Why Does The Cost of a New Website Vary so Much

If you have ever tried to get a website made, chances are you’ve been shocked by how different the quotes can be. One person tells you they can build a site for £200. Another gives you a £5,000 estimate. A full-service agency might drop a quote for £20,000. You’re left wondering how they’re all talking about the same thing. Surely a website is just a website?

Not quite. The truth is that “website” is a broad term and what you get depends on many moving parts. In this article, we’ll break it all down in plain English so you can understand what affects the cost and how to choose the right type of service for your needs.

Whether you’re a startup, a small business owner or just curious, this guide will help you make sense of it all.

What does a website include?

At a basic level, a website might look like a few pages with some text, images and a contact form. But when you look under the hood, there is a lot more going on. Depending on your goals, a website might include:

Basic elements:

• Home page
• About page
• Contact form
• Services or products
• Blog section

Additional features:

• Booking systems
• E-commerce functionality
• Membership access
• Chatbots or live chat
• Advanced animations or interactions
• Custom forms
• CMS (Content Management System)

Behind-the-scenes essentials:

• Mobile responsiveness
• Search engine optimisation
• Website hosting
• Website security
• Maintenance and updates

Each of these items adds to the workload. That is where the cost starts to creep up.

Different types of websites and what they cost

Let’s take a closer look at a few common types of websites and how much they typically cost. These are rough ballparks, but they can help set expectations.

Basic brochure site

This type of site is often used by tradespeople, local service businesses or startups who need an online presence. It usually includes a few core pages, a contact form and some professional design. No fancy features or custom systems.

Price range: £200 to £1,000
Who builds it: Freelancers or template-based designers
Time to build: A few days to two weeks

Custom business website

These sites are built for businesses that need something more tailored. It could include a blog, booking functionality, or custom design work. They usually require more planning, design and testing.

Price range: £1,000 to £5,000
Who builds it: Experienced freelancers or small studios
Time to build: Two to six weeks

E-commerce site

Selling products online adds a new layer of complexity. You need product pages, payment systems, stock control, customer accounts and more. This also involves more legal and security requirements.

Price range: £2,000 to £10,000
Who builds it: Niche e-commerce designers, developers or agencies
Time to build: Three to eight weeks or longer

Web apps or custom platforms

These are sites that do more than just show content. Think booking portals, dashboards, marketplaces or any kind of custom functionality. They often need databases, user logins and custom development work.

Price range: £5,000 to £100,000
Who builds it: Specialist developers or high-end agencies
Time to build: Several months to over a year

What affects the price?

Experience and location of the person or team

A student freelancer working from home in the UK will charge less than a professional team in London. Similarly, outsourcing to someone abroad might save money but may come with communication or quality risks.

Agencies usually have more overheads so they charge more. You’re paying for project managers, design teams, developers and support staff. Freelancers are often cheaper but they might not offer the same level of support.

DIY vs done for you

Some people build their own sites using platforms like Wix, Squarespace or WordPress. These tools are great for keeping costs low but you’ll need to invest your own time and energy to learn the ropes.

If you want someone to handle everything from design to launch, the cost will go up. You’re paying for their time and expertise so you do not have to lift a finger.

Custom vs template

Templates save time. They are pre-designed and often come with basic features. If your business fits neatly into one, this can be a fast and affordable option.

Custom design means everything is built from scratch. The layout, features, branding and user experience are all tailored to your goals. This takes longer and costs more but often delivers a better result.

Functionality

The more your site needs to do, the more it will cost. A simple contact form is easy. A multi-step quote calculator is harder. A booking system that integrates with your calendar adds even more complexity.

Often, it’s not the number of pages that drives up the price. It’s the complexity of what each page needs to do.

Design requirements

Some businesses are happy with a clean layout and a logo at the top. Others want a cutting-edge design, animations, interactive features and a unique brand experience.

Custom design takes more time and often involves extra tools, testing and fine-tuning to get right.

Content creation

Do you already have all the text and images or do you need someone to write and source them for you? Good content is essential for a successful website but it can add hundreds or even thousands to the final bill.

Some web designers include content creation, while others expect you to supply everything.

Why quotes can vary so wildly

Let’s say you want a five-page website for your plumbing business. You ask three different people for quotes and get:

• £300 from a beginner
• £1,200 from a mid-level freelancer
• £4,000 from a small agency

Why such a gap?

Each provider sees the project differently. One might see it as a quick weekend job. Another sees a proper discovery phase, copywriting, custom design, mobile testing, local SEO, speed optimisation and a launch strategy.

You are not just paying for the result. You’re paying for the process, the thinking and the details.

Should you always go with the cheapest option?

Not always. Cheap does not always mean bad but it can mean rushed, basic or unsupported. If your business relies on your website to attract customers, it is worth investing in quality.

That said, there is no need to overpay either. A £10,000 site is not always ten times better than a £1,000 one. It depends on the situation.

How to choose the right option for you

Here are a few things to consider when choosing a web designer or agency:

1. What is the purpose of the site?
If you just need a basic presence online, you might not need all the bells and whistles.

2. What is your budget?
Be honest about what you can spend. A good designer will tell you what is possible within your range.

3. What level of support do you want?
Do you want to update things yourself or do you want someone to manage it for you?

4. Do you need ongoing updates?
Some sites are built once and left alone. Others need regular updates, content changes or new features.

5. How soon do you need it?
Rush jobs often cost more. The more notice you give, the better.

What to ask before hiring someone

It helps to ask a few key questions before choosing a designer or agency:

• Can I see examples of your past work?
• What is included in the quote?
• What platform will you use?
• Will I be able to make updates myself?
• What happens after the site is launched?
• Are there any extra costs I should know about?

Being clear upfront avoids surprises later on.

Final thoughts

The cost of a website can be confusing because there is no single answer. A “website” can mean so many different things. From a simple online presence to a complex platform with dozens of features. Think of it like buying a car. You can get a used runaround, a new hatchback or a high-end luxury vehicle. They all get you from A to B but the comfort, reliability, design and performance vary widely. The best approach is to know your goals, set a realistic budget and find someone who understands your needs. Ask questions, compare options and do not be afraid to start small and grow your site over time.

A good website is an investment. It works for you 24 hours a day, builds trust, brings in leads and supports your business. When done right, it pays for itself many times over.