Having a strong online presence is crucial for businesses and individuals alike. Whether you’re launching a new venture or looking to revamp your existing online platform, one of the first questions that comes to mind is How much does it cost to make a website?
The answer, as you might expect, isn’t straightforward. In this guide, we’ll break down the various factors that influence website costs in 2024 and provide you with a clear understanding of what to expect when budgeting for your website.
What Are the Factors That Influence the Cost of Building a Website?
Before diving into specific numbers, it’s essential to understand the key elements that add to the overall cost of creating a website. These factors can impact your budget and the final product:
- Website Complexity: The more features and functionality your site requires, the higher the cost.
- Design Requirements: Custom designs are typically more expensive than using pre-made templates.
- Content Volume: Larger sites with more pages and content generally cost more to develop and maintain.
- E-commerce Functionality: Adding online shopping capabilities increases complexity and cost.
- SEO and Marketing Features: Integrating SEO tools and marketing capabilities may increase costs but can provide long-term benefits.
- Security Measures: Implementing robust security features, especially for e-commerce sites, adds to the overall cost.
- Scalability: Building a site that can grow with your business may require additional investment upfront.
These are the 7 core things that can impact the cost of building a website, there are of course other factors, such as getting copywriters to write the content for you, the cost of hosting, domain names, and maintenance/management of the website.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Web Developer?

The cost of hiring a web developer varies widely based on experience, location, project complexity, and if hiring in-house. Here is a general breakdown of the costs per developer:
Freelance Web Developers
- Junior Developers: £15 – £20 per hour
- Mid-Level Developers: £30 – £50 per hour
- Senior Developers: £50 – £200+ per hour
Agency Rates
- Small Agencies: £75 – £150 per hour
- Mid-Size Agencies: £125 – £200 per hour
- Large Agencies: £200 – £300+ per hour
In House
- Junior Developers: £25 – £40 per hour
- Mid-Level Developers: £50 – £70 per hour
- Senior Developers: £75 – £200+ per hour
- + National Insurance & PAYE tax costs.
If you’re unsure about what type of developer to hire, consider asking yourself these questions:
- Will you have ongoing web work?
- How much support do you require with managing your website?
- Do you prefer to be hands-on with the process or leave it to someone else?
Most often, in-house and freelance options require more hands-on, however, they can also be a great assistance for ongoing work and support with your website. Whereas an agency will do it all for you, completely hands-off.
Difference Between DIY, Freelance, and Agency Website Developers
When it comes to building a website, you have three main options: DIY platforms, freelance developers, or web design agencies. Each has its pros and cons:
DIY Website Builders
Pros:
- Low cost
- User-friendly interfaces
- Quick setup
Cons:
- Limited customization
- Potential for amateur-looking results
- Less unique designs
Freelance Developers
Pros:
- More affordable than agencies
- Direct communication
- Flexibility in project scope
Cons:
- Variable quality of work
- Potential for delays or unreliability
- Limited resources for large projects
Web Design Agencies
Pros:
- Professional results
- Comprehensive services (design, development, marketing)
- Reliable project management
Cons:
- Higher costs
- Less personal attention
- Potential for over-engineering
Choosing the right option depends on your budget, project complexity, and long-term goals.

Average Cost of a Website for Small Businesses
For small businesses looking to establish an online presence, the cost can vary based on the chosen approach:
- DIY Website Builders: £0 – £500 per year
- Freelance Developer: £2,000 – £15,000 for a basic site with 5 – 15 pages.
- Web Design Agency: £5,000 – £30,000+ for a professional site with 5 – 15 pages.
These estimates cover basic website development and don’t include ongoing maintenance or additional features like e-commerce functionality.
5-Page Website Price
A typical 5-page website is often sufficient for many small businesses or personal projects. Here’s what you might expect to pay:
- DIY Platform: £100 – £500 per year
- Freelance Developer: £500 – £5,000
- Web Design Agency: £3,000 – £15,000
Remember that these prices can fluctuate based on design complexity, content creation needs, and additional features.
Cost of Website Maintenance
Building a website is just the beginning. Ongoing maintenance is crucial for keeping your site secure, up-to-date, and performing well. Here’s what you might expect to pay for website maintenance:
- Basic Maintenance: £50 – £200 per month
- Comprehensive Maintenance: £200 – £1,000+ per month
Maintenance costs typically cover:
- Security updates
- Content updates
- Performance optimization
- Backups and recovery
- Technical support
How Much Does a Website Cost for Different Industries?
Website costs can vary significantly across industries due to specific requirements and features. Here’s a general overview:
E-commerce Websites
- Cost Range: £5,000 – £50,000+
- Key Features: Product catalogs, payment gateways, inventory management
Service-Based Business Websites
- Cost Range: £2,000 – £20,000
- Key Features: Service descriptions, appointment booking, client testimonials
Real Estate Websites
- Cost Range: £3,000 – £25,000
- Key Features: Property listings, search functionality, virtual tours
Healthcare Websites
- Cost Range: £5,000 – £30,000
- Key Features: HIPAA compliance, patient portals, appointment scheduling
Educational Websites
- Cost Range: £3,000 – £50,000+
- Key Features: Course management systems, student portals, online learning platforms
These estimates cover initial development costs and may not include ongoing maintenance or advanced features.
Additional Costs to Consider
When budgeting for your website, don’t forget these essential components:
Domain Name
- Cost: £10 – £50 per year
- Factors: Domain extension (.com, .org, etc.), registration period
Web Hosting
- Cost: £50 – £200+ per month
- Factors: Server type, bandwidth, storage space
SSL Certificate
- Cost: £0 – £200+ per year
- Factors: Type of certificate, level of validation
Content Management System (CMS)
- Cost: £0 – £300+ per year
- Popular options: WordPress (free), Shopify ($29 – $299 per month)
Plugins and Add-ons
- Cost: £0 – £1,000+ per year
- Examples: SEO tools, form builders, security enhancements
Design and Imagery
- Stock Photos: £0 – £200+ per month
- Custom Graphics: £50 – £500+ per design
- Professional Photography: £500 – £3,000+ per session
SEO and Digital Marketing
- Basic SEO Setup: £500 – £2,000
- Ongoing SEO Services: £500 – £5,000+ per month
- PPC Campaigns: Variable based on budget and industry
Monthly Web Design Service: A Flexible Solution
For businesses looking for ongoing support and continuous improvement of their online presence, a monthly web design service can be an excellent option. This approach offers several benefits:
- Regular updates and fresh content
- Ongoing SEO optimization
- Continuous performance improvements
- Flexibility to adapt to changing business needs
Our monthly web design service packages start at $500 per month and can be customized to fit your specific requirements. Contact us to learn more about how we can help you maintain a cutting-edge website that grows with your business.
Key Takeaways
- Website costs vary widely based on complexity, design requirements, and development approach.
- DIY platforms are the most affordable but offer limited customization.
- Freelance developers provide a balance of cost and customization.
- Web design agencies offer comprehensive services but at a higher price point.
- Small business websites typically cost between £2,000 and £30,000 for initial development.
- Ongoing maintenance is crucial and can cost £50 – £1,000+ per month.
- Consider additional costs like domain registration, hosting, and marketing when budgeting.
- Industry-specific requirements can significantly impact website costs.
- Monthly web design services offer flexibility and ongoing support for businesses.

Conclusion
Building a website in 2024 involves numerous factors that influence the overall cost. Whether you’re a small business owner, an entrepreneur, or an individual looking to establish an online presence, it’s essential to carefully consider your needs, budget, and long-term goals when planning your website project.
By understanding the various components that contribute to website costs and exploring different development options, you can make an informed decision that balances your budget with your desired outcomes. Remember that investing in a well-designed, functional website is an investment in your online presence and can significantly impact your success in the digital landscape.
If you’re ready to take the next step in creating or improving your website, consider reaching out to professional web designers or developers who can guide you through the process and help you achieve your online goals within your budget.