Quick answer
Website quotes vary because they include different things. The main factors are the type of website, design approach, number of pages, features, platform, and whether content and SEO are included. Compare what is included, not only the total.
Key takeaways
- The type of website and its features drive most of the cost.
- Custom design, content writing and SEO setup add value but also scope.
- Ongoing costs such as hosting, maintenance and updates should be planned from day one.
- Compare quotes on what's included, not just the bottom line.
What are the main factors?
| Website type | Typical scope |
|---|---|
| Brochure or small business site | A handful of pages, forms and basic SEO |
| Service business site | Many service pages, lead capture and stronger SEO |
| Ecommerce store | Catalogue, payments, shipping and stock |
| Custom web application | Logins, dashboards and integrations |
How do design, platform and features change the scope?
- Template or custom: custom takes more work but usually converts better.
- Number of pages: each adds design, content and testing.
- Features: booking, ecommerce, member areas, integrations.
- Platform: WordPress, Shopify, Webflow or custom builds.
- Content and SEO: copywriting, photography and setup.
Which ongoing items should you plan for?
- Domain name and hosting.
- Security, backups and updates.
- Plugin, theme or app subscriptions.
- Content updates and new pages.
- SEO and marketing to bring in traffic.
What does a good project include?
- Discovery: goals, audience and competitors.
- Sitemap and wireframes.
- Design for desktop and mobile.
- Content and SEO basics.
- Development, then testing on devices and browsers.
- Launch, training and a support plan.
Is a very cheap website worth it?
It can make sense for testing an idea. For most businesses, a slow or poorly built site costs more in lost enquiries than it saves.
Which questions should you ask?
- Is the design custom or from a template?
- Who writes the content, and is SEO included?
- Who owns the website and domain?
- What support follows launch?
We give every client an itemised proposal. Talk to our website design team about your project.
Bottom line
Compare proposals on what is included, not just the total. Ask about content, SEO setup and ongoing support so there are no gaps.
