Guide
How Much Does a Website Cost in 2026?
A plain-English guide to website pricing for small businesses and trades in the UK and Ireland.
The short answer
It depends far more on who builds it and what is included than on the website itself. Two quotes for the same five-page site can be very different, because one includes hosting, updates and support and the other does not. The fairest way to compare is to add up the total cost over two or three years, not just the first invoice.
The four ways to get a website
DIY website builders
Good for: Cheapest way to get something online, and you control every word.
Watch out for: Your time is the real cost. Most owners never finish the site, and few builders handle calls, reviews or leads for you.
Freelance web designers
Good for: A personal service and a site designed around your business.
Watch out for: Quality varies a lot. Ask who hosts it, who fixes it when it breaks, and whether updates are included or charged separately.
Web design agencies
Good for: A full team: design, copywriting, photography and marketing under one roof.
Watch out for: Usually the highest upfront cost and the longest timeline. Ongoing changes and SEO are often extra monthly retainers.
Monthly website plans
Good for: Little or nothing upfront, with hosting, updates and support bundled into one monthly fee.
Watch out for: Check the contract length, what happens if you cancel, and whether you ever own the website.
The costs people forget
The build is only part of the bill. Before you sign anything, check who pays for each of these:
- Domain name renewal every year
- Hosting and security certificates
- Business email addresses
- Changes and updates after launch
- Copywriting and photography
- Google Business Profile set-up and upkeep
- Search engine optimisation over time
- Tools that turn visitors into calls, such as chat or text-back
What a trade website actually needs
For most trades and local businesses, the website has one job: turn a search into a phone call or an enquiry. That means a fast mobile site, your phone number on every page, clear services and areas covered, real reviews, and a quick way to get a quote. Fancy animations matter far less than answering the phone. A missed call is often a job that goes to the next name on the list.
How we price it
We publish our prices so you can compare them properly. Our Online plan is £99/mo and includes the website, AI chat agent, hosting, text-back and Google profile set-up. For brand-new businesses, the Starter Launch is £495 setup, then £99/mo. There are no contracts, you can cancel with one email, and ownership of the website transfers to you after 24 monthly payments. All prices exclude VAT.
Five questions to ask before you buy
- Who owns the website, the domain and the content if I leave?
- Is there a minimum contract, and how do I cancel?
- What is included every month, and what costs extra?
- How long until the site is live, and can I see it before I pay?
- What happens when a customer calls and I cannot answer?
See your website before you pay
We build a free demo of your site first, so you know exactly what you are getting.