How much does a
website cost?
Having a website for your business can do wonders for your online presence and ability to reach more customers. But how much should you budget for it?
Unfortunately, the answer to this question is far from black and white, as a website can set you back anything from several pounds to thousands. This depends on the complexity of the build, the level of customisation and size of the website, and whether you choose to create your own or work with a designer. It’s not just the build you need to factor in, though, because there are also costs associated with registering your domain, hosting, and potentially on-going maintenance and support.
Website builders
At the lower end of the price scale are website builders such as Wix, Squarespace and GoDaddy. All have their pros and cons, but essentially they provide you with templates that allow you to easily create your site with minimal technical skills. They also offer flexible payment options so you can be billed either monthly or annually, and their packages usually cover all your associated costs such as domain registration and hosting, etc.
Comparison of website builder costs
Website builder | Starting price | eCommerce starting price |
Wix | £9/mth light package | £16/mth basic e-commerce |
Squarespace | £12/mth personal | £17/mth business |
GoDaddy | £6.99/mth basic | £12.99/mth e-commerce |
Note: Prices correct as of 15 April 2024
However, it’s worth noting that the starting prices above are for the most basic packages, which may offer fewer templates and customisation options. This could mean your website doesn’t capture the unique feel of your business and has more of an “off-the-shelf look” with limited functionality. You could upgrade to other packages for more options, but if you want something that is completely customisable to match your vision, branding and requirements perfectly, then you may need to consider hiring a web designer.
Another important consideration is whether you intend to sell online. If this is the case, you will need an e-commerce website, which usually costs more than a regular (brochure) site due to the complexity of the build and extra maintenance involved.
Ultimately, the cost of a new website will vary depending on your budget and requirements. If you are looking for the cheapest option with limited features, then you could create one yourself using a website builder. However, if you want an original, tailor-made website to show your business off to the full, then working with a web designer would be the way to go.
At Mirador Web Design, we understand that small businesses like ourselves might not have a big budget, so our mission is to provide high-quality websites at prices that won’t break the bank. In fact, our packages start from £499 and include everything required to get your website up and running. We even provide free hosting and maintenance for the first three months.
See our services and maintenance pages for further details.