How Much Should You Expect to Pay for Website Design? The Real Story Behind the Numbers.

When you’re starting to think about getting a new website designed, one of the first questions that inevitably comes to mind is: how much should I expect to pay? It seems like a simple question, but the answer isn’t straightforward. In fact, it’s a bit like asking, “How much does a house cost?” The answer depends on the house’s size, location, materials, and a hundred other factors—not to mention what you actually want from it. The same applies to websites.

Let’s break it down.

Imagine a website as a tool. A basic hammer from the local hardware store might cost you a few quid. But what if you’re building a house and need a high-end power tool? The price goes up because the requirements and complexity increase. Websites operate on a similar principle: they range from simple templates that serve basic purposes to custom-built platforms tailored to your business’s unique needs.

So, where do the costs come from? At its core, website design pricing revolves around three major factors: scope, skill, and ongoing support. Let’s start with scope. If you’re after a brochure-style site with a handful of pages, a simple design, and minimal interactivity, you’re likely looking at something on the lower end of the spectrum – think anywhere from £500 to £5,000, depending on the designer. But throw in e-commerce functionality, custom integrations, or a design that has to align perfectly with your brand’s identity, and you’re suddenly in the £5,000 to £15,000 range – or beyond.

Skill is the next piece of the puzzle. Hiring your neighbour’s tech-savvy nephew might save you money upfront, but it could cost you in the long run. Experienced designers and developers charge more because they bring expertise, attention to detail, and the ability to anticipate potential pitfalls. It’s a bit like hiring an architect instead of sketching out plans on the back of a napkin.

And then there’s ongoing support. Websites aren’t static entities; they need updates, maintenance, and sometimes troubleshooting. While some companies include this in their initial price, others charge separately for ongoing support, which could be a monthly fee or an ad hoc expense. Think of it as the difference between buying a car with a service plan and one where you pay for every oil change out of pocket.

But let’s talk about the elephant in the room: templates vs. custom builds. You’ve probably seen ads promising to create a website for next to nothing using platforms like Squarespace or Wix. And for some businesses, these solutions are perfectly fine. They’re affordable, quick, and easy to set up. But if your business has unique needs – whether it’s a highly specific user journey, integrations with other software, or branding that needs to stand out in a competitive market – custom design becomes invaluable. Yes, it costs more, but it’s tailored to you in a way templates simply can’t be.

To put it another way, it’s the difference between using a generic gym app and working with a personal trainer. Both can help you get in shape, but only the trainer creates a program tailored to your specific goals, abilities, and progress, ensuring you achieve the best results possible.

So, what should you expect to pay? The frustrating but honest answer is: it depends. But here’s a rule of thumb: think of your website as an investment rather than a cost. A well-designed website should generate leads, improve user experience, and boost your visibility online. If it’s doing its job, it’ll more than pay for itself over time.

In the end, the right question might not be, “How much does a website cost?” but rather, “What is this website worth to my business?” When you frame it that way, the value becomes much clearer.