A website is one of the most important assets your business can have. It works 24/7, builds trust, and helps people find you. Whether you’re a startup, freelancer, or established brand, having a strong online presence is no longer optional.
But how much does it cost to create a website in 2025?
The answer isn’t the same for everyone. Some spend a few hundred pounds, others thousands. It depends on what type of site you need, who builds it, and the tools you use.
This guide breaks down the full cost of creating a website, from domain names and hosting to design, development, and ongoing maintenance. You’ll see real examples, cost ranges, and clear comparisons to help you plan the right budget.
Key Factors That Influence Website Cost
How much will a website cost? The answer depends on what you need. Website pricing isn’t fixed, it shifts based on the type of site, who builds it, and the tools and features involved. Understanding these factors will help you set a budget that matches your goals without running into surprises later.
Type of Website (Business, Blog, eCommerce, Portfolio)
The purpose of your site shapes everything else. A simple blog or portfolio may cost just a few hundred pounds. These websites often use basic templates and don’t require much custom work.
A small business website usually involves more pages, stronger branding, and functionality like contact forms or booking systems. Prices go up if you want these features tailored to your audience.
eCommerce sites are in a category of their own. Selling products online adds complexity, think payment systems, product listings, user accounts, and security measures. That’s why the cost to build an eCommerce website is usually higher than a brochure-style business site.
Custom-built sites allow for complete control, but they take longer and cost more. Template-based sites are quicker and cheaper but come with limitations in layout and performance.
Web Design Cost
Web design influences both first impressions and long-term success. It also plays a big role in total cost.
Freelance designers often offer more affordable options. Rates vary based on experience and scope, but it’s a popular route for simple websites.
Agencies tend to charge more, but the service is broader. You’re paying for project planning, creative input, quality control, and post-launch support. For businesses with long-term plans, this investment often pays off.
Basic design packages may include a homepage and a few supporting pages. Premium packages might add mobile-friendly layouts, custom animations, or UX tweaks. As the design becomes more tailored, the cost increases.
Website Functionality and Features
Functionality determines how your website actually works. The more tools and features you need, the more expensive the build becomes.
A content management system (CMS) like WordPress, plugins for contact forms, booking calendars, or multi-language support all add to the final price.
Custom-built features, like a member dashboard, interactive maps, or custom filters, can also push up development time and costs. The more your website needs to do, the more you’ll need to invest.
Content Requirements
Design and structure matter, but content is what keeps people on the page.
If you need someone to write your website copy, that’s an extra cost. Quality writing that explains your services clearly and encourages visitors to take action can make a huge difference in how well your site performs.
Images and graphics are also important. Stock photos might be free or low-cost, but custom illustrations or professional photography add to the budget.
Branding is another layer. Do you already have a logo and colour palette, or will someone need to create that from scratch? These visual assets shape how your business is perceived, and they come with their own cost.
Domain, Hosting & Other Technical Costs
Beyond design and features, your website needs a place to live and a name people can find. These technical costs may seem small upfront, but they add up over time. If you’re asking how much would it cost to build a website, the domain, hosting, and security should be part of your planning.
Domain Name Cost
Your domain is your website’s address, what users type in to reach your site. Common endings like .com or .co.uk are the most trusted and widely used. A standard domain usually costs between £10 and £20 per year.
Niche extensions like .design, .store, or .agency might be more expensive, especially if they’re in high demand. Some niche TLDs also come with higher renewal rates after the first year, so be sure to check the fine print.
If the domain you want is already taken, you may need to buy it from the current owner. That can range from a few hundred to several thousand pounds depending on the name.
Web Hosting Server Cost
Hosting is what keeps your website online. You’re essentially renting space on a server.
- Shared hosting is the cheapest option, usually under £5 per month, but can be slow or limited if traffic grows.
- VPS (Virtual Private Server) hosting offers better speed and more control, typically costing between £15 and £40 monthly.
- Dedicated hosting gives you a full server to yourself. This is ideal for large sites and starts at £70 per month or more.
In the UK, many hosting providers include VAT in their pricing, and some offer bundles with free email, support, or backups. Check what’s included before you choose.
SSL Certificates & Security
SSL certificates are what make your site secure. They show the padlock symbol in the browser and keep visitor data safe.
Many hosting providers now offer free SSL with their plans, especially through services like Let’s Encrypt. But for advanced or branded certificates, you’ll need to pay, costs usually start at around £50 per year.
Security doesn’t stop at SSL. You may also want regular backups, firewalls, malware scanning, and DDoS protection. Some of these come bundled with hosting plans; others are extra costs to factor in.
Breakdown of Website Costs by Type
The cost to create a website varies a lot depending on what you need it for. A simple blog won’t cost the same as a large eCommerce site. Below is a breakdown of typical website types and what you can expect to spend on each.
Small Business Website
A small business website usually includes 5–10 pages: homepage, about, services, contact, and maybe a blog or FAQ section. These sites aim to inform, build trust, and convert visitors into customers.
If you’re using a pre-built theme and a freelancer, you could get a basic site for around £500–£1,000. With a more customised design, added features like booking forms or live chat, and professional branding, the cost often reaches £1,500–£3,000.
Ongoing costs like hosting, updates, and basic SEO should also be included in your annual budget.
eCommerce Website
Selling online comes with more technical needs. You’ll need product pages, filters, a shopping cart, payment gateways, and customer accounts.
Platforms like Shopify offer monthly plans starting at around £25, but you may also pay for premium themes, apps, and transaction fees. WooCommerce (built on WordPress) is free to install, but requires hosting, security, and often developer help. Magento is more complex and suited for large stores, with custom builds often starting at £5,000 and going much higher.
An entry-level eCommerce site can start around £1,000–£2,000, but full-featured stores with custom design and integrations often exceed £5,000.
Blog or Personal Website
If you’re a content creator or hobbyist, your website may be built with tools like WordPress.com, Squarespace, or Wix. These platforms offer plans that start from as little as £5 to £15 per month.
For a self-hosted WordPress blog with a paid theme and custom setup, expect to spend £300–£800 upfront. This often includes domain, hosting, and theme installation. Add more if you want custom features or content strategy support.
Portfolio or One-Page Sites
For freelancers, designers, or consultants, a single-page website can be an affordable and clean way to present work.
These sites are often built using template platforms or simple HTML/CSS setups. The typical cost ranges from £250–£800 depending on design needs and whether a freelancer or agency builds it.
One-page sites are easier to maintain, but they’re limited in terms of SEO and scalability. They work best as digital business cards or showcases.
How Much Does It Cost to Make a Website in the UK Specifically?
If you’re based in the UK, the cost of building a website comes with a few local considerations. You’ll still pay for the same core elements, domain, hosting, design, and development, but pricing often reflects the regional market.
So, how much does it cost for a website UK businesses can rely on?
For a basic website built by a UK freelancer, expect to pay between £500 and £1,500. Local agencies usually charge more, £2,000 to £5,000 for a small business site, depending on features and custom work.
Most UK hosting providers like Krystal, Fasthosts, and 123 Reg offer shared hosting plans starting at £3 to £10 per month. These plans often include email hosting, SSL certificates, and UK-based support.
Don’t forget VAT. Many service providers add 20% on top of their listed prices. If you’re hiring an agency or paying for annual hosting, this can quickly add a few hundred pounds to your total.
Using a UK-based team also means your site will likely meet local privacy and cookie requirements, which is important if you’re handling customer data.
If your audience is mostly in the UK, local servers can also improve speed and performance.
Cost Comparison Table
Here’s a quick look at the typical cost ranges for the core parts of a website. This helps you understand where your money goes and what to expect when budgeting.
| Category | Low-End Cost | High-End Cost |
| Domain | £10/year | £50/year |
| Hosting | £3/month | £70+/month |
| Design | £300 | £5,000+ |
| Functionality | £0 (basic) | £2,000+ (advanced) |
| Maintenance | £100/year | £1,000+/year |
These ranges vary based on your website type, setup, and long-term needs. Planning for each category upfront can prevent overspending later.
Hidden Costs to Watch Out For
The upfront price of a website is only part of the story. Many businesses forget to account for hidden or recurring costs that can add up over time. These extras may not seem like much individually, but together they can significantly affect your budget.
Plugin or app subscriptions – Many plugins on platforms like WordPress or Shopify come with annual fees. Some charge based on usage or added features.
Premium templates – While free templates exist, many quality designs come at a one-time cost or yearly license, often between £30 and £200.
Email hosting – If your hosting doesn’t include email, you may need to pay for services like Google Workspace or Microsoft 365, typically £4–£10 per month per user.
CDN services – A content delivery network can speed up your site, especially if you serve visitors outside the UK. Tools like Cloudflare offer both free and paid plans.
Security and GDPR tools – Cookie banners, backup tools, and malware protection often require premium subscriptions to stay compliant and secure. These costs are easy to overlook but important to include.
How to Budget for a Website Effectively
Planning your budget the right way helps you avoid overspending and keeps your project on track. Start by separating one-time costs from ongoing monthly or yearly fees.
One-time costs usually include design, development, domain setup, and the initial build. These can range from a few hundred to several thousand pounds, depending on what you need.
Monthly or annual costs cover things like hosting, plugin subscriptions, email services, and maintenance. These might seem small but add up over time.
If you’re on a tight budget, consider using DIY website builders like Wix or Squarespace. They offer templates, hosting, and support in one package. But while they save money upfront, they come with design and functionality limits.
Hiring a freelancer or agency costs more, but you get professional design, support, and a tailored solution.
To reduce costs without cutting corners:
- Start with a basic version of your site and expand later
- Use free or low-cost tools where possible
- Write your own content if you have the time
- Choose features based on real needs, not trends
Think of your website as a long-term investment, not just a one-off purchase. A clear budget helps you build something sustainable.
Final Thoughts: What’s the Right Budget for Your Website?
There’s no fixed price for building a website, it depends on your goals, timeline, and what you need it to do. The key is setting a clear budget that balances cost and quality without cutting corners on important features.
If you’re unsure where to start, we’re here to help. At EVO, we build websites that match your goals and budget, without the guesswork.
Need a personalised estimate? Get in touch with us today for a free consultation and let’s plan your next website the smart way.
