THE SHORT ANSWER
A good business website makes it obvious within seconds what you do and for whom, loads fast on a phone, proves you’re credible and makes the next step easy. The cost depends on how many pages you need, how custom the design is, who writes the words, the features you need and whether you’re moving an existing site.
The must-haves
- A clear headline that says what you do, for whom, and the result.
- A dedicated page for each main service.
- An About page with real people and a real story.
- Proof: reviews, results, case studies, client logos.
- A clear call to action on every page.
- Fast loading on mobile.
- Technical SEO basics: titles, headings, structured data, a sitemap.
- Analytics and conversion tracking.
- Privacy policy, terms and a facts page.
What drives the cost
| Factor | Lower cost | Higher cost |
|---|---|---|
| Size | 5 to 10 pages | 30 pages or more |
| Design | Adapted template | Fully custom design |
| Words | You supply the copy | Professional copywriting |
| Features | Contact form | Booking, e-commerce, integrations |
| Starting point | Brand new site | Migrating content, redirects and SEO |
Template or custom?
A well-chosen template, properly adapted, can be a smart choice if you need to move quickly. A custom design makes sense when you need to stand out in a crowded market or have specific needs.
Either way, the words and the structure matter more than the visuals. A beautiful site that confuses visitors still won’t bring in enquiries.
Ongoing costs to plan for
- Hosting and domain renewal.
- Security updates and backups.
- Small content changes and new pages.
- Ongoing SEO and content if you want the site to grow.
Red flags in a website quote
- No mention of SEO, redirects or speed.
- You won’t own the website or the domain.
- Hosting you can’t move without paying a penalty.
- No testing on mobile devices.
Always make sure your domain, hosting account and website files are in your name.
Key takeaways
Common questions
It depends on size and content. A focused site often takes several weeks; larger custom builds take a few months. Waiting on content is the most common cause of delay.