One of the first questions every business owner asks us is simple.
"How much will my website cost?"
The honest answer is that it depends on the project, and any number printed in an article would be wrong for most readers. So instead of price tags, this guide explains what actually shapes the price, so you can compare quotes sensibly.
The 4 Types of Websites
Not every website is the same. The cost depends on what you actually need. Here are the four main categories.
1. Simple business website
The classic small business site: a handful of pages, mobile friendly, a contact form and a basic SEO setup.
Best for:
Local restaurants
Small law firms
Dentists and clinics
Consultants and freelancers
Any business that needs a professional online presence
2. Advanced business website
More pages, custom design, a blog, several languages, advanced SEO and integrations with tools such as Google Analytics, Mailchimp or a CRM.
Best for:
Growing SMEs
Real estate agencies
Larger clinics and law firms
Studios and agencies
Any business with a real digital marketing strategy
3. E-commerce website
An online store with a product catalogue, shopping cart, payment integration, inventory management and order tracking.
Best for:
Retail brands
Fashion and beauty
Food and drink brands
Any business selling physical or digital products
4. Web application or SaaS platform
Custom platforms with user accounts, dashboards, complex features, payment systems and admin panels.
Best for:
Startups building a product
Booking platforms
Marketplaces
Internal business tools
Anything that goes beyond a "website"
What Affects the Price
Two websites that look similar can cost very different amounts. Here is why.
Design complexity. A template-based design takes less work. Custom design with unique animations and layouts takes more, but stands out.
Number of pages. A handful of pages is quick. Fifty pages takes real time.
Languages. Every language you add means more work for translation, review and testing.
Content. Do you have the text and images ready, or does someone need to create them? Content is often the largest hidden part of a project.
Integrations. Connecting to CRMs, payment systems, booking tools or custom APIs adds time.
SEO depth. A basic SEO setup is normal. Advanced technical SEO with structured data, AI search optimisation and a detailed keyword strategy is extra work.
Ongoing support. A one-time build is one thing. Monthly support with updates and improvements is another.
The Costs After Launch
Even after the site is live, there are ongoing costs. Here is what to plan for.
Domain name: renewed every year
Hosting: depends on traffic and setup
SSL certificate: usually included with hosting
Email service: usually charged per user
Backups: sometimes included, sometimes a separate service
Maintenance: updates, security and fixes, if you want someone to look after the site
Content updates: either your time or the provider's time
Ask every provider to list these separately in the quote, so nothing appears later.
Why Some Quotes Are Much Higher Than Others
You may have received very different quotes for what looks like the same site. Here is what can sit behind the difference.
Larger agencies often carry:
Account managers
Project managers
Layers of management
Office costs
Marketing budgets
That can be worth it for large enterprise projects. For many small and medium businesses, a smaller team that you speak to directly is a better fit.
What You Should Actually Look For
Instead of only chasing the lowest price, look for these things.
1. A clear plan. The scope, the milestones and the launch date should be agreed in writing before work starts.
2. Direct communication. You should talk to the people building your site, not only an account manager.
3. Suitable technology. Ask what they build with and why it suits your project.
4. Real examples. Ask to see live websites they built, not just design mock-ups.
5. Support after launch. Is support included, and for how long? It should be written in the quote.
6. Clear pricing. A good provider can give you a clear, itemised quote.
The Bottom Line
A fair quote should tell you:
What is included, and what is not
Which costs come after launch
Who owns the code, the content and the accounts
If you are planning a new site or a redesign, compare two or three quotes, not just on price but on scope, technology, communication and support.
Get a Real Quote for Your Project
At Gjethe, our first consultation is free. We look at what you actually need, tell you honestly what it involves, and give you a written quote for the agreed scope.
Email us at hello@gjethe.com or visit gjethe.com to start a conversation.
No obligations. No sales pressure. Just clear answers.