Guide

How much does a website cost for a small business?

There's no single price, because a website for a one-person barber and one for a busy gym with bookings and memberships are very different jobs. Here's what actually changes the cost, so you can compare quotes properly.

What affects the price

• How many pages you need. A single page with your hours, menu and map is quicker to build than a site with separate pages for every service.
• What it needs to do. Online booking, ordering, a shop, a members' area or a jobs page all add work compared with a site that just shows information.
• Words and photos. If you can send your menu, prices and some phone photos, that keeps things simple. Writing everything from scratch takes longer.
• How often things change. A café with daily specials or a salon with seasonal offers needs a site that's easy to update.
• Getting found on Google. Setting up your Google Business Profile and making sure the site says what you do and where both take a little time, but they're worth it.

The yearly costs

Once a site is built, there are a few running costs to know about:

• Your web address (domain name), such as yourbusiness.com. These usually cost somewhere around £10 to £20 a year. Make sure it's registered in your name, so it's always yours.
• Hosting, which keeps the site online and fast.
• Email on your own address, such as hello@yourbusiness.com, if you want it.
• Updates, for when your prices, hours or photos change.

DIY builders, agencies or a local designer?

DIY website builders look cheap to start with, but the monthly fee keeps going, and it's your time spent building and updating it. Agencies can be great for big projects but are often more than a small business needs. A local web designer sits in between: one person who builds it, knows the area, and makes changes when you ask.

How to compare quotes

• Ask what's included in the price, and what costs extra later.
• Check who owns the web address and the website once it's paid for.
• Ask how quickly changes are made, and whether they cost extra.
• Look at websites they've already built, on your phone.

How I price websites

I price each website based on the size of your business, so smaller businesses pay less. I'll design your homepage first for free, and you'll get one clear, written price before any other work starts, with no surprises.