The type of website is the biggest cost driver
| Type | What it is | Cost level |
|---|---|---|
| Simple brochure site | A few pages that explain your business and let customers contact you | Lowest |
| Business site with content | More pages, a blog, service pages, forms and search-friendly structure | Low to medium |
| E-commerce store | Product catalogue, cart, payments, orders and stock | Medium to high |
| Booking or portal site | User accounts, bookings, dashboards, payments or integrations | High |
| Custom web application | Software that runs a business process in the browser | Highest |
What else changes the price
- Number and complexity of pages, and whether each needs unique design.
- Custom design versus a customised template.
- Features: contact forms, search, multi-language, calculators, live chat, user login.
- Integrations: payment gateways, CRM, accounting, WhatsApp, delivery or booking systems.
- Content: who writes the text, takes photos or makes videos.
- Search engine optimisation: basic setup or an ongoing programme.
- Speed, security and accessibility requirements.
- Deadline: rushed projects cost more.
Costs that continue after launch
The build is only part of the cost. Plan for these as well, and ask each vendor to state them.
- Domain name renewal, usually yearly.
- Hosting, which varies with traffic and the type of site.
- SSL certificate, which is sometimes included with hosting.
- Maintenance: updates, backups, security fixes and small changes.
- Payment gateway fees on each transaction, for online payments.
- Content updates and new pages as your business grows.
- Marketing: a website does not bring visitors by itself.
How agencies price websites
- Fixed price per project: best when the scope is clear.
- Package pricing: bundled pages and features, easy to compare but limited.
- Time and material: you pay for hours worked, suitable when requirements will change.
- Monthly retainer: a lower start with ongoing support and improvement.
How to get quotes you can compare
- Write a one-page brief: purpose, pages, features, integrations and examples of sites you like.
- Send the same brief to three companies.
- Ask each to list what is included and excluded, including hosting, content and support.
- Ask for a timeline with milestones and payment tied to them.
- Look at live websites they have built, on your own phone.
- Choose the company that understood your business best, not only the lowest price.
Ways to spend less without hurting quality
- Start with the pages and features that bring enquiries, and add the rest later.
- Prepare your own text and photos clearly before design begins.
- Use proven building blocks for standard features instead of custom work.
- Decide quickly on feedback: delays and repeated changes add cost.
- Plan a phased roadmap so each phase pays for itself.
How MAG Resource Revolution can help
We build business websites, e-commerce sites and web applications, and can also handle SEO and digital marketing so your site brings enquiries. After a free consultation we give you a clear scope and quote. See our IT solutions or contact us.
Frequently asked questions
It varies widely with the type of site, features, design and content. A simple brochure site costs far less than an online store or a custom web application. After a short consultation we can give you a specific quote.
Not always, but very low quotes often leave out mobile testing, search setup, content, training or support. Compare what is included, not only the total.
Usually yes, for the domain and hosting, and often for maintenance. Ask any vendor to list the yearly costs clearly.
A simple site can take a few weeks, while stores and portals take longer. Delays are often caused by late content or slow feedback.
You should own the domain, content and the code made for you. Confirm it in writing before the project starts.