How to Get a Premium Website for £500 or Less

How to get a great website on a budget

In my last article, I explored why website prices vary so dramatically. This time, I want to share practical tips on how you can get a high quality website without spending a fortune. Even if you’re working with a tight budget, it’s absolutely possible to build a site that looks professional, works well, and supports your goals.

Let's get into the options!

1. Buy a pre-designed template

I always recommend templates to clients looking for a great website but don't necessarily have the budget. I always recommend people to start by checking out the Webflow Templates Library and Kadence. They often come with all the essential features you need, from responsive design to built-in SEO tools.

The key benefit of buying a pre-designed template is the time and cost savings. Instead of waiting weeks or months for a designer to create a custom design, you can choose from thousands of templates and have your website up and running within a matter of days. Customising a template is often as simple as replacing text and images, and most templates come with detailed instructions for setup.

Buying a template allows you to get a high-quality, professional design without the hefty price tag of a custom build. Depending on the template you choose, costs can range from as low as £20 to £100, making it an affordable option that can still deliver a polished, premium look.

2. Work with junior freelancers

Hiring a freelancer who’s early in their career can be a great way to get quality design work at an affordable price. Junior freelancers usually charge less than experienced professionals or agencies because they’re building their portfolio. But that doesn’t mean they lack talent. Many are skilled, enthusiastic, and motivated to deliver a great result.

Linkedin and Upwork are good places to start your search. You’ll find a wide range of freelancers offering everything from basic sites to more complex builds. Just make sure to clearly communicate your goals and what you need from the start, so there’s no confusion later.

Working with a freelancer also gives you a more personal experience. You’ll likely have direct contact with the person designing your site, which can make the process smoother and more collaborative. Plus, many freelancers are more flexible when it comes to edits and updates. This means you can tweak things along the way without blowing your budget.

3. Limit the number of pages and features

If you want to stay within £500, I recommend keeping your website simple. Focus on what really matters. A high quality one page site or a streamlined three page layout can look just as professional as a larger build, especially when designed well.

The more pages and features you ask for, the more time it takes to build, which drives up the cost. Instead of loading your site with extras like booking forms, advanced animations, or a blog you are not ready to manage, prioritise only what you actually need to launch. You can always expand later.

Clarity and focus not only help reduce costs, they also improve the user experience. Visitors appreciate clean, easy to navigate websites that get straight to the point. With the right structure and content, a simple site can still deliver serious results.

4. Have realistic expectations

When you’re working with a limited budget, it’s crucial to have realistic expectations about what you can achieve. A premium website for £500 or less won’t have all the bells and whistles of a high-end design, but that doesn’t mean it can’t still look fantastic and function well.

By having realistic expectations, you can avoid disappointment and make the most of the resources available to you. A simple, clean design is often far more effective than an overly complicated one. Think about what your website needs to achieve for your business and what features will help you get there.

Remember, it’s not just about looking good – it’s about functionality too. A website that is easy to use and navigate will create a better experience for your users and increase the likelihood of conversions.

Pitfalls to avoid

1. Using cheap web design services

While getting a website from a low cost service provider on Upwork or Fivver can seem very attractive, it often isn't the best choice. The language barrier, time zone differences, and cultural gaps can all make it difficult to ensure that your vision is accurately executed. Additionally, overseas workers may not always be familiar with UK-specific trends, legal requirements, or audience preferences.

Instead, consider working with local freelancers who understand the UK market and your specific needs. Clear communication and a shared understanding of your goals are key to delivering a successful website. If you choose to work with overseas freelancers, make sure to set clear expectations from the outset.

2. Working with agencies that promise but can’t deliver

Beware of agencies that promise big results for low prices. While it may sound tempting to work with an agency that offers to deliver a premium website at a fraction of the cost, you may end up disappointed with the results. These agencies often outsource work to low cost providers resulting in the same issues with poor-quality that can happen when working with cheap freelancer services.

To avoid this, take the time to research agencies thoroughly. Look for reviews, testimonials, and examples of their previous work. Make sure they can provide a realistic timeline and are able to meet your specific requirements. A good agency will offer a transparent pricing structure and be willing to explain the design process to you in detail.

3. Prioritising cheapness over quality

While it’s important to stay within your budget, it’s equally important not to sacrifice quality for the sake of saving money. Going for the cheapest option might save you money upfront, but it can result in poor design, functionality issues, or a website that doesn’t meet your needs. It’s essential to find a balance between affordability and quality to ensure long-term success.

A website that’s difficult to use, looks outdated, or doesn’t work properly on mobile devices can drive potential customers away. Consider the long-term impact of a website on your business and try to find a solution that provides both value and quality. The extra investment in design and usability will pay off in the end by providing a better experience for your users and helping to drive more conversions.

What's the best choice for you

I recommend starting with a high-quality template that needs minimal customisation, then hiring a freelancer to make the necessary updates. This approach saves you from the never-ending cycle of DIY websites that rarely get finished. Hiring a professional also reduces the risk of technical problems that could hurt your site’s accessibility and Google ranking. A common challenge with DIY websites.

Keep things simple. Limit your site to a maximum of three pages and focus only on the features that truly help you engage your audience. Avoid the usual pitfalls: outsourcing too cheaply and prioritising cheapness over quality without proper oversight often leads to more problems than it solves.

Remember, a website’s success isn’t solely about its appearance; it’s about how well it functions and how easy it is for users to navigate. Keep that in mind as you plan your website, and you’ll be able to make the most of your budget while still achieving a professional, high-quality result.

Hopefully this article will explain how to can get a pretty decent website at an affordable price. It just takes the right approach.