One of the most common questions I hear from small business owners is: “How much does a website actually cost?” It’s a fair question — and while the honest answer is still “it depends”, that doesn’t mean the pricing has to feel vague or confusing.
In this guide, I’ll break down what small business websites typically cost in Nottingham and across the UK, what affects the price, and how to decide what level of website actually makes sense for your business.
Quick takeaway: Most small business websites cost between £250 and £500. This is usually enough for a professional, reliable site that looks good, works well on mobile, and supports business growth — without paying for features you don’t need.
Typical small business website costs in the UK
While no two projects are exactly the same, most small business websites fall into one of the following price ranges.
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£100 – £250
Basic or one-page websites. These are often used as a temporary online presence or for very small businesses testing an idea. They’re usually limited in design, flexibility, and future expansion. -
£250 – £500
The most common range for small businesses. Typically includes multiple pages, a clear structure, mobile-friendly design, and a site that’s easy to update and grow. This is where most value sits. -
£500 – £1,000+
More advanced websites with custom functionality such as booking systems, memberships, online payments, or integrations with other tools.
What actually affects the cost of a website?
Website pricing isn’t just about how many pages you need. Several practical factors influence the final cost.
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Number of pages
A simple five-page site will cost less than a large site with lots of unique layouts. -
Custom features
Things like booking systems, enquiry forms, user accounts, or e-commerce add complexity and time. -
Content creation
Supplying your own text and images can reduce costs. If you need help writing content or choosing imagery, this usually adds time — but often improves results. -
Branding
Businesses with an existing logo and brand style are quicker to build for than those starting from scratch. -
Future flexibility
A site built to grow — with clean structure and room for changes — may cost slightly more upfront but saves money later.
Is a cheap website ever a good idea?
Very cheap websites can look fine at first glance, but they often come with hidden problems: slow loading speeds, poor mobile usability, awkward layouts, or systems that are difficult to update.
These issues usually don’t show up on day one — they appear when you try to change something, improve your rankings, or adapt the site as your business grows.
Why spending a little more can save money
Investing slightly more upfront often means your website:
- Loads faster and works better on mobile
- Is easier to update without breaking things
- Looks more trustworthy to potential customers
- Supports enquiries, bookings, or sales more effectively
For most small businesses, a well-built website isn’t an expense — it’s a tool that supports day-to-day operations and helps turn visitors into customers.
So, how much should you budget?
As a general rule, if your business relies on online enquiries or credibility, budgeting somewhere in the £250–£500 range is a sensible starting point. This usually provides a professional result without unnecessary extras.
The best approach is to focus less on the lowest price and more on whether the website will actually support your business goals now — and still work for you in a year’s time.
Want help applying this to your site?
If you share your website and what you’re trying to achieve, I’ll suggest the simplest next step (and what to leave for later).