How Much Does It Cost to Build a Small Business Website?
One of the most common questions small business owners ask is: “How much will a website cost me?” The answer is… it depends. But don’t worry — in this guide, we’ll break down the different options, typical price ranges, and the factors that influence the cost of building and running a small business website. By the end, you’ll have a clear idea of what to expect and how to budget for your online presence.
Why Website Costs Vary
No two websites are exactly the same, which is why costs can range from a few pounds a month to several thousand. The main factors that affect the price include:
- DIY vs. professional design – Are you building it yourself or hiring a designer?
- Complexity – Is it a simple 5-page site, or does it need booking systems, e-commerce, or custom features?
- Hosting & domain – Every website needs a home on the internet and a name (your domain - read How to Choose a Domain Name).
- Ongoing maintenance – Security, updates, backups, and content changes can add up over time.
DIY Website Costs
If you’re comfortable using drag-and-drop builders like Wix, Squarespace, or WordPress with a template, you can create a small business website yourself. Here’s a rough cost breakdown:
| Cost Item | Estimated Price (per year) |
|---|---|
| Domain name | £10 – £20 |
| Website builder subscription | £100 – £250 |
| Hosting (if using WordPress) | £50 – £150 |
| Premium template or theme (optional) | £30 – £100 (one-off) |
Total DIY cost: Around £150 – £400 per year, depending on your platform and choices.
Professional Website Design Costs
If you’d rather save time and ensure a professional look, hiring a web designer is the best option. A professionally designed site typically costs more upfront but saves you hours of learning and tinkering.
Here’s what small business owners usually pay:
- Basic brochure site (5 pages): £500 – £1,500
- Custom-designed site with extra features: £1,500 – £3,000
- E-commerce website: £2,000 – £5,000+
Ongoing costs (domain, hosting, updates, maintenance) usually add £200 – £500 per year.
Hidden and Ongoing Costs to Consider
When budgeting, don’t forget about these additional costs:
- Email hosting: A professional email address (e.g., yourname@yourbusiness.co.uk) may cost around £3–£10 per month.
- SSL certificate: Essential for security and SEO. Some hosts include it free, others charge around £50 per year. (We’ve covered this in detail in our SSL guide.)
- SEO tools: Even free tools can help you optimise your site. For more, see our Beginner’s Guide to Website SEO.
- Website uptime monitoring: Free with tools like Pulsetic, but worth considering as part of your budget.
DIY vs. Professional: Which Should You Choose?
| Option | Pros | Cons | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| DIY Website | Low cost, full control, quick to set up | Time-consuming, limited design flexibility, learning curve | Start-ups, very small budgets, testing ideas |
| Professional Website | Custom design, SEO-friendly, saves time, looks more trustworthy | Higher upfront cost | Growing businesses, those who want a polished brand image |
Final Thoughts
Building a website is one of the most important investments you can make for your small business. Whether you go the DIY route for under £200 per year or invest in a professionally designed site for £1,000+, the key is to create something that works for your customers and supports your business goals. Remember, a website isn’t just a cost — it’s an asset that can bring in leads, sales, and long-term growth.
Not sure which option is right for you? Start by deciding how much time you can commit and what your goals are. If you want to keep things simple, DIY may work. If you want a professional image that’s ready to impress, investing in professional design will pay off.