Website Costs Guide

How Much Does a Website Cost in the UK?

Last updated: January 2025 | 8 min read

If you're a small business owner, tradesperson, or start-up in the UK wondering how much a website costs, you're not alone. The answer varies wildly—from £0 to £10,000+. Let's break down the real costs in plain English.

Quick Answer:

A professional small business website in the UK typically costs between £500-£3,000 for a quality build. London agencies charge £3,000-£10,000+, while DIY options start at £0 but require significant time investment.

Website Cost Breakdown by Option

1. DIY Website Builders (£0-£300/year)

Platforms: Wix, Squarespace, GoDaddy Website Builder
Best for: Absolute beginners with tight budgets
Cost: Free plans available, paid plans £10-£25/month

Pros:

  • • Very cheap or free to start
  • • Easy drag-and-drop editors
  • • Templates included

Cons:

  • • Looks generic and template-y
  • • Limited customization
  • • Poor SEO compared to custom sites
  • • Takes lots of your time

2. Freelance Web Designers (£500-£2,000)

Best for: Small businesses, tradespeople, local services
Typical turnaround: 2-4 weeks

Freelancers and small web design companies (like Spark Media) offer professional websites at affordable prices. You get custom design, proper SEO setup, and a site that actually brings you customers—without the agency markup.

This is the sweet spot for most Barnstaple and North Devon businesses.

3. Web Design Agencies (£3,000-£10,000+)

Best for: Larger businesses with big budgets
Typical turnaround: 2-6 months

London and big-city agencies charge premium prices. They offer high-end design, account managers, and lengthy project timelines. For most small businesses, this is overkill and unaffordable.

Hidden Costs to Watch For

  • Domain name: £10-£15/year
  • Hosting: £50-£150/year
  • SSL certificate: Free-£50/year (needed for security)
  • Ongoing updates: £0-£50/month depending on arrangement
  • Content writing: Some designers charge extra

What Should a Website Cost for Tradespeople?

If you're a plumber, electrician, builder, or other tradesperson, you need a simple, professional website that:

  • Shows your services clearly
  • Displays your contact details prominently
  • Includes a quote request form
  • Shows customer reviews and photos of your work
  • Works perfectly on mobile phones

Budget: £500-£1,500 is fair for a quality trades website.

Get an Honest Quote for Your Website

We're based in North Devon and offer transparent, affordable pricing for local businesses. No hidden fees, no agency markup.

Get Your Free Quote

The Bottom Line

Don't overpay for a website. If you're a small business in Barnstaple, Bideford, or anywhere in North Devon, you don't need a £5,000 London agency. A well-built, affordable website from a local designer will bring you just as many customers—often more, because we understand the local market.

Your website should generate leads and pay for itself within the first few jobs it brings you.