How Much Does a Website Really Cost in 2025?

Hiring a website designer can bring your vision to life, but they typically don’t handle ongoing upkeep—maintenance often comes at an extra cost. Understanding what you’ll pay for design services in the UK depends on who you hire, from freelancers to agencies. Here’s a breakdown of current rates and what to expect.

 

National Average for Website Design

In 2025, the typical cost for professional website design in the UK ranges from £500 to £1,200 for a standard site, though complex projects can easily exceed this.

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Offshore Company – £12–£30 per Hour

Offshore companies often offer the lowest rates, driven by lower labour costs rather than superior efficiency. You might pay £12–£30 per hour, but quality can vary wildly. Many lack access to premium tools or deliver generic designs that struggle to compete with UK standards.

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Communication hiccups, time zone clashes, and project delays are common risks. Legally, enforcing accountability across borders is tricky—differences in laws mean you might have little recourse if the work falls short. While affordability is their selling point, offshore options suit only those willing to trade polish for price.

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Freelance Web Designer – £30–£60 per Hour

Freelancers are independent designers who charge £30–£60 per hour, depending on experience and location. They often use the same industry-standard tools (e.g., Adobe XD, Figma) as agencies, but their availability can be a gamble. Juggling multiple clients, they might not prioritise your project fully.

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Skill levels vary, and without oversight, assessing their expertise upfront is tough. For those new to web design, relying solely on a freelancer can lead to subpar results if their capabilities don’t match your needs. Still, they’re a flexible, mid-range option for smaller budgets.

 

Small Web Agency – £60–£90 per Hour

Small agencies, charging £60–£90 per hour, are ideal for small businesses needing reliable delivery. Don’t let their size fool you—many offer service and support rivalling larger firms, driven by a need to stand out in a competitive market.

Their flexibility often means tailored solutions and budget-friendly adjustments, plus you’ll likely get a free consultation to map out your needs. For instance, at The Wix Geeks, our packages start at £49 per month—well below the small agency average—bundling SEO-optimised copy, mobile responsiveness, and a free domain. See our full pricing here [insert link].

 

Large Web Agency – £90–£180 per Hour

Large agencies command £90–£180 per hour, influenced by project scope, client profile, and their postcode (London rates skew higher). Costs often include hourly fees plus extras like travel or software licences, making them pricier than freelancers or smaller outfits.

The upside? A dedicated project manager streamlines communication and oversees everything, justifying the premium for complex builds. However, their overheads—big teams, swanky offices, and hefty marketing budgets—push prices beyond what most small businesses can stomach.

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Are Website Builders Cheaper Than Professional Services?

Advancements in technology have undeniably simplified creating a website, blog, or app. But are website builders truly cheaper than hiring a small web agency? Not necessarily. While platforms like Wix or Squarespace boast low starting costs, they often demand significant time and effort—especially for beginners—making them less cost-effective than they appear. A professional web design service, though pricier upfront, delivers better value by saving you time and ensuring a polished result tailored to your needs.

 

Why Professional Services Win

Hiring a web agency can cut overall costs by thousands compared to the hidden labour of DIY platforms. You get a custom, high-quality site—often within days or weeks—complete with SEO foundations that DIY tools alone can’t match. Add up the time spent learning a builder, plus ongoing marketing efforts, and an agency often proves cheaper and more efficient.

 

Building a Website Isn’t the Endgame

A website is a powerful asset for generating leads and sales, but only if you use it right. Without proper management, it’s just a sunk cost. Here’s what you need to handle post-launch:

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SEO

A site without search engine optimisation (SEO) is invisible to Google. Investing in SEO services is non-negotiable to drive traffic and business. At The Wix Geeks, our team of digital marketers handles keyword research and optimisation at no extra cost, ensuring your site ranks from day one.

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Maintenance

Websites rely on tech that needs regular care—updates, backups, and fixes. Neglect these, and you risk glitches or a shoddy user experience. An agency can keep your site humming, sparing you the hassle of DIY upkeep.

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Troubleshooting

Technical hiccups are inevitable, and resolving them solo can be a nightmare. Some abandon their sites entirely when issues persist. A web agency offers ongoing support, quickly fixing problems to keep your site smooth for you and your customers.

 

Website Builder vs. Professional Web Design Service

A skilled agency team, versed in design tools like Figma or Adobe XD, crafts sites that attract traffic and convert visitors. Website builders hand you a platform but leave you to fend for yourself on marketing—the trickier, costlier half of the equation. A professional service dedicates experts to every stage—design, build, and promotion—making it a smarter investment.

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Web Agency vs. Freelancer in the UK

An agency brings resources and expertise to deliver a standout site and boost its visibility. With established networks and skills, they excel at marketing your site to grow your audience. Freelancers can produce quality designs (often £30–£60/hour), but their SEO and marketing support is limited. Google’s algorithm shifts roughly quarterly, demanding constant optimisation—a workload one person struggles to shoulder cost-effectively.

 

Post-project, a freelancer’s duty typically ends, leaving you to manage updates and strategy solo. Agencies, like The Wix Geeks, offer ongoing support, handling everything from design to maintenance without you lifting a finger.

 

How Long Do Custom Web Design Services Take?

Timelines vary by project size and complexity—think page count and revisions. A basic custom site might take 2–4 weeks, while intricate builds stretch to 60–90 days. Need it faster? Rush fees can shave off time.

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Design is just the start—copy, SEO, and testing must align before launch. At The Wix Geeks, we deliver your first draft in 5 days, with 2 rounds of revisions included. If you’re unsatisfied post-launch, we provide 30 days of unlimited support, plus a 1-hour call with a Wix expert to guide you through your site’s features.

 

The Verdict

In theory, a £3/month website builder sounds ideal. In practice, building a site is step one—SEO, troubleshooting, and upkeep pile on costs and time. For small businesses, a web agency often beats DIY platforms in value and results. At £49/month, The Wix Geeks offers custom design, SEO, and support—far less than the average agency rate of £100–£150/hour.