How Much Does a Website Cost in the UK in 2026?

A Clear, Honest Breakdown

One of the first questions almost every business owner asks is -

“How much should a website actually cost?”

And the frustrating answer is: it depends.

In the UK right now, you will see websites advertised anywhere from £500 to £10,000+. That huge range is what causes confusion, mistrust and hesitation. This guide breaks down what those prices really mean, what you actually get at each level, and how to choose the right budget for your business without overpaying or underinvesting.

This article is written from the perspective of Orqa Design, a UK-based WordPress studio working with businesses and growing brands across the UK.

divider

Typical Website Cost Ranges in the UK (2026)


Here is the reality of the current market:

£500 to £1,000

Usually template-based, often DIY-assisted, minimal strategy, little to no SEO setup, limited support after launch.

£1,500 to £3,500

Professional bespoke design using a solid framework, proper mobile optimisation, basic SEO foundations, structured build, limited strategy input, usually freelancer-led.

£3,500 to £7,000+

Strategy-led design, conversion-focused structure, custom templates, SEO technically built-in, scalability planning, performance optimisation, security, training and managed support.

Anything above £7,000 usually moves into:

  • Larger ecommerce
  • Membership platforms
  • SaaS-style builds
  • Complex integrations
  • Multi-location businesses
divider

Why Prices Vary So Much


Two websites can both “look nice” but be built in completely different ways underneath. The biggest price factors are:

  • Strategy and discovery time
  • Number of page templates, not just pages
  • SEO structure and performance optimisation
  • Custom functionality and integrations
  • Content support and migration
  • Long-term scalability planning
  • Ongoing hosting and maintenance provisions
  • Experience and reputation of the studio or designer

A £900 site and a £5,000 site might look similar on the surface, but they are not built for the same lifespan or business stage.

divider

What You Actually Get at Each Price Level

Budget Level (£500 to £1,000)

Best suited for:

  • Hobby projects
  • Early-stage startups with no growth plan yet
  • Temporary or placeholder sites

Typical limitations:

  • Limited SEO structure
  • Little conversion strategy
  • Basic security
  • No long-term support
  • Often built on rigid templates
  • Limited ownership guidance

These sites often end up being rebuilt within 12 to 24 months.

Mid-Range Professional Level (£1,500 to £3,500)

Best suited for:

  • Small service businesses
  • Therapists and consultants
  • Local brands
  • Startups with modest growth plans

What you usually get:

  • Bespoke design on a professional framework
  • Responsive mobile layout
  • Basic SEO setup
  • Proper page structure and navigation
  • CMS training
  • Some post-launch support

This tier works well when the business is stable but not yet scaling rapidly.

Strategic Growth Level (£3,500 to £7,000+)

Best suited for:

  • Growing service businesses
  • Multi-location brands
  • Ecommerce and booking platforms
  • Brands that rely heavily on digital lead generation

What is included:

  • Full strategic discovery and structure planning
  • Conversion-led user journeys
  • SEO baked into the build, not added later
  • Performance-optimised WordPress builds
  • Scalable architecture for future growth
  • Security hardened hosting
  • Ongoing maintenance and support
  • Analytics, reporting and optimisation capability

This is where websites become business assets rather than online brochures.

divider

The Hidden Costs Many People Do Not Expect


Some costs are rarely mentioned upfront:

  • Hosting and security
  • Software updates
  • Premium plugins and licences
  • Ongoing SEO
  • Content updates
  • Performance monitoring
  • Backups and disaster recovery

A cheap build with no aftercare often becomes expensive later when things break.

divider

Is Going Cheap First and Upgrading Later a Good Strategy?


Sometimes, yes. Often, no.

If your business is truly at idea stage, starting small can make sense. But if your website is your main lead generation tool, underinvesting usually costs more in:

  • Lost enquiries
  • Poor conversions
  • Rebuilds
  • SEO damage
  • Security issues

A well-structured mid-range build usually outperforms two cheap rebuilds financially.

divider

What Budget Is Realistic for Most Small UK Businesses in 2026?


For most professional service businesses in the UK today, a realistic, sensible investment sits between £2,000 and £4,500.

This allows for:

  • Professional design
  • SEO-ready foundations
  • Clear structure
  • Good performance
  • Long-term maintainability
  • Ongoing support

Below this level, compromises become unavoidable.

divider

How Orqa Design Approaches Pricing


At Orqa Design, we price based on:

  • Business goals
  • Growth plans
  • Technical requirements
  • Longevity, not just launch

We do not sell pages or templates. We design and build platforms that support long-term growth. We also offer fully managed hosting and support so clients do not have to worry about security, updates or technical upkeep.

Every project is scoped clearly and transparently. No surprises. No hidden costs.

divider

Final Advice Before Choosing a Budget


Before choosing a price based on comfort alone, ask yourself:

  • Is my website meant to grow my business or simply exist?
  • How long do I want this site to last?
  • Will I rely on it for leads and income?
  • What happens if something breaks?

The cheapest option is rarely the least expensive in the long run.

divider

Written by
Sam Thomas
Founder, Orqa Design

Award-winning UK WordPress web design studio specialising in design-led, growth-focused websites for small businesses.