Ask five agencies for a website quote and you may get five very different numbers. The difference usually comes from scope, quality and what is included after launch.
What drives cost
- Number of pages and templates: a 5-page brochure site differs from a 50-page site with multiple layouts.
- Design approach: ready-made theme versus custom design.
- Content: whether you supply text and photos or the agency writes and shoots them.
- Features: booking, calculators, multilingual support, payment gateways, CRM integration.
- Platform: WordPress, Webflow, Shopify or custom code.
- SEO and speed work: technical SEO setup, schema and performance optimisation.
- Ongoing support: hosting, maintenance and updates.
Hidden costs to ask about
- Domain renewal and hosting
- Premium plugin or theme licences
- Stock images and fonts
- Content updates after launch
- Annual maintenance
Comparing quotes
Ask each agency for a written scope listing pages, features, revisions, timelines and what you will own. A cheaper quote may exclude important items.
Ownership matters
Make sure the domain, hosting account and website files are in your name.
Plan for growth
A website is not a one-time purchase. Budget for content, SEO and improvements over time.
FAQs
Is a cheap website good enough?
For a very small business, a simple, well-built site may be fine. Very cheap sites often skip speed, security and SEO basics.
How long does a website take?
Typically three to eight weeks, depending on scope and feedback speed.
Should quotes include maintenance?
Ask whether the first year of maintenance and hosting is included so you can compare correctly.
