If you’re a business owner or entrepreneur looking to build or upgrade your website, you’re probably asking: What is the website design UK cost in 2025? The answer isn’t a simple one-size-fits-all number. The cost of website design in the UK varies based on a number of factors—like the size of your website, the type of service provider you choose, and the features you need.
In this guide, we’ll break down website design costs in the UK for 2025, covering different types of service providers, common pricing models, typical deliverables, and how to decide which option is best for your business.
Why Knowing the Cost Matters
In the UK today, a website is an essential component of any organization. Whether you’re running a local bakery or an online tech company, your website is often the first impression customers get. Understanding website design UK cost helps you budget correctly and avoid overspending—or underinvesting.
Types of Website Design Providers in the UK
Before we dive into the numbers, let’s understand the three main options you have when hiring someone for website design:
1. Freelancers
Freelancers are independent designers or developers. They’re often more affordable but may have limited capacity or resources.
2. Web Design Agencies
Agencies typically offer a full package including design, development, SEO, and ongoing support. They cost more but offer better project management and scalability.
3. DIY Builders (like Wix, Squarespace, WordPress)
You can create a website on your own by using these drag-and-drop tools. They’re cheaper upfront but require time and basic tech skills.
Website Design UK Cost Breakdown in 2025
Here’s a rough guide to what you can expect to pay, depending on your choice and the complexity of the project:
| Website Type | Freelancers (£) | Agencies (£) | DIY Platforms (£) |
| Basic Informational Site | 500 – 1,500 | 1,500 – 4,000 | 100 – 300/year |
| Small Business Website | 1,000 – 3,000 | 3,000 – 7,000 | 100 – 500/year |
| E-commerce Website | 2,000 – 6,000 | 5,000 – 15,000+ | 200 – 800/year |
| Custom Web App or Portal | 5,000 – 15,000+ | 10,000 – 50,000+ | Not suitable |
Note: These costs are averages and can vary depending on your location, the provider’s experience, and the features you need.
What’s Included in a Website Design Package
Whether you go with a freelancer or agency, here’s what a typical website design package in the UK might include:
1. Discovery & Planning
- Initial consultation
- Research on competitors and target audience
- Site architecture planning
2. Design
- Home page and inner page design
- Responsive/mobile design
- Custom graphics or branding elements
3. Development
- Constructing the website utilizing a CMS (such as WordPress)
- Adding functionality (contact forms, blogs, sliders, etc.)
- E-commerce integration (if needed)
4. Testing
- Browser and device compatibility testing
- Speed optimization
5. SEO Basics
- Meta tags
- Alt text
- Sitemap submission
6. Launch & Support
- Domain setup
- SSL integration
- 30–90 days of support or revisions
Additional Costs to Consider
The design of a website constitutes only a portion of the overall cost associated with it. Below are additional expenses to consider:
| Item | Cost Range (per year) |
| Domain Name | £10 – £25 |
| Web Hosting | £50 – £300 |
| SSL Certificate | £0 – £100 |
| Premium Plugins/Themes | £50 – £300 |
| Ongoing Maintenance | £200 – £1,000+ |
| Content Writing | £100 – £500/page |
| SEO/Marketing | £200 – £2,000/month |
These costs can add up, so it’s smart to plan for them during your budgeting phase.
Website Design Trends Impacting UK Prices in 2025
In 2025, a few trends are influencing how websites are designed—and how much they cost:
- Mobile-first design: More users browse on phones than desktops, so responsive design is a must.
- AI-powered features: Chatbots and personalization tools are in demand, and they add to the cost.
- Accessibility compliance (WCAG): Making websites usable for all audiences is becoming a legal and ethical standard.
- Speed optimization: Fast-loading sites are prioritized by search engines and users alike.
- Privacy-first design: With stricter UK GDPR rules, privacy tools and cookie consent management are essential.
These trends don’t just affect the visual part—they also add to the design and development scope, impacting the final bill.
Selecting the Appropriate Option According to Your Financial Plan
Here’s a quick recommendation based on different budget ranges:
Budget under £1,000:
- Utilize a DIY platform such as Wix or Squarespace.
- Maintain simplicity: limit to 5 pages, without custom features.
- Think about employing a freelancer for assistance with setup.
Budget £1,000 – £5,000:
- Suitable for a small business website.
- Hire a reputable freelancer or a small agency.
- Expect professional design, some SEO basics, and CMS integration.
Budget £5,000+:
- Go with an established UK agency.
- Ideal for businesses needing branding, custom functionality, and marketing integration.
- Includes ongoing support and scalability.
Tips to Save on Website Design in the UK
- Get multiple quotes: Don’t settle on the first designer—shop around.
- Define your goals clearly: Know what you need and avoid scope creep.
- Use templates: Custom designs are great, but templates can cut costs.
- Handle content yourself: If you can write your own copy or provide images, you’ll save money.
- Start small: Launch a basic site and expand it as your business grows.
Conclusion
The website design UK cost in 2025 varies widely based on your needs and who you hire. A basic site might cost a few hundred pounds using DIY tools, while a professional agency project can run into five figures. What matters most is finding the right balance between your budget, your business goals, and your audience’s expectations.
Before committing, take time to research, ask questions, and always check portfolios and client reviews. A thoughtfully crafted website is not merely an expense; it represents a valuable investment in the expansion of your business.
