It is one of the first questions every small business owner asks. How much does a website actually cost? The answer depends on who builds it and what you need, but the good news is that it does not have to break the bank.
Here is a straightforward breakdown of what you can expect to pay in the UK in 2026, and what you get for your money at each level.
Option 1: A big agency (typically £2,000 to £5,000+)
If you go to a web design agency, you are paying for their office, their team, their project managers, and a lot of overhead. The end result might be excellent, but for a small business or sole trader, you are often paying for things you do not actually need.
Agency websites also tend to take weeks or even months to deliver. There are discovery calls, wireframe reviews, revision rounds, and sign-off processes. If you just need a solid website that brings in customers, this is usually overkill.
Option 2: A freelance web designer (typically £500 to £1,500)
Freelancers cut out the overhead. You are working directly with the person who builds your site, which means faster communication and lower costs. The quality varies, so you need to check their previous work, but a good freelancer will give you a professional result without the agency price tag.
Most freelancers charge based on the size and complexity of the site. A simple 5-page website for a local business is at the lower end. Something with e-commerce, booking systems, or custom features will push the price up.
Option 3: DIY website builders (typically £10 to £30 per month)
Platforms like Wix, Squarespace, and GoDaddy let you build a website yourself using drag-and-drop templates. On paper, this sounds like the cheapest option. And it can be, if you are happy with the limitations.
The reality is that most DIY websites end up looking a bit templated. You are using the same layouts as thousands of other businesses. The SEO (search engine optimisation) is often basic, which means you are less likely to show up in Google searches. And you are paying that monthly fee forever, so over two or three years it adds up to more than you might think.
There is also the time cost. Building a website yourself when you should be running your business is rarely the best use of your hours.
What I charge and what you get
I build websites for small businesses and tradespeople across the UK for a one-off fee of £400. No monthly payments, no contracts, no hidden costs.
For that, you get:
- A custom design that actually looks like your business, not a generic template
- Mobile-friendly layout that works perfectly on phones and tablets
- SEO setup so Google can find you and start sending you traffic
- Fast loading speeds, because slow websites lose visitors
- Contact forms and clear calls to action so customers can reach you easily
Most sites are ready within 2 to 3 days. You tell me about your business, send over some photos if you have them, and I handle the rest.
So what is the right option for you?
If you are a large business with complex requirements, an agency might make sense. If you enjoy tinkering and have plenty of spare time, a DIY builder could work.
But if you are a small business owner, tradesperson, or sole trader who just wants a professional website that brings in customers without spending thousands, a freelancer is almost always the smartest choice.
You can see the full list of what is included on my services page, or if you are ready to get started, just drop me a message. No pressure, no sales pitch. Just a straightforward conversation about what you need.