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How Much Does a Small Business Website Cost in the UK

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Wondering how much a small business website costs in the UK in 2025? This complete guide explains DIY, WordPress, freelancers, and agency pricing with real examples.

Introduction

If you are a small business owner in the UK, one of your first questions might be: How much does a small business website cost in the UK. The answer depends on your needs, your budget, and whether you prefer a DIY approach, hire a freelancer, or work with an agency.

In 2025, website prices range widely. A DIY site may cost under £200 per year, a freelancer-built site can be £500–£3,000, and a fully customised agency website can be £5,000 or more. Let’s break down each option, what affects the price, and how you can make the most of your budget.

Why Every Small Business Needs a Website in 2025

Even if you run a local shop or service, a website is essential. Here’s why:

  • Credibility: Customers trust businesses with a professional website.
  • SEO Visibility: A website helps you appear in Google searches.
  • Sales Growth: Online ordering, booking, or inquiries can increase revenue.
  • Control: Unlike social media, you own your website content and domain.

Without a website, your competitors who invest online will always be a step ahead.

Small Business Website Cost in the UK: Options

1. DIY Website Builders (Most Affordable)

  • Platforms: Wix, Squarespace, Shopify (for e-commerce).
  • Cost: £6–£30/month (£100–£350/year).
  • Pros: Drag-and-drop, beginner friendly, quick launch.
  • Cons: Limited flexibility, ongoing monthly fees.

👉 Best for startups who need a simple site fast.

2. WordPress with Hosting (Balanced Option)

WordPress powers more than 40% of websites worldwide. In the UK, it’s a popular choice for small businesses due to affordability and scalability.

  • Domain: £10–£15/year
  • Hosting: £40–£100/year
  • Theme: Free–£50 one-time
  • Plugins: Free–£50/year
    Total Cost: £100–£300/year

Pros: Flexible, SEO-friendly, lots of free tools.
Cons: Needs basic setup and updates.

3. Freelancers (Custom, Mid-Range Cost)

Hiring a freelancer gives you more control and custom design without the high agency cost.

  • Simple site (5–7 pages): £500–£1,500
  • E-commerce or advanced features: £1,500–£3,000+

Pros: Personalised support, tailored design.
Cons: Quality varies, and long-term support may be extra.

4. Web Design Agencies (Premium Option)

For businesses that want a complete package, agencies provide design, branding, SEO, and ongoing support.

  • Starter packages: £2,000–£5,000
  • Custom solutions: £5,000–£10,000+

Pros: Professional, full service, scalable.
Cons: Expensive for startups or very small businesses.

Factors That Influence Website Costs in the UK

  1. Number of Pages – More pages = higher cost.
  2. Design Complexity – Animations, branding, and custom graphics add cost.
  3. Features & Functionality – Online booking, e-commerce, memberships increase price.
  4. SEO & Marketing – Essential but adds ongoing investment.
  5. Maintenance & Security – Hosting, backups, SSL, and updates are ongoing.

Cost Comparison Example (UK Small Business)

Let’s take an example: A café in Manchester needs a 5-page website with menus and contact forms.

  • DIY (Wix/WordPress): ~£150–£300 per year
  • Freelancer: £1,000–£1,500 one-time
  • Agency: £2,500+ one-time

👉 The choice depends on your goals and budget.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Using a free subdomain (like business.wixsite.com) — looks unprofessional.
  • Paying thousands before validating your business idea.
  • Ignoring SEO, expecting customers to find you magically.
  • Choosing cheap hosting that makes your site slow.

How to Save Money on Your Website

  • Use free or low-cost themes.
  • Start small (homepage, about, services, contact) then expand.
  • Take advantage of free SEO tools (like Yoast).
  • Invest in a domain name (adds credibility for under £15/year).

Internal Linking for SEO

For more insights, check out:

Conclusion

So, how much does a small business website cost in the UK? In 2025, you can expect:

  • DIY/WordPress: £100–£300 per year
  • Freelancer-built site: £500–£3,000
  • Agency-built site: £2,000–£10,000+

The right choice depends on your budget and goals. If you’re just starting, a DIY builder or WordPress is cost-effective. If you want professional branding and features, investing in freelancers or agencies may deliver better results.

A website is not just an expense—it’s an investment. Done right, it can help you attract more customers, build credibility, and grow your business.

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