Website design costs explained
This question can’t be answered very easily and therefor I’ve compiled this page which will hopefully break down all the ins and outs of building websites and give you a better understanding of the steps involved to produce a working website.
Some websites require additional features that need to be programmed into the back-end to allow for specialist functionality. In some other cases a lot of work is required to optimise for SEO. Some website rebuilds can also be particularly challenging to retain existing URL and permalink structures while completely redeveloping / designing each page by hand.
So to summarise, there simply is no no one size fits all approach although if we’re starting from scratch and all art and copy writing are provided there is no reason for a 1-5 page website to cost more than a few hundred pounds.
Feel free to fill out a quick questionnaire about your requirements and I’ll get back to you with a reasonably accurate quote. Or if you have prepared a brief, attach it to the form on the bottom of this page.
How much do you charge for web design?
Not all projects are the same in complexity but we do offer very competitive pricing for small to medium sized business. Our web design and care package pricing can be found below
What sets us apart from most other freelance web designers
We are unique in the sense that we offer quality website designs and logo designs, however we can take things a bit further by offering IT solutions for your business like self hosted ticketing systems, cloud file storage and collaboration, VPN and VPS infrastructure and hosting support.
Planning your website costs
Domain name
Before you can consider getting a website, you have to choose the right domain. This is probably one of the most important decisions you can make and if you're not sure. reach out and allow us to help you make the right choice from the start.
Plan it out
It's always a good idea to have a brief ready even if it is only a draft or at the very least a wish list of pages and functionality. This will help someone like myself to determine from the offset if it would be worth both of our time to pursue things further.
Copy writing
Good copy writing and focusing pages and articles to match desired search keywords is critical if you want to stand any chance at ranking well organically in your particular sector. Obviously this is a rule of thumb and may not apply equally to all types of businesses but it still rings true for the most part.
digital artwork / logos
If you're starting out without any art work or vector logos, no problem. However it would be good to find digital vectored versions of your logo or branding to avoid paying to have these files redrawn to have them as vector files.
Web design cost considerations
Website builders overview
When it comes to building a website, not all web designers are created equal. Let me explain where my skill set fits in the broader spectrum of designers and developers.
Many people opt for a page builder to create their website, only to realize later that their options for growth are limited. In some cases, these page builders can also slow down your website, negatively impacting your search engine rankings.
Freelancers can be found everywhere on the internet, but in many cases, they lack the skills to manipulate data or have any knowledge of coding or back-end server technologies. Pricing for freelancers can vary widely based on their location.
Agencies, on the other hand, offer a wide range of skills, but can be very expensive and better suited for large, complex websites and businesses with deep pockets.
At my agency, we offer a middle ground between freelancers and agencies. We take a methodical, phased approach to website design, ensuring that your website is built efficiently, stays on track, and stays within your budget guidelines. We specialize in custom-designed WordPress CMS sites that are fast and optimized for search engines.
With my expertise in hosting and managing open-source software like Nextcloud, Akaunting, and Freescout, I can help you save money and increase productivity. By self-hosting these services, you can have more control over your data, without having to rely on expensive third-party services.
So, whether you’re a small business looking to build your first website or a larger organisation seeking a more complex web solution, we can help you achieve your goals with a professional and affordable approach.
Instant website builders
Are you considering building your website using a website builder like Wix or Squarespace? While these platforms may seem like an easy and affordable way to create a website, it’s important to understand the pros and cons before making a decision.
Pros
- Easy to use: Website builders are designed to be user-friendly and intuitive, which means you don’t need any coding or web design experience to create a website.
- Affordable: Many website builders offer free plans or low-cost subscription plans, which makes them a cost-effective solution for small businesses or individuals on a tight budget.
- Templates: Website builders come with a variety of templates that you can use to create a professional-looking website quickly and easily.
Cons
- Limited customisation: While website builders offer templates, the level of customisation is limited compared to a custom-designed website. This means your website may look similar to other websites on the same platform, and it may not reflect your brand or unique style.
- Limited functionality: Website builders offer a limited set of features and functionality, which means you may not be able to add certain features or plugins that are critical for your business.
- SEO limitations: Website builders may not be optimised for search engine optimisation (SEO), which can limit your website’s visibility on search engines like Google.
- Ownership – You’ll never truly own your website and moving it to a different server would be impossible.
Overall, website builders can be a great option for individuals or small businesses with a limited budget and simple website needs. However, if you require a more customised and feature-rich website that is optimised for search engines, a custom-designed website by a professional web designer may be a better option.
Freelance web designer
When it comes to hiring a freelance web designer, there are both pros and cons to consider. One of the benefits is the ability to establish a personal relationship with the designer, as you will likely be working closely with them throughout the project. Additionally, freelance designers may have a diverse set of skills and be familiar with various technologies, allowing for a more customised approach to your project.
Another advantage is cost-effectiveness, as freelance web designers typically charge lower rates than agencies. However, it is important to keep in mind that some freelance designers may lack the experience and skills necessary to deliver high-quality work, and their availability may be limited for larger projects.
It is also possible that a freelance designer may lack specialised expertise in certain areas, such as search engine optimisation or user experience design. Furthermore, while some freelance designers may be highly organised and have a formal process for project management and communication, others may not, which can lead to confusion and delays in the project timeline.
Ultimately, it is important to thoroughly vet any freelance web designer before hiring them, checking their portfolio, references, and reviews to ensure that they are a good fit for your specific needs and requirements.
Pros
- Personal relationship
- Skilled in various technologies
- Cheaper than agencies
Cons
- Some freelance “web designers” are unable to deliver high-quality work
- Limited availability for large projects
- May lack specialised expertise in certain areas
- May lack a formal process for project management and communication
What makes DOTJUICE different?
Expert web designer and hosting specialist! With a unique combination of skills and experience, DOTJUICE offers the best of both worlds – the personalised touch and cost-effectiveness of a freelance web designer, along with the technical expertise and support of a full-service agency.
I have over 10 years of experience in creating custom websites that are tailored to meet the unique needs of each client. I’ll work closely with you to understand your business goals and brand identity, and create a website that not only looks great but also functions seamlessly across all devices.
But that’s not all – DOTJUICE also offers VPS hosting and care plans to ensure that your website runs smoothly and efficiently at all times. With regular backups, updates, and maintenance, you can be confident that your website is secure and up-to-date, without having to worry about any technical details.
So whether you’re looking for a new website, a redesign of an existing site, or reliable hosting and maintenance services, We’ve got you covered. Get in touch today to learn more about how they can help take your online presence to the next level.
Pros
- Personalised touch and cost-effectiveness of a freelance web designer
- Technical expertise and support of a full-service agency
- Custom websites tailored to meet the unique needs of each client
- Seamless functionality across all devices
- VPS hosting and care plans for secure and up-to-date websites
- Regular backups, updates, and maintenance to ensure smooth operation
Cons
- As a single service provider, I may have limited availability and capacity compared to larger agencies with larger teams
- Depending on the scope and complexity of the project, I may require more time to complete the work than larger agencies
- Clients may have to coordinate with me on multiple fronts, such as website design, hosting, and maintenance, which may require more involvement from the client compared to working with separate providers.
Web Design Agency considerations
Web design agencies offer a range of services and benefits that differ from those provided by freelance web designers. Here are some of the pros and cons of working with a web design agency.
Pros
- Team of specialists: Web design agencies typically have a team of specialists with diverse skills, including graphic design, programming, SEO, and content creation. This means that they can offer a wider range of services and expertise than a single freelance designer.
- Consistent quality: Agencies often have a formalised process and quality control measures in place to ensure that the work they deliver meets a high standard. This can be reassuring for clients who want to ensure that their website looks and functions well.
- Large-scale projects: Agencies are often better equipped to handle large-scale projects that require extensive planning and collaboration, as they have the resources and capacity to manage complex projects with multiple stakeholders.
- Long-term support: Agencies may offer ongoing support and maintenance services to ensure that your website continues to function smoothly after it has launched.
Cons
- Higher cost: One of the main drawbacks of working with a web design agency is that their rates are typically higher than those of a freelance designer, due to the overhead costs of running a business and employing a team.
- Less personal touch: While an agency may offer a higher level of professionalism, they may lack the personal touch and direct communication that can be found with a freelance designer.
- Communication barriers: With multiple team members working on a project, it can sometimes be difficult to maintain clear and consistent communication, which can lead to delays and misunderstandings.
- Limited flexibility: Agencies may have a set process and methodology that they follow for each project, which can limit flexibility and customisation options.
When deciding whether to work with a web design agency, it’s important to weigh these pros and cons carefully and consider your specific needs and budget. Ultimately, the right choice will depend on the size and scope of your project, as well as your desired level of customisation, communication, and ongoing support.
Costs to expect from owning a website
Monthly costs
- Hosting – Your website will ultimately live on a server somewhere and that will cost anywhere from £10 – £500 per month depending on the scale of your project and the number of site visitors you get.
- SEO – Marketing and ad campaigns should be factored in to help with your SEO ranking as Facebook or Linkedin ads will give you a boost in your rankings.
- Newsletters – If you are capturing email addresses or have a mailing list, then services like MailChimp will be an added monthly expense for your business.
- Plugins – Some functionality on your website may require the use of specialist plugins that may have monthly licencing fees.
- Licences – In rare occasions, your site might make use of stock images and fonts which will have licencing fees associated with them as well.
Yearly costs
- Software licensing – Some premium plugins require annual software licence renewal and while it isn’t much for most web sites, it will start to add up if your website has lots of technical requirements. Any websites we host and maintain on a monthly retainer basis will benefit from free access to the library of plugins we own and subscribe to already.
- Domains – Each of your domains will need to be registered annually and typically cost anywhere from £15 to £50 per year
- SSL certificate – All websites require an SSL certificate whether you intend to have a web store or not. This is usually about £50 per year but when your site is hosted with us, we can add a free LetsEncrypt SSL certificate at no extra cost.
General costs
There are also a few other general costs to consider when owning a website, like;
- Copywriting – In order to stand any chance at ranking well in search engines you’ll need good quality, well considered text. It might be a consideration to pay someone who can produce quality copywriting for your website as it will pay off in the long run.
- Payment processing fees – I tend to set up Stripe for any website that takes payments online as they are very competitive but it should still be a consideration that you don’t get all the money you set your pricing at. We’re not talking large percentages but trust me the difference between 3% and 1.5% on large turnovers can make or break your business if you are taking small margins.
Domain names
Buying a domain should be a once off expense and an in most cases be free or a very small amount. However, some premium domains can fetch ridiculous amounts as they are quite often owned by specialist brokerage firms that hold them for years in the hopes of selling them for thousands.
In most cases, though it should be possible to get a decent domain for as little as £15 – £50
Every domain name has to be paid for on an annual basis and is normally no more than £50 per year for the most expensive domain extensions. A typical .co.uk domain is normall about £10 -£15 per year depending on where it is registered.