Guide
How much does a website cost for a tradesperson in the UK?
6 min read · Updated 5 November 2026
Ask five web designers what a website costs and you'll get five different answers, from a few hundred pounds to several thousand. That's frustrating when you just want to know what's fair.
This guide breaks down what UK tradespeople can expect to pay, what you get at each level, and which questions to ask before you hand over any money.
Typical UK website prices
These are typical ranges from published UK pricing guides. Real quotes vary with how many pages you need and how much the designer does for you, such as writing your text.
| Option | Typical cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| DIY website builder | £10–£50 a month | Just starting out, with time to do it yourself |
| Budget one-off site | Around £150–£500 | Getting something basic online quickly |
| Freelancer | Around £1,000–£3,000 | Most small trade businesses |
| Agency | Around £2,500–£10,000+ | Larger firms with more complex needs |
DIY builders: cheap, but you pay in time
Tools like Wix or Squarespace are fine for getting online, and for a brand-new business they can be a sensible start. But you're the designer, the copywriter and the SEO person, and that's time away from paid work.
The real risk is ending up with a site that looks acceptable but never appears on Google or brings in calls.
Why a cheap website can cost more
A very low price usually means something has been left out. It's not always a bad deal, but check whether the price includes:
- Pages for each service you offer, not one page covering everything
- A site designed for phones first, since many customers will find you on one
- Basic SEO setup, such as page titles, headings and a sitemap
- Written text, or whether you'll have to supply your own
- Who owns the website and domain if you ever leave
Ongoing costs to budget for
The build is rarely the only cost. Plan for these too:
| Cost | What it covers | Rough price |
|---|---|---|
| Domain name | Your web address | Around £5–£15 a year for a .co.uk |
| Hosting | Keeping the site online | Free to £30 a month, depending on the setup |
| Updates and support | Changes and looking after the site | Varies; ask if it's included |
| SEO | Ongoing work to improve Google visibility | Optional; often a few hundred pounds a month |
What's worth paying for as a tradesperson
You don't need flashy features. For most trades, the money is best spent on the things that turn a visitor into a phone call:
- Fast loading on mobile, with one-tap calling
- A clear list of services and areas you cover
- Real photos of your work and genuine reviews
- A separate page for each main service
- A simple way to get in touch, such as WhatsApp or a short form
Questions to ask before you pay
- What exactly is included, and what would cost extra?
- Will I own the website and the domain name?
- What will I pay each year after launch?
- Who writes the text and handles the SEO setup?
- What happens if I want to leave or move the site?
- Can I see live websites you've built?
Price ranges are based on published UK web design pricing guides reviewed in November 2026, many of them written by companies that sell websites, so treat them as a guide. Actual quotes vary.
Further reading: ExpertSure: UK website design costs guide