What Should I Pay for a Website?

Write your article here, about a service, a product...When considering building a website, the question of cost inevitably comes up. How much should you pay for a website? The answer can vary widely depending on your needs, the type of website you want, and the features you require. In this article, we’ll break down the cost of building a website into three main categories: pay monthly (£50-£150pm), affordable builds (around £1500), and custom builds (£7500 upwards). Each option has its own advantages and disadvantages, so let’s delve into the details to help you make an informed decision.

Pay Monthly Websites

Leasing a website on a pay-monthly basis is an attractive option for many startups or small businesses. This model allows you to spread the cost of your website typically with no or very little upfront costs, making it more manageable for those on a tight budget. Typically, you can expect to pay anywhere from £50 to £150 per month, depending on the provider and the level of service you choose.

Benefits of Pay Monthly

• Lower Initial Cost: With pay-monthly plans, there’s no large upfront fee, making it easier to get started without a significant financial outlay.
• Ongoing Support: Most pay-monthly plans include regular updates, maintenance, and support, ensuring your website remains up-to-date and secure.
• Scalability: As your business grows, you can often upgrade your plan to accommodate more features and traffic.

Drawbacks of Pay Monthly

• Long-Term Costs: While the monthly payments are manageable, over time, the total cost can add up and potentially exceed what you might pay for a one-time build.
• Limited Customisation: Many pay-monthly services use templates and pre-designed elements, which can limit how much you can customise your site, this can hinder the scalability of your website.
• Ownership rights: Typically a pay monthly website is based on a leasing agreement where you will be paying for the website for as long as you wish to keep it, when you decide to cancel the payments your website will also be cancelled.

Affordable Builds (Around £1500)

If you have a bit more budget and prefer to own your website outright, you might consider an affordable build. These websites typically cost around £1500 and are a great option for small to medium sized businesses, freelancers, or hobbyists looking for a professional online presence without breaking the bank.

Benefits of Affordable Builds

• One-Time Cost: You pay a one-time fee, and the website is yours. This can be more cost-effective in the long run compared to a pay-monthly model.
• Professional Design: For £1500, you can get a well designed website that looks good and functions well.
• Customisation Options: While not as extensive as a custom build, you can still personalise your website to fit your brand and needs.

Drawbacks of Affordable Builds

• Limited Features: Due to the budget constraints, affordable builds might lack some advanced features and functionalities.
• Potential for Extra Costs: You may need to pay extra for ongoing maintenance, updates, and additional features.
• Theme & plugins: With this budget you are more likely to expect a website built using themes and plugins to create the look and feel you need, but this comes with future problems.

Custom Builds (£7500 and Upwards)

For those who need a highly customised, feature-rich website, a custom build is the way to go. These websites are tailored to your specific requirements and can range from £7500 to well over £20,000, depending on the complexity and features you need.

Benefits of Custom Builds

• Fully Customisable: Every aspect of the website is designed to your specifications, ensuring a unique and tailored online presence.
• Advanced Features: Custom builds can include advanced functionalities such as e-commerce capabilities, bespoke databases, and complex integrations.
• Scalability and Flexibility: As your business evolves, a custom website can be more easily adapted to meet your changing needs.

Drawbacks of Custom Builds

• High Initial Cost: The significant upfront investment can be a barrier for some smaller businesses.
• Longer Development Time: Custom builds take longer to develop compared to using pre-designed templates, which can delay your website’s launch.
• Ongoing Maintenance: While a custom site is a powerful tool, it also requires regular maintenance and updates, which can incur additional costs.

Which Option is Right for You?

Deciding which option is right for you depends on your budget, needs, and long-term goals. Here are some scenarios to help you decide:

Small Budget and Immediate Need: If you have a tight budget and need a website quickly, a pay-monthly plan is a good starting point. It allows you to get online with minimal initial investment and provides ongoing support.

Limited Budgets: If you prefer to own your website and have a budget of around £500, an affordable build offers a good balance between cost and customisation. It’s a one-time investment that gives you a professional site without the recurring fees.

High Budget and Specific Needs: If you have a larger budget and need a highly customised website with specific features, a custom build is the best option. This route ensures you get a unique, tailored website that can grow and adapt with your business.

Conclusion

Understanding what you should pay for a website involves considering your immediate needs, long-term goals, and budget. Whether you opt for a pay-monthly plan, an affordable build, or a custom build, each option has its own set of advantages and considerations. 



By evaluating these factors carefully, you can make an informed decision that best suits your business and helps you achieve your online goals. Remember, a well-designed website is an investment in your business’s future, so choose wisely to ensure you get the best value for your money.