How much does it cost to design a website?
Anybody who asks “How much does a website cost?” is asking an excellent question. There is no single number that can answer this question. What you need will determine the price. The price depends on how complex it is, who built it and where you hire the builders. When considering these factors, look closely at the cost of Website Design Services. This article breaks down the topic. This article uses real-time market data. The language is simple, and the sentences are short. There are clear numbers, simple advice and two small tables to compare.
Prices vary widely. If you build a simple website yourself, it can cost as little as nothing. A large, custom-made site can cost thousands of dollars. A small business website created by an agency is usually priced in the low hundreds. Market guides and industry reports support these ranges.
What drives the cost?
Price can be affected by several factors. The first is the scope, which includes the number of web pages, features and whether e-commerce is needed. A custom design is more expensive than a template. Third, development costs and time increase with complex features, custom code, or integrations. Fourth, content costs: Copywriting, photos or product listings are additional. Five is the ongoing work. Hosting, security and updates can create monthly or annual bills.
The same truth is revealed by market guides. The DIY builders and templates are the least expensive. Small design agencies charge more. The most expensive are full custom builds by experienced teams. Expect higher quotes if you require special features like payment gateways or complex user interfaces.
Typical price ranges (simple guide)
Below is a short table that shows typical price bands by project type. These are general ranges based on recent industry surveys and UK-specific guides. Use them as a starting point, not a final quote.
| Project type | Typical one-time cost (approx.) | Notes |
| DIY / Website builder (Wix, Squarespace) | $50–$300 per year (subscription) | Cheapest option. Good for very small sites. |
| Template + Freelance setup | $300–$1,500 | Template purchase plus freelancer setup and light customization. |
| Small business site (agency) | $1,200–$10,000 | Broader range. Most small business sites fall here. |
| Custom agency build | $5,000–$50,000+ | Custom design, complex features, integrations. Enterprise-level costs rise more. |
| E-commerce store | $2,500–$50,000+ | Depends on product count and integrations. |
These figures come from multiple industry sources. They combine UK and global data to reflect what buyers see today. Use them to set your budget before you ask for quotes.
What about monthly or yearly costs?
A website is never truly “one and done.” You pay for hosting, domain names, security, updates, and often a maintenance plan. Small ongoing costs can add up.
| Item | Typical cost |
| Domain name | £5–£20 per year |
| Hosting (shared) | £30–£120 per year |
| Managed hosting or cloud | £200–£1,200+ per year |
| Maintenance & updates | £50–£300 per month (agency plans) |
| Security / SSL / backups | £0–£200 per year |
These operating costs differ by provider and level of service. A managed host is pricier but saves time and can improve site speed and uptime. Many agencies offer monthly support packages.
Real stats you should know
The majority of small businesses have websites. Recent surveys have shown that 70-75% small businesses now have an online presence. This means that many of your competitors have already gone online. You may lose business and trust if your site is not polished. Quality and speed are more important than cost. Users make quick judgments about a website. Users often form an impression in just a fractions of a second. This makes investing in a site that is well-built a wise move.
How to pick the right option for your budget
Decide what your website will do. A template or a freelancer can be enough if you just want a brochure site with a few pages. You need an expert employee to guide users through complex flows or combine your website with CRM.
Second, prioritize. Spend your money where it counts. High impact are speed, mobile design and clear messages. Usability is more important than custom visual design. Content and SEO can also have a greater impact on your results than fancy visuals.
Ask for a quote that is fixed and includes a scope of work. Avoid vague promises. Good agencies provide a written scope of work, a timeline and milestone payments. Also, they explain what’s not included.
Questions to ask agencies or freelancers
What is the estimated duration of the project? What’s included in the cost? Who owns code and content? How many revisions will I receive? What are the ongoing costs? Do you offer training or handover services? Good providers give clear answers, and show previous work that matches what you need. Ask for references and examples if claims are vague.
Why custom design costs more – and when it pays off
A custom design is a unique layout, with tailored interactions and visuals specific to your brand. It takes longer. Designers do market research. Designers create wireframes, prototypes and other designs. The developers turn the design into code. Tests and iterations add hours. Custom work is more expensive, but it increases conversions and builds brand trust. The extra cost can be worth it for businesses who rely heavily on online sales and lead generation. According to industry reports, sites with a custom design and a strong UX have boosted engagement and increased returns.
Where to save and where to invest
You can save money on stock images by using libraries at a reasonable price or by hiring a photographer. Plugins and third-party services can help you save on minor features. When considering Website Redesign Services, it is crucial to invest in fast hosting, mobile-first designs, and clear copy. A site that is fast and clear keeps visitors, which helps SEO. First, fix slow loading times. Slow websites lose visitors and lower search rankings. Investing a little here can often yield the biggest return.
Berks Technologies – UK provider you can trust
Berks Technologies can help you with a UK-based team. They offer a variety of options, from simple template builds to fully custom built websites. Fast launches, SEO-ready designs, and ongoing customer support are their main highlights. Berks Technologies can provide end-to-end website work for UK businesses. They also handle integrations and maintenance. On their page for custom website design, you can find out more about their services.
Final checklist before you start
Decide on your goals. Establish a realistic budget. A clear timeline and quote should be requested. Verify portfolios and references. Verify ownership and support conditions. Plan for future costs. Add extras after you have added the must-haves. Avoid hidden costs and delays with a clear plan.
Closing thought
There are many options when it comes to “How much will it cost me to design a web site?” You can invest heavily or build cheaply. Your business goals will determine the best route. Treat your website as an investment if you are selling online or require a strong lead flow. Builders and templates are the best option if you want to have a cheap online presence. Set your budget using the above tables and ranges. Get two or three quotes, then choose the best one that balances price, quality, and communication.
