How much does a website cost uk in 2024? (Cost Breakdown)
| Type of Website | Domain Cost | Hosting Cost (Per Year) | Design/Theme Cost | Developer/Agency Cost | Content Writing | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Website | £15/year | £20-£100/year | £79 (one time) | £300 (one time) | £200 | £614-£694 (initial cost) |
| Standard Website | £15/year | £20-£100/year | £800-£1500 (one time) | £1200-£2000 (one time) | £400-£500 | £2435-£4115 (initial cost) |
| Premium Website | £15/year | £600-£960/year | £800-£1500 (one time) | £1200-£2000 (one time) | £400-£500 | £3015-£4975 (initial cost) |
Table of Contents
Understanding Website Design Costs in 2024
When you ask, “How much does a website cost UK in 2024?”. The answer is not straightforward. The cost of building a website varies significantly depending on the type of site you need and the complexity of its functionality. There is no fixed price for website development since various factors influence the final cost, including the expertise of the developers, the specific requirements of your business, and the level of customization. Over our 13 years of experience in the industry, we’ve developed a reliable estimate of website costs across different categories. Whether you are a small business looking for a basic website or an eCommerce brand seeking advanced features, this guide will help you plan your website budget effectively.
What is a Basic Website?
A basic website is typically designed for small businesses, personal projects, or individuals who need an online presence without extensive custom features. It provides essential information about the business or service, typically including a homepage, about page, services page, and contact form.
These websites serve informational purposes and usually have simple designs. While they may not have advanced functionality, they still offer a professional online presence. Most basic websites are built using content management systems (CMS) like WordPress, which allow businesses to choose from pre-designed themes and templates to keep development costs low.
Example of a Basic Website
A local small business, such as a bakery or a hair salon, may opt for a basic website to showcase their services, share business hours, and provide contact information. The design will be simple, with little need for custom graphics or backend development.
Cost Breakdown of a Basic Website
A basic website typically uses pre-made templates and doesn’t require extensive customization or advanced features. Here’s a typical cost breakdown for building a basic website:
- Domain: £15 per year
- Hosting: £20-£100 per year
- Theme cost: £79 (one-time fee)
- Developer/Agency cost: £300 (one-time fee)
- Content writing: £200
Total cost: £614 – £694 (initial cost)
Note: If you find services that offer significantly lower prices, be cautious. They may either be running a promotional campaign, or they may not provide licensed materials. Always ensure that any images, templates, or other content used on your website are legally licensed for commercial use. Copyright violations can lead to legal and financial issues in the future, so verify the rights to any content, including images, used on your site.
What is a Standard Website?
Example of a Standard Website
A small law firm or a local restaurant may need a standard website to include features like client testimonials, a booking system, or an online menu. The design will be more sophisticated, aligning with the brand’s identity. Custom graphics, tailored navigation, and specific functionalities like appointment booking or newsletter sign-ups are common in these sites.Cost Breakdown of a Standard Website
A standard website requires a more customized design, which involves hiring a UX designer and skilled developers. These websites are created from scratch and tailored to meet the business’s specific needs. It is better to hire a web design agency like Technofic Lab LTD for a standard website design, as a web design agency has a full team needed to design a standard website.- Domain: £15 per year
- Hosting: £20-£100 per year
- UX Design cost: £800-£1500 (one-time fee)
- Developer/Agency cost: £1200-£2000 (one-time fee)
- Content writing: £400-£500
Note: As with basic websites, it’s important to verify the licensing for any materials used on your site. Unlicensed images or design elements can lead to legal consequences. If you hire a developer or agency, ensure they provide proof of licenses for all materials used on your site, including fonts, images, and templates.
What is a Premium Website?
Example of a Premium Website
An online fashion retailer or a large-scale consultancy firm may require a premium website with features like real-time inventory management, customer accounts, and CRM integration. A premium website will also involve advanced design elements, creating a unique and immersive experience for the user.Cost Breakdown of a Premium Website
A premium website involves significant customization and often integrates advanced systems like eCommerce platforms or CRM tools. Here’s a typical cost breakdown:- Domain: £15 per year
- Hosting: £50-£80 per month (cloud hosting required)
- UX Design cost: £800-£1500 (one-time fee)
- Developer/Agency cost: £1200-£2000 (one-time fee)
- Content writing: £400-£500
Note: Ensure that all materials used in your premium website are licensed for commercial use. Some developers or agencies may cut costs by using unlicensed content, which could lead to legal issues. Always confirm that you have the proper rights to use images, themes, and other materials.
Additional Factors That Affect Website Costs
The final cost of a website is influenced by several factors, beyond just the basic design and development. Here are some additional considerations that can impact the total cost of your site:
1. SEO and Digital Marketing
Search engine optimization (SEO) is essential for improving your website’s visibility in search results. Many developers offer SEO services as part of their package, but this can add to the overall cost. SEO ensures that your site ranks well for relevant keywords, attracts traffic, and converts visitors into customers.
- Cost of SEO: £200-£1000 per month (depending on the scope)
2. Maintenance and Updates
Websites require regular updates and maintenance to ensure they function properly and stay secure. Maintenance plans can vary, but they typically include updates to the CMS, plugins, and security patches.
- Cost of maintenance: £50-£200 per month
3. eCommerce Functionality
If your business needs an online store, the cost of adding eCommerce functionality will increase the total development cost. This can include integrating payment gateways, setting up product catalogs, managing inventory, and implementing user-friendly shopping experiences.
- Cost of eCommerce integration: £1000-£5000 (depending on the complexity)
4. Custom Features
If your website requires custom features such as a booking system, custom API integrations, or a unique user interface, this will add to the development cost. The more complex your site’s functionality, the higher the price.
- Cost of custom features: £500-£5000 (depending on requirements)
