Key takeaways
- Website prices vary because quotes cover very different scopes — pages, features, content and SEO.
- Always make sure you own your domain, hosting and website files.
- A smaller, fast, well-built site you can grow usually beats a cheap site you have to rebuild.
Ask five agencies for a website quote and you may get five very different numbers. That’s not always because someone is overcharging — it’s usually because they’re quoting for very different things. Here’s what actually affects the price.
What drives the cost
- Number and type of pages. A five-page business site is very different from a site with dozens of service, location and blog pages.
- Custom design vs. template. A ready-made theme is quicker and cheaper; a custom design built around your brand and customers takes more time.
- Features. Online store, booking system, payment gateways, multilingual content, property listings or integrations with your CRM all add work.
- Content. Professional copywriting and photography make a big difference to results, but they’re often not included in cheaper quotes.
- SEO and tracking setup. Proper page structure, speed optimisation, GA4, Search Console and conversion tracking are essential if you plan to run ads or grow on Google.
- Hosting, domain and maintenance. These are ongoing costs — ask what’s included and for how long.
Questions to ask before you hire
- Will I own the domain, hosting account and website files?
- Is the site built to load fast on mobile?
- What tracking will be set up so I can see enquiries?
- Who writes the content?
- What happens after launch — updates, backups, security?
- Can I edit the site myself?
Cheap can become expensive
A low-cost site that’s slow, hard to update or invisible on Google often ends up being rebuilt within a year. It’s usually better to start with a smaller, well-built site that you can grow.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to build a business website?
A simple business site often takes 2–4 weeks once content is ready. Online stores and custom features take longer.
Do I need WordPress or Shopify?
WordPress suits most service businesses and content-heavy sites. Shopify is often simpler for online stores. The right choice depends on what you sell and who will manage the site.
What ongoing costs should I expect?
Plan for domain renewal, hosting, maintenance and security updates, and any paid plugins or apps your site uses.
Want a fixed, no-surprise quote? Tell us what you need and we’ll send a clear proposal within 24 hours.