One of the most common questions small business owners ask is how much a website actually costs. The honest answer is that website pricing in the UK varies, depending on what you need and how the site is built.
Understanding what goes into the cost can help you make better decisions and avoid paying for things you don’t need.
There is no single price for a website
Website costs can range from a few hundred pounds to several thousand. The difference usually comes down to complexity, quality and long-term support.
A simple brochure website will cost less than a custom ecommerce build. Likewise, a one-off project will differ in price from a monthly plan that includes hosting, maintenance and updates.
Typical website cost ranges in the UK
While every project is different, small business websites in the UK generally fall into a few broad ranges:
Basic brochure websites often start from a few hundred pounds and are suitable for small businesses needing a simple online presence.
Growth-focused websites cost more, as they include better structure, SEO foundations and conversion-focused design.
Ecommerce websites typically sit at the higher end due to payment integration, product setup and additional functionality.
It’s important to look beyond the upfront price and understand what is actually included.
One-off projects vs monthly website plans
Many agencies now offer monthly website plans as an alternative to one-off builds. These plans usually spread the cost over time and include hosting, updates and ongoing support.
For some businesses, a one-off project makes sense. For others, a monthly plan provides flexibility, predictable costs and peace of mind. The right option depends on your budget, goals and how involved you want to be with ongoing maintenance.
What affects the cost of a website?
Several factors influence how much a website costs:
Number of pages
Custom design vs templates
Ecommerce functionality
SEO foundations
Hosting and security
Ongoing maintenance and updates
A well-built website may cost more initially, but it often saves money in the long run by avoiding rebuilds, performance issues and technical problems.
Cheap websites can cost more long-term
Low-cost websites often cut corners on performance, structure and scalability. While they may look acceptable at first, they can struggle with load times, mobile usability and search visibility.
For small businesses, investing in a website built properly from the start usually leads to better results and fewer issues down the line.
Final thoughts
The cost of a website for a small business in the UK depends on what you need today and where you want the business to go. Rather than focusing on the cheapest option, it’s worth considering value, long-term support and whether the website will still work for you in a year or two.
A good website should support growth, not limit it.