How Much Does a Small Business Website Really Cost in the UK in 2025?
If you’re a small business owner in the UK, chances are you’ve Googled “how much does a small business website cost UK?” and come away with more questions than answers.
That’s because the truth is: it depends – on your goals, features, and who you hire. But don’t worry, this guide breaks it all down simply, so you know what to expect, what’s worth paying for, and how to avoid overpaying.
Table of Contents
Why the Price Range Is So Broad
Website costs in the UK can vary from £100 to over £5,000, and here’s why:
- DIY vs Professional: A Wix or Squarespace site might cost you the price of a takeaway. A custom site built by a designer (like me) will be more—but will also work harder for your business.
- Template vs Custom Design: Templates are quicker and cheaper. Custom designs are tailored to your brand and goals.
- Functionality: Need booking forms, e-commerce, or multilingual pages? These features add time and cost.
- SEO & Content: A beautifully designed site without SEO is like opening a shop with no sign outside. Good content, keyword optimisation, and local SEO setup are all worth investing in.
A Quick Breakdown of Website Pricing in the UK
| Website Type | Typical Cost | What’s Included |
|---|---|---|
| DIY Website (Wix, Squarespace) | £100–£300/year | Hosting, templates, basic tools |
| Freelancer Starter Site | £500–£1,200 | 1–5 pages, mobile-friendly design, basic SEO |
| Freelancer Custom Website | £1,200–£2,500 | Custom design, lead generation setup, copywriting, SEO |
| Small Agency Site | £2,500–£5,000+ | Strategy, branding, custom dev, long-term support |
What Should Be Included in a Small Business Website?
No matter your budget, a good website should include:
- Responsive design (works on phones and tablets)
- Clear messaging (what you do, for who, and how to get in touch)
- Fast load speed
- Basic SEO setup (titles, descriptions, local targeting)
- Easy navigation
- Calls to action (buttons to book, call, or message you)
Optional (but valuable) extras:
- Copywriting help
- Blog setup
- Google Business Profile integration
- Analytics and tracking
How to Choose the Right Option for Your Business
DIY is fine if:
- You’re just starting
- Budget is tight
- You’re tech-savvy and have time to learn
Hiring a pro is worth it if:
- You want to rank on Google
- You need to build trust fast
- Your time is better spent running your business
- You want a long-term asset, not just a digital flyer
Tip: If you’re based in the UK and offer local services, look for a designer who understands local SEO and conversion-focused design.
Beware of Hidden Costs
Some costs to keep in mind beyond the initial build:
- Domain name: ~£10/year
- Hosting: £50–£150/year
- Maintenance: Optional but recommended
- Ongoing SEO or content updates
Ask for clarity upfront—at Rank Ready, I provide transparent quotes and options tailored to what you actually need (not upsells you don’t).
So, What Should You Budget?
Here’s a rough guide:
- Just getting started? £500–£1,000 can get you a solid, lead-ready site.
- Want something custom that works hard for you? Budget £1,500–£2,000+.
- Need more advanced features or branding? Expect £2,500–£5,000+ depending on complexity.
Remember: your website isn’t just an expense—it’s a marketing tool. One new client could pay for the whole thing.
Need Help Getting Started
If you’re unsure what you need—or what to avoid—let’s chat. I specialise in helping UK small businesses build websites that rank, convert, and actually help grow your business.
Book a free discovery call or check out my Services page to see what I offer.