How much does a small business website cost in the UK?
Website quotes vary wildly, from a few pounds a month for a do-it-yourself builder to many thousands for a custom build. Most small businesses sit somewhere in between. Here is what the money goes on, what the running costs are, and what we charge so you have a real number to compare.
The main options
A website builder you run yourself: The cheapest route. You pay a monthly subscription and do the design, writing and set-up yourself. It works if you have the time and a good eye, but many do-it-yourself sites end up half finished.
A freelancer or small agency: Where most small businesses land. You pay a one-off fee for design and build, then a smaller amount each month for hosting and upkeep. You get a site built around your business, not a template with your logo on it.
A large custom build: Online shops with thousands of products, booking systems and member areas need more planning and more development. Budgets here are much higher, and so are the timescales.
What you are actually paying for
Planning: Working out what the site needs to do, who it is for and what each page should say. Skipping this is the most common reason websites fail.
Design: How the site looks and feels on a phone as well as a laptop. Good design makes the next step obvious.
Writing: Clear words sell. Ask whether copywriting is included or whether you need to supply all the text.
Build and testing: Turning the design into a fast, secure site that works on every screen, with forms that reach your inbox.
Search basics: Page titles, descriptions, headings and a site structure that helps Google understand what you do and where you do it.
The running costs people forget
Hosting and security: Your site has to live somewhere, and it needs an SSL certificate, backups and updates.
Your domain name: A small yearly fee. Make sure it is registered in your name, not your designer's.
Changes: New prices, new photos, new team members. Find out whether small edits are included or billed by the hour.
What we charge at Funnal
Our web design starts at £1,950 for a complete portfolio website: planned, designed, built and launched. You can pay 50% up front and 50% on completion, or spread it as £325 a month over six months.
Running costs are £99 a month, which covers hosting, updates and security. No surprise invoices.
Questions to ask before you sign
Who owns the site and the domain? You should. Get it in writing.
Can I edit it myself? You should be able to change text and images without calling a developer.
What is not included? Photography, copywriting, extra pages and online shops are the usual extras. Ask for the full list.
What happens after launch? A website is never really finished. Check what support you get in the first month and beyond.
Thinking about a new website? Say hello and tell us what you need, or see how our web design works step by step.
Written by the Funnal team. Illustration: Funnal.
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