How much does a small business website cost?

There's no single price for a small business website.

You might find someone offering a website for a few hundred pounds, while another agency quotes several thousand.

So what should you actually expect to pay?

It depends on what you need

A simple brochure-style website with a handful of pages will naturally cost less than a larger website with ecommerce, bookings, complex functionality or lots of bespoke content.

The important question isn't simply:

“How much does a website cost?”

It's:

“What does my business actually need the website to do?”

Cheap isn't always cheap

A low-cost website might seem like the obvious choice, particularly when you're starting out.

But if the result doesn't clearly explain what you offer, doesn't attract the right visitors or doesn't generate enquiries, you've saved money on the website while potentially losing business.

Likewise, spending thousands doesn't automatically mean you'll get a better website.

Price and value aren't the same thing.

What are you actually paying for?

When comparing website prices, look beyond the number.

Consider whether the cost includes things such as:

• Planning and strategy

• Website design

• Copywriting and messaging

• SEO

• Mobile optimisation

• Website structure and navigation

• Analytics

• Ongoing support

• Hosting and maintenance

A website that looks good but hasn't been properly thought through can be a false economy.

Start with the outcome

Before deciding on a budget, think about what you want the website to achieve.

Do you want more enquiries?

More bookings?

More online sales?

Better visibility on Google?

A stronger first impression?

Once you know the outcome, it's much easier to work out what the website actually needs.

Your website is an investment, not just an expense

For many small businesses, your website is working for you 24 hours a day.

So the cheapest website isn't necessarily the best value — and the most expensive isn't necessarily the best either.

The right website is one that earns its keep.

At Orange Hippo, we focus on making websites clearer, more useful and more effective at turning visitors into potential customers.

If you're wondering whether your existing website needs a complete redesign, our 60-minute Website Audit can help you work out what's actually worth changing before you spend money on a new site.

Don't start with “How much will a website cost?” Start with “What do I need my website to achieve?”