Why Web Design Costs More Than You Expected (And What You’re Really Paying For)
If you’ve ever asked for a quote for a new website and thought, “Blimey – that’s a bit more than I was expecting,” you’re not alone. It’s one of the most common reactions I get from small businesses in Hampshire and Surrey.
And I get it. Web design can feel like it should be cheap. There are ads all over the place saying “Build a website in minutes!”, or “Only £10 a month!”. So why does hiring a freelance web designer (like me) cost hundreds or even thousands?
Let’s break it down in plain English. No jargon. No upselling. Just the real story behind web design costs – and what you’re actually paying for.
What Most People Think They’re Buying
Most business owners think they’re buying a “website” the same way you buy a laptop or a sign for the shop window. Something static. A one-time purchase.
But a website isn’t just a pretty online poster. Done properly, it’s a living, breathing tool that supports your business 24/7. It should attract visitors, guide them toward what they need, and turn them into customers.
You’re not just buying a site. You’re buying:
- A marketing tool
- A user experience
- A piece of tech
- A brand statement
- A long-term asset for your business
And that takes more than a quick drag-and-drop template.
What You’re Actually Paying For
Here’s where your money goes when you hire someone like me to build your site:
Time and Experience
I’ve been building websites for 30 years. That’s not just about writing code or choosing colours – it’s knowing what works, what doesn’t, what’s going to break, what’ll help you get found on Google, and what’s going to be a nightmare in six months if it’s not set up right now.
You’re not just paying for my time. You’re paying for everything I’ve learned (and fixed!) over the years.
Proper Planning
A good site starts with proper thinking. What does your business need? Who’s visiting your site? What do you want them to do? What pages do you need? What’s the goal?
This strategy bit often gets skipped by cheaper providers. But it’s the part that makes the difference between a site that looks nice and a site that does something.
Design That Fits You
Templates are fine for DIY projects. But if you want something that fits your brand, tone of voice and business goals – it takes time to design properly. Mobile-friendly layouts. Good spacing. Real usability. Consistent style.
You don’t just want it to “look good”. You want it to look right.
WordPress Setup and Development
WordPress is powerful – but it needs to be done right. I build flexible layouts, clean admin areas, and easy editing tools using Advanced Custom Fields. I don’t just whack in a theme and call it done.
It takes time to set things up so you can manage the site easily without needing me every five minutes. That’s part of the value.
SEO Basics and Performance Setup
A lot of budget builds skip this entirely. But I build in SEO basics from the start – using clean code, correct page structure (H1s, H2s, meta data, etc.), and the right plugins.
I also optimise for speed, mobile responsiveness, and security – things that matter to both users and Google.
Testing and Launch Support
Before a site goes live, I test it thoroughly – across devices and browsers. I check for errors, broken links, slow load times, mobile quirks, accessibility basics – the lot.
And when we hit launch day, I handle redirects, Google Search Console setup, DNS changes, and anything else needed to make it a smooth go-live.
Clear, Friendly Communication
This one’s easy to overlook, but important. I’m not just building your site – I’m guiding you through the process. I keep things jargon-free, friendly and collaborative. You won’t be left guessing.
So Why Does It Cost More Than You Thought?
Because it’s not just “a website”. It’s all of the above – planning, design, development, testing, support, experience – wrapped up into one smooth, professional, done-for-you service.
When people expect a website to cost £300, they’re thinking of the output. But what you’re really paying for is the outcome.
It’s the difference between hiring someone to build a car from scratch… or just sticking a badge on the bonnet and hoping it runs.
“But I’ve Seen Websites for £299 Online…”
Yep, and you’ll get what you pay for. Usually, it means:
- Poor templates that don’t convert
- No thought given to SEO, speed or structure
- You doing all the content and layout yourself
- No support if something goes wrong
- A site that needs rebuilding in 6–12 months
Sometimes those cheap sites can work as temporary fixes. But they’re often stepping stones to doing it properly later.
So why not just start with something that’s built to last?
What’s the Right Budget for a Website?
It depends on your needs, of course – but for a small business looking to grow, I always say:
If your website is meant to bring in leads, show off your services and grow your business… then it’s worth investing in.
Good web design isn’t an expense – it’s a multiplier.
What You Can Do Next
If you’re unsure what kind of budget you need – or you’ve been burned by cheap providers in the past – I’m happy to chat.
I’ll give you an honest idea of what things cost, what you actually need (and don’t need), and whether I’m a good fit.
No jargon. No pressure. Just real talk about what’s possible for your business.