It's the question everyone asks and no one really wants to answer. The truth is that a website can cost anywhere from a few hundred pounds to several tens of thousands, and both prices can be entirely justified. Here's what makes the difference.

What moves the price

A website isn't an off-the-shelf product. Its cost comes down to several factors:

  • The number of pages and how complex they are: a five-page brochure site doesn't cost the same as an online shop with stock management and a customer account area.
  • The level of customisation: a site built on an existing template costs far less than a fully bespoke design.
  • The features: forms, booking systems, member areas, third-party integrations, every feature carries a development cost.
  • The provider: a large agency, a boutique studio, a senior freelancer, a no-code platform, prices can vary fivefold for what is sometimes a similar result.

Realistic price ranges

Without going into the details of every case, here's what you can expect:

  • Simple brochure site (template + customisation): £800 to £2,500
  • Bespoke brochure site (design and development): £3,000 to £8,000
  • Site with advanced features (customer area, booking, e-commerce): £8,000 to £25,000
  • Complex web application: from £25,000 upwards

What you shouldn't do

Pick the cheapest quote without understanding why it's the cheapest. A provider offering a complete site for £500 is cutting corners somewhere, on code quality, on design, or on support after launch. Those compromises will cost you far more in the long run than a sensible upfront investment.

The price of a website isn't what you pay to have it built, it's what you lose if you don't get it right.

What you should ask any provider

Before you sign anything, ask these questions: Who does the design, and who does the development? Do I own the code outright once it's delivered? What happens if I need changes after the site goes live? Do you include training so I can manage the content myself?

A good website is an investment, not an expense. Treated as such, with a capable provider and a clear brief, it generates value far beyond its initial cost.