:
- DIY is great for tight budgets or temporary websites.
- Professional design is ideal if you want high-quality design, faster launch, and long-term growth.
6. Tips to Save Money Without Sacrificing Quality
- Start simple: Launch with essential pages first and expand later.
- Use pre-built templates for faster, cheaper design.
- Hire freelancers for specific tasks instead of full-service agencies.
- Choose affordable hosting with included SSL and backups.
Building a website is an investment in your business’s future. DIY options are great for cost-conscious startups, but professional web design agencies bring expertise, design quality, and optimized performance that DIY often can’t match.
Digital Design Online specialises in affordable web design for startups and small businesses—the cheapest in the UK. Whether you want a professional WordPress site or guidance to get started yourself, we can help you launch a beautiful, fast, and high-converting website without breaking the bank.
