Template Websites: £300-£800
Someone sets up a template for you, adds your content and images, sorts out basic SEO.
What you get: Professional-looking template, your content added, basic SEO, hosting setup
What you don't get: Custom design, unique functionality, extensive SEO, ongoing support
Best for: Very tight budgets, straightforward businesses (hairdressers, cleaners, mobile mechanics)
Reality check: You'll have a decent-looking website that does the job. It won't win design awards, but it'll be professional enough.
Semi-Custom Websites: £1,200-£2,500
This is the sweet spot for most small businesses. You get a website that's designed specifically for you, built properly, with decent SEO and some custom features.
What you get: Custom design, proper SEO setup, mobile-optimised, contact forms, image galleries, Google integration, training on how to update it, support period
What you don't get: Elaborate custom features, e-commerce, ongoing marketing
Best for: Established small businesses, trades, salons, independent shops, service businesses
Reality check: This is what most small businesses should be paying. It's a proper job that'll last you years and actually bring in customers.
Full Custom Websites: £3,000-£8,000+
Bespoke design, custom functionality, extensive content, advanced SEO, possibly e-commerce.
What you get: Everything tailored exactly to your needs, extensive functionality, professional copywriting, photography possibly included, comprehensive SEO
Best for: Larger businesses, companies selling online, businesses with complex requirements
Reality check: You don't need this unless you're turning over £100k+ or have specific requirements that cheaper options can't handle.
Red Flags To Watch For
"Websites from £99!" - These are usually monthly subscription services with massive limitations. Read the small print.
Vague quotes with "from" or "starting at" - Get a fixed price in writing. Proper agencies will give you a clear quote.
Paying monthly forever - Some companies charge monthly fees that never end. After a few years, you've paid thousands for a basic website you don't even own.
No mention of SEO or mobile optimisation - If it's 2025 and they're not building mobile-first with basic SEO, walk away.
Rock-bottom prices from overseas companies - You'll struggle with communication, time zones, and support when something goes wrong.
What Should Be Included (At Minimum)
For anything over £800, you should expect:
- Mobile-responsive design (works on phones and tablets)
- Basic SEO setup (proper titles, descriptions, sitemap)
- Contact form that actually works
- Google My Business integration
- SSL certificate (the padlock in the browser)
- At least 5 pages of content
- Training on how to update content yourself
- Support period (usually 30 days minimum)
Monthly Costs After The Build
Budget for:
- Hosting: £5-£20/month
- Domain name: £10-£15/year
- SSL certificate: Often free (Let's Encrypt)
- Updates/maintenance: £0 if you do it, £30-£100/month if someone does it for you
So What Should YOU Pay?
Just starting out, need a web presence: £500-£800 template website
Established business, want to look professional: £1,200-£2,000 semi-custom website
Busy business that needs bookings/e-commerce: £2,500-£5,000 fully custom
Anything less than £500 is probably a false economy. Anything over £3,000 needs justifying with specific functionality.
The Real Question
It's not "how much does a website cost?" It's "will this website bring me more customers than it costs?"
A £1,500 website that brings you three extra customers a month pays for itself pretty quickly. A £500 website that nobody can find on Google is money down the drain.
