Website Cost Calculator

1. Introduction to website costs

Building a website is exciting. 

It’s where your brand comes to life online. 

But it can also be daunting. And before you get started, it’s important to know one thing:

Building a website can also be expensive! 

Costs can sit anywhere from a few hundred pounds to tens of thousands. 

So, why the big difference?

Website costs vary depending on several factors.

These factors include website design, development, special functionality, content creation and ongoing maintenance.

Every website is unique and each project has its own set of requirements. 

Without knowing the specifics, getting an accurate estimate can be tricky.

This is where a Website Cost Calculator comes in and why I’ve built the perfect one. 

It’s not long-winded and you don’t need to give me any contact info (unless you want to).

It breaks down the cost based on the exact features you want, offering a realistic view of the budget you’ll need to bring your vision to life.

Whether you’re launching a blog or setting up an e-commerce store, my website cost calculator is designed to help. 

Ready to see what’s possible? Let’s dive into the details.

2. Breaking Down Website Costs

Web Design and User Experience (UX)

Website design is always a big factor in pricing.

A well-designed website looks great and keeps visitors on your site.

It builds trust and drives conversions.

But good design goes way beyond nice colours and fancy dated image sliders in your header.

It’s about making sure your visitors can navigate easily and [insert what you need them to do here].

A small business website might only need a few custom graphics and a consistent colour scheme.

But if you want custom layouts, animations or interactive elements, the price will go up.

The more unique and interactive your design, the more time it takes to create.

And more time means more money.

Development and Functionality

The features you need to add to your website can have a big impact on the price.

A simple site with a few pages will probably cost less than one with complex features (obviously…?).

Think about things like user logins, e-commerce or booking systems.

It’s a bit like buying a car.

A basic model gets you from A to B.

But if you want to add a sunroof, leather seats and mega loud sound system, up goes the cost.

The same goes for websites.

A basic informational website is going to be ‘affordable’.

But one with custom functionality? That’s more thinking time, more development time and will need a bigger budget.

Website Content Creation

In my humble opinion, content is the most important part of any website.

Content communicates your brand, engages visitors and boosts SEO.

But creating effective content takes time and skill.

A simple website with 5-6 well-written pages is one thing.

But a site packed with blog posts and product descriptions? Again, up goes the cost.

Content creation can even be an ongoing cost too. 

Especially if you need regular updates, multiple location pages or new blog posts. A necessity for any SEO strategy!

Hosting and Website Maintenance Support

Once your website is live, there are ongoing costs you’ll need to think about to keep it running smoothly.

Web hosting is like renting space online.

Basic hosting can be ‘affordable’.

But if you need a dedicated server, expect a higher cost.

Then there’s maintenance. Websites need regular updates to stay secure and perform well.

To keep costs down, some business owners prefer to do their own updates.

Others prefer the peace of mind of a maintenance plan. (I offer those too).

A good maintenance plan includes regular updates, security checks and backups.

3. How to use my website cost calculator

Ready to get a rough web design estimate?

My website cost calculator is quick and easy to use. Here’s a simple guide to get the most accurate quote for your project.

Step 1: Specify Your Page Count

Think about the number of pages your website will need.

Common pages include Home, About, Services and Contact.

For example, a small brochure site might have only five pages (that’s what I offer as a minimum). 

While a bigger, more corporate site could have loads more.

Step 2: Choose the Features You Need

This is where you can add in the extra functionality that makes your website work as you need it to.

Do you need a blog?

Membership? Events? Ticketing?

Maybe it’s an e-commerce store with product listings?

Each feature comes with its own requirements and development time.

By selecting only the features you need, you’ll get a clearer picture of the cost.

Once you’ve gone through these steps, the calculator will provide an estimated cost based on your selections.

Keep in mind, this is just a starting point.

Every website is unique, so the final price may vary slightly based on specific requirements.

Don’t forget to submit your contact info if you’d like me to follow up.

4. Factors that influence website costs

Every website is different. 

And the final cost of your website will depend on your goals, vision and the features we’ll need to add.

Here are a few key factors that can influence your website’s budget.

Business Goals and Website Type

The purpose of your website plays a huge role in determining costs.

A small business might only need a few informational pages.

But a large e-commerce site with hundreds of products, user reviews and payment options will require a much larger budget.

Customisation Options

Custom-built websites are tailored to your exact needs. (This is why I only offer custom website development).

But they also require more time to design and develop. 

For those looking to keep costs low, template-based designs can be a great option.

Templates offer a ready-made layout and design at a fraction of the price.

But if you’re after something truly unique, a custom website design is worth the investment.

Feature-specific Costs

Certain features can quickly raise the cost of a website.

A contact form or basic blog doesn’t add much to the budget.

But an advanced booking system, online store or membership section will require way more resources.

For example, a custom-built e-commerce system needs a secure payment gateway, product listings and, potentially, inventory management.

Not to mention all the content needed for those product pages.

Integrations and Automations

Today, many websites rely on third-party integrations to streamline operations.

Examples include connecting a CRM, email marketing platform or your social media feed.

Each integration requires time to set up, configure and test, which adds to the development cost.

Some third-party integrations even come with ongoing annual subscription fees.

5. Comparing Costs: DIY, Freelance, or Agency

When it comes to building a website, you have options.

You can do it yourself, hire a freelancer, or work with a professional agency.

Each option has its pros and cons, and each comes with its own price range.

DIY Website Builders

DIY website builders like Wix and Squarespace are affordable and beginner-friendly.

They offer templates and drag-and-drop functionality, making it easy to build a basic site.

For a simple website, this can be a good budget-friendly option.

But DIY sites often lack customisation options, which means you may have limitations.

You’ll also need to handle updates, maintenance and any troubleshooting yourself.

This can be time-consuming, especially if you’re not tech-savvy.

Hiring Freelancers

Freelancers offer a middle ground between DIY and an agency.

They’re typically more affordable than agencies but provide more flexibility than DIY builders.

When you hire a freelancer, you get a more personalised approach.

They’ll work with you to design and develop the site, often with a more customised look and feel than a template.

However, freelancers vary widely in skills, reliability and pricing.

Be sure to review their portfolio and check references before committing.

Working with an Agency

Agencies tend to be the most expensive option.

But they offer end-to-end support, handling everything from design and development to content and maintenance.

With an agency, you get a team of experts focused on every aspect of your website.

This often means a higher quality result, especially for larger, complex projects.

While the upfront cost is higher, the investment often pays off in the long run.

Agencies typically offer support and maintenance, so you’re not left on your own after launch.

5. Comparing Costs: DIY, Freelance, or Agency

When it comes to having your website built, you have a few options.

You can do it yourself, hire a freelancer or work with a professional agency. (I sit somewhere between the latter two).

Each option has its pros and cons and each comes with its own price range.

DIY Website Builders

DIY website builders like Wix and Squarespace are affordable and beginner-friendly.

They offer templates and drag-and-drop functionality, making it easy to build a basic site.

For a simple website, this can be a solid budget-friendly option.

In fact, it’s where a lot of my customers start out.

But DIY sites often lack customisation options, which means you may have limitations.

You’ll also need to handle updates, maintenance and any troubleshooting yourself.

This can be time-consuming. Especially if you’re not tech-savvy.

Hiring Freelancers

Freelancers offer a middle ground between DIY and an agency.

They’re typically more affordable than agencies but provide more flexibility than DIY builders.

When you hire a freelancer, you get a more personalised approach.

They’ll work with you to design and develop the site, often with a more customised look and feel than a template.

However, freelancers vary widely in skills, reliability and pricing.

Be sure to review their portfolio and check references before committing.

Working with an Agency

Agencies tend to be the most expensive option.

But they offer end-to-end support, handling everything from design and development to content and maintenance.

With an agency, you get a team of experts focused on every aspect of your website.

This often means a higher quality result, especially for larger, complex projects.

While the upfront cost is higher, the investment often pays off in the long run.

Agencies typically offer support and maintenance, so you’re not left on your own after launch.

6. Real-World Examples and Case Studies

To give you a better idea of costs, here are a few real-world examples.

These are just ballpark figures—every project is unique, so costs can vary.

Small Business Site

A simple, informational site for a small business might cost between £500 and £2,000.

This would include a few basic pages like Home, About, and Contact, plus a contact form.

Design might be template-based, with minimal customisation.

This is ideal for small businesses, local services, or personal brands.

Mid-Sized E-commerce Store

An e-commerce site with product listings, a shopping cart and payment gateway can cost £5,000 to £15,000.

This typically includes product pages, secure checkout, and some custom features.

E-commerce sites often require integrations with inventory and payment systems.

The more products and features, the higher the cost.

Professional Portfolio Site

A portfolio site for a freelancer, photographer or artist might range from £1,000 to £5,000.

This would include custom galleries, an about page and potentially a blog.

If you need video integration or booking features, expect to pay on the higher end.

Portfolio sites often rely on strong visuals, so good design is key here.

Corporate or Nonprofit Site

For larger organisations, the cost can range from £10,000 to £50,000 or more.

Corporate or nonprofit sites often require custom features, integrations and higher security.

These sites usually have multiple pages, including sections for resources, news and events.

They may also have user logins, donation systems, or multi-language options.

6. Website Cost Examples

To give you a better idea of costs, here are a few examples.

These are just ballpark figures—every project is unique, so costs can vary.

Small Business Site

A simple, informational site for a small business might cost around £500 to £2,000.

This would include a few basic pages like Home, About, and Contact, plus a contact form.

Design might be template-based, with minimal customisation.

This is ideal for small businesses, local services or personal brands just starting out.

Mid-Sized E-commerce Store

An e-commerce site with product listings, a shopping cart and payment gateway can cost between £5,000 to £15,000.

This typically includes product pages, secure checkout and some custom features.

E-commerce sites often require integrations with inventory and payment systems.

The more products and features, the higher the cost.

Professional Portfolio Site

A portfolio site for a freelancer, photographer or artist might range from £1,000 to £5,000.

This would include custom galleries, an about page and potentially a blog.

If you need video integration or booking features, expect to pay on the higher end.

Portfolio sites often rely on strong visuals, so good design is key here.

Corporate or Nonprofit Site

For larger organisations, the cost can range from £10,000 to £50,000 or more.

Corporate or nonprofit sites often require custom features, integrations and higher security.

These sites usually have multiple pages, including sections for resources, news and events.

They may also have user logins, donation systems or multi-language options.

7. FAQs About Website Costs

Got questions about website pricing?

Here are some of the most common questions people ask me.

What if I need more pages later?

Adding pages is possible at any time.

Just remember that each page requires design, development and content.

So, if you need more pages down the road, it’ll add to the cost.

But having a scalable website from the start makes it easier to grow.

Are there hidden fees?

No hidden fees here.

With our website cost calculator, you get a clear, upfront estimate.

That said, some costs aren’t always obvious, like hosting and maintenance.

Make sure to account for these ongoing costs when planning your budget.

How much does e-commerce add to the cost?

Adding e-commerce can significantly increase costs.

Things like product listings, payment gateways and security features all require extra work.

For a basic e-commerce setup, expect to add around £1,000 to £5,000.

Larger e-commerce sites with hundreds of products will be on the higher end.

Do I have to pay for maintenance?

Maintenance is optional but recommended.

Websites need regular updates to stay secure and perform well.

A good maintenance plan includes core updates, security checks and backups.

It’s a small investment that can save you time and hassle in the long run.

Can I update the website myself?

Yes, you can!

If your site is built on a user-friendly platform like WordPress (with me, it will be), you’ll have access to make updates.

However, more complex features may need a developer’s help.

Many businesses choose a mix: handling simple updates in-house and leaving technical tasks to a pro (me!).

8. Why Transparency Matters in Website Pricing

Transparency is everything when it comes to website costs.

No one likes unexpected bills or hidden fees.

When you know exactly what you’re paying for, you can plan better.

I believe that clear, upfront pricing builds trust.

That’s why I offer a transparent approach to website costs.

My website cost calculator is designed to give you an honest estimate.

With clear pricing, you can make informed decisions.

And you won’t have to worry about surprises halfway through the project.

Whether you’re on a tight budget or planning a big project, transparency matters.

It makes the process straightforward and stress-free, so you can focus on bringing your vision to life.

9. Next steps and getting started with my website cost calculator

Ready to take the first step?

Using my website cost calculator is a quick way to get a realistic idea of what your project will cost.

It’s a simple, no-strings-attached way to explore your options.

Whether you’re launching a blog, a small business site or a full e-commerce store, my website cost calculator is designed to help you plan right.

It gives you a clear starting point, helping you budget with confidence.

Once you’ve explored the estimate, feel free to get me a shout if you need a more detailed consultation.

I’m here to answer any questions, discuss your unique needs and guide you through the process.

Building a website can be a big investment.

But with the right planning, it’s an investment that can pay off for years to come.

So go ahead—try out the calculator.

See how much your website might cost and take the first step towards bringing your vision to life.