Thinking about launching a new website but scared of the price tag? You’re not alone. Most people assume a site will either break the bank or be free, but the truth sits somewhere in the middle. Below we break down the major cost buckets, show you where you can save, and help you set a realistic budget that matches your goals.
First up is what you pay to actually build the site. If you hire a freelance designer, expect $30‑$80 per hour in the UK. A small agency might charge $1,500‑$5,000 for a custom WordPress site, while a top‑tier firm can push $10,000+ for a fully bespoke solution. Templates are a cheaper alternative – a premium theme on ThemeForest runs $30‑$70, and you can install it yourself for free if you’re comfortable with basic admin tasks.
Don’t forget functionality. Adding a shop, booking system, or membership area usually costs extra. Plugins range from free to $200 per year, and custom features can add another $500‑$2,000 depending on complexity. If you’re on a tight budget, start with the core pages – Home, About, Services, Contact – and add fancy features later.
Once the site is live, the bills keep coming. Hosting is the largest recurring expense. Shared hosting starts at £3‑£10 a month, while managed WordPress or cloud hosting can run £20‑£80 monthly. If you expect heavy traffic, consider a VPS or dedicated server – those start around £50 a month.
Domain registration is another small but necessary cost: £10‑£15 per year for a .co.uk, a bit more for .com or premium names. SSL certificates used to be pricey, but Let’s Encrypt offers them free, so only pay if you need an extended validation cert for extra trust.
Maintenance includes updates, backups, and security monitoring. You can handle it yourself with a plugin like UpdraftPlus, which is free for basic use. Professional maintenance plans range from £30‑£100 per month and give you peace of mind – updates are applied automatically, and you get regular backups stored off‑site.
Finally, factor in marketing spend. SEO tools, email newsletters, and paid ads can quickly add £100‑£500 per month. If you’re just starting, set a modest budget for a few targeted ads and use free Google Analytics to track performance.
Putting it all together, a simple brochure‑style site can be built for under £1,000, while a robust e‑commerce platform with ongoing support may require £3,000‑£7,000 in the first year and £200‑£500 each month thereafter. The key is to list every line item, prioritize features that drive revenue, and trim the rest.
Now that you see where the money goes, you can create a spreadsheet, assign realistic numbers, and avoid nasty surprises. Remember: a website is an investment, not a one‑off cost. Spend smart, upgrade as you grow, and keep an eye on recurring fees so your budget stays on track.
Building an eCommerce website isn’t just about launching a store—it’s about keeping it up and running smoothly. This article breaks down the real costs behind launching and maintaining an online store, from initial design to monthly bills. You’ll learn what to expect, where you might want to save or splurge, and simple tips that can help you dodge surprise expenses. It’s packed with down-to-earth advice and real numbers, not just vague guesses. Get the honest breakdown before you jump into eCommerce.
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