If you’ve started looking into getting a new website, you’ve probably noticed one thing very quickly.

The prices are all over the place.

You’ll see everything from “free” website builders to five-figure agency projects, which makes it hard to know what’s realistic, what’s overkill, and what you actually need.

This guide breaks down the typical costs of a small business website in the UK, what affects pricing, and how to work out what level is right for your business.

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Typical small business website costs in the UK

Website pricing usually falls into a few broad categories. These are rough ranges, but they reflect what most UK businesses will come across.

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DIY website builders: £0 – £500

This includes platforms like Wix, Squarespace, and Shopify (for simple setups).

Best for:

Very early-stage businesses, side projects, or testing an idea.

Pros:

• Low upfront cost
• Quick to get something live
• No technical setup required

Cons:

• Limited flexibility
• Can look generic
• Harder to scale
• Time-consuming if you’re not confident with design

For some businesses, this is a perfectly fine starting point. For others, it quickly becomes frustrating.

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Template-based designer websites: £1,000 – £3,000

These are professionally built sites using pre-designed layouts that are customised to your brand and content.

Best for:

Small businesses that want a professional look without the cost of a fully custom build.

Pros:

• Faster turnaround
• More polished than DIY
• Lower cost than custom design

Cons:

• Less flexibility
• Design constraints
• Can feel similar to other sites using the same template

This is often a stepping stone before investing in something more tailored.

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Custom-designed websites: £3,000 – £8,000+

This is where the website is designed around your business, goals, and users from the ground up.

Best for:

Established small businesses, service-based brands, and companies looking to grow.

Pros:

• Designed specifically for your business
• Stronger messaging and structure
• Better user experience
• Easier to scale and evolve

Cons:

• Higher upfront cost
• Requires more input and planning

This is the level many small businesses move to once their website needs to work harder, not just exist.

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Agency-Llevel Wwebsites: £8,000 – £20,000+

These projects often include strategy, branding, copywriting, and larger teams.

Best for:

Larger businesses or organisations with complex needs.

For most small businesses, this level is unnecessary unless there’s a clear reason for it.

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What affects the cost of a website?

Two websites with the same number of pages can cost very different amounts. Here’s why.

Number of pages

More pages usually mean more design, content structuring, and build time.

Custom design vs templates

Custom design takes longer and requires more strategic thinking, which increases cost.

Content creation

If copywriting, image sourcing, or photography is included, pricing will increase.

CMS setup

If you need a content management system to easily update services, blogs, or case studies, this adds time and complexity.

Integrations and features

Bookings, forms, email marketing, payments, and automation all add to the scope.

Strategy and UX thinking

Good websites are planned, not just designed. That thinking is part of what you’re paying for.

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Why cheaper isn’t always cheaper

A low-cost website can be tempting, but it often comes with hidden costs:

• Time spent fixing or redoing it later
• Missed enquiries due to poor structure
• Outgrowing the platform quickly

Many businesses end up paying twice, once for a quick fix and again for a proper rebuild later on.

What most small businesses actually need

Most small businesses don’t need a huge website.

They need:

• Clear messaging
• A professional, trustworthy design
• A simple, intuitive structure
• Easy updates
• A site that guides people to get in touch or book

That sweet spot often sits between DIY builders and large agencies.

Ongoing costs to factor in

It’s also worth budgeting for:

• Hosting
• Domain name
• Maintenance or support
• Occasional updates or improvements

These are usually modest monthly costs but important to plan for.

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Final thoughts‍

The cost of a small business website in the UK depends less on the number of pages and more on what the site needs to do for your business.

Rather than starting with a price, it’s often better to start with goals. From there, the right level of website becomes much clearer.

If you’re unsure what level makes sense for you, a short conversation can usually save a lot of guesswork.

A good website is an investment, but it should be a sensible one that supports your business now and as it grows.