Guide
What Decides the Cost of a Business Website? A Simple Guide
Website cost depends mainly on the number of pages, custom design or template, an admin panel, e-commerce features, SEO setup and who writes the content. Domain and hosting are separate running costs and should be registered in your name.
Ask three developers for a website quote and you may get three very different prices. That does not always mean someone is overcharging. Usually, each quote includes different work. Here is what actually decides the cost.
1. Number of pages
A single-page website with your services and contact details is the quickest to build. A website with separate pages for each service, an about page, a portfolio and a blog takes more design, writing and SEO work. More pages also means more chances to appear in Google searches.
2. Custom design or template
A ready-made template is cheaper but may look like many other websites. A custom design is made for your brand, your colours and your customers. It takes more time but helps you stand out.
3. Admin panel
If you want to add products, change photos or update prices yourself, the website needs an admin panel. This is extra development work, but it saves you from calling a developer for every small change.
4. E-commerce and payments
Selling online needs a cart, payment gateway, order management and more testing. This is one of the biggest cost differences between websites.
5. SEO setup
Some quotes only include design. A proper SEO setup adds page titles, descriptions, structured data, a sitemap, Google Search Console and Google Business Profile. Without it, your website may look good but nobody finds it.
6. Content and photos
Someone has to write the text and prepare the photos. If you provide them, the cost is lower. If the developer writes the content, it takes more time.
7. Domain, hosting and running costs
| Item | What it is | How often you pay |
|---|---|---|
| Domain | Your website address | Every year |
| Hosting | Where the website files live | Monthly or yearly (some hosts are free for simple sites) |
| SSL | The padlock (HTTPS) | Usually free with good hosting |
| Maintenance / SEO | Updates, fixes and ongoing SEO | Optional, monthly |
Questions to ask before you choose
- How many pages are included?
- Is the design custom or a template?
- Can I update content myself?
- Is SEO setup included? What exactly?
- Are domain and hosting in my name?
- What support do I get after launch?
The bottom line
The cheapest website is not always the best value. A website that loads fast, looks professional and is set up for Google keeps bringing enquiries for years.
See what is included in our website development service, or send us your requirement for an exact quote.