One of the most common questions we get asked is: "how much does a website cost?" The honest answer is: it depends. But that's not very helpful on its own, so let's break it down properly.
What affects the cost of a website?
Website pricing in the UK varies enormously — from a few hundred pounds to tens of thousands. The main factors that drive cost are:
- Number of pages — A 5-page brochure site costs less than a 50-page e-commerce store.
- Complexity — Custom functionality like booking systems, calculators, or member portals add time and cost.
- Who builds it — A freelancer, a small specialist agency, or a large full-service agency will each charge differently.
- Design requirements — Starting from a template is cheaper than a fully bespoke design.
- Content — If you supply your own text and images, you'll pay less than if the agency writes and sources everything for you.
Typical website prices in the UK (2026)
| Type | Typical cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| DIY website builder (e.g. Wix, Squarespace) | £10–£40/month | Sole traders, very early stage |
| Small business brochure site (freelancer) | £500–£1,500 | Local businesses needing a professional presence |
| Small business site (specialist agency) | £999–£3,000 | Businesses wanting quality without overpaying |
| Custom website with bespoke design | £3,000–£10,000+ | Established businesses with specific requirements |
| E-commerce store | £2,000–£15,000+ | Businesses selling products online |
| Large agency project | £10,000–£50,000+ | Enterprise or highly complex builds |
At Sitelify, our website packages start from £999 for a professional multi-page site with SEO setup, mobile optimisation, and a contact form. No hidden fees — you know exactly what you're paying upfront.
Ongoing costs to factor in
The one-off build cost is just part of the picture. You'll also need to budget for:
- Domain name: around £10–£15 per year for a .co.uk
- Hosting: £5–£30 per month depending on the provider and speed
- SSL certificate: often included free with modern hosting
- Maintenance and updates: anywhere from £0 (if you do it yourself) to £50–£200/month
- Marketing: your website won't bring visitors on its own — SEO, social, or paid ads will eventually be needed
What should you avoid?
A few things to watch out for when getting quotes:
- Suspiciously low prices. A £200 website almost always means a template with minimal customisation and no real SEO setup. You often end up paying more to fix it later.
- Hidden fees. Make sure quotes include everything — hosting, domain, and at least one round of revisions.
- Locking your content away. Some builders and agencies make it hard to move your site if you leave. Always ask who owns the content and code.
- Paying for features you don't need. A 5-page brochure site doesn't need a custom CMS. Keep it simple.
Getting value for money
The right question isn't "how cheap can I get a website?" — it's "how much is a website worth to my business?" A professional site that generates even one extra client per month easily pays for itself many times over.
Focus on finding a provider with clear pricing, strong communication, and a portfolio that demonstrates they can build what you need. Ask for examples of their work, check their reviews, and make sure you understand exactly what's included before signing anything.
Common questions about website costs
A basic business website typically costs between £500 and £2,000 from a freelancer or small agency. At Sitelify, our entry-level package starts from £999 and includes a professionally designed multi-page site with SEO setup and mobile optimisation.
Prices vary based on experience, location, project complexity, and time involved. Larger agencies in London typically charge more due to higher overheads. A specialist freelancer or small agency often delivers the same quality at a fairer price.
Yes. You'll typically pay for hosting (around £10–£30/month), a domain name (around £10–£15/year), and potentially ongoing maintenance or updates. Some agencies bundle these into a monthly retainer.