How Much Does a Website Cost in 2026?
Website pricing is confusing. Some builders are free, some freelancers charge thousands, and agencies want five figures. Here's an honest breakdown of what a website actually costs for a small business in 2026 — and which option gives you the best value.
Your Four Options
Small businesses have four main routes to a website:
- DIY builders (Wix, Squarespace) — £10-40/month, but expect 20-40 hours of your time
- Freelancers — £500-2,000 upfront, plus separate hosting and update costs
- Agencies — £2,000-10,000+, best for complex sites with custom functionality
- Managed services like SiteKick — £49/month, everything included, no setup fee
The Costs People Forget
The sticker price is never the full picture. Domain names, SSL certificates, hosting, content writing, photography, and ongoing maintenance all add up. A "free" DIY site can easily cost £500+ in hidden extras and your time.
With SiteKick, hosting, SSL, maintenance, and updates are all included in the £49/month with no setup fee. Over a year, the total cost is £588 — competitive with DIY, but with professional results.
“Design is not just what it looks like. Design is how it works.”
— Steve Jobs
Which Option Suits You?
DIY works if you genuinely enjoy technology and have spare time. Freelancers suit bigger budgets where you want bespoke design. Agencies make sense for complex projects.
SiteKick is built for busy small business owners who want professional results without the large upfront cost or the time investment. One or two new customers per month covers the cost many times over.
Common Questions
SiteKick's model of £49/month with no setup fee is the most affordable way to get a professionally designed site with ongoing support included.
No. The £49/month covers hosting, SSL, updates, maintenance, and support. The only separate costs are your domain name (around £10-15/year) and professional email if you want one.
Absolutely. We'll build your new site from scratch, designed properly for your business. We can also help you transfer your domain name.