Pricing Guides for Web Projects
Wondering how much a website, an online store or a SEO package should cost? You’re not alone. Prices can feel like a guessing game, especially when you’re comparing freelancers, agencies, and DIY platforms. This page pulls together the most useful articles on pricing, so you can see real numbers, spot hidden fees, and decide what fits your budget.
Where Do Web Development Costs Come From?
First off, break a project into its main parts: design, front‑end coding, back‑end logic, hosting and ongoing support. Design and front‑end work usually run $30‑$100 per hour, depending on experience. Back‑end development (databases, APIs, server setup) often costs $50‑$150 per hour because it requires deeper technical knowledge.
If you hire a full‑service agency, expect a bundled price that can range from £2,000 for a simple brochure site to £20,000+ for a custom e‑commerce platform. Freelancers tend to be cheaper, but you’ll need to manage the project yourself. Look for clear milestones and a fixed‑price quote to avoid surprise bills.
E‑commerce Pricing – What’s the Real Cost?
Running an online store isn’t just a one‑time build. You’ll pay for a platform (Shopify, WooCommerce, or custom), transaction fees, and ongoing maintenance. A typical small store might cost £5,000 to launch, plus £30‑£100 per month for hosting, plugins, and security. Add 2‑3% of each sale for payment gateway fees. If you need custom product configurators or inventory integrations, the upfront price can jump to £10,000‑£15,000.
Don’t forget hidden costs like SEO work, content creation, and customer support tools. Many articles on this tag explain how to budget for each line item, so you won’t run out of cash after the launch.
SEO and Marketing Rates – What Should You Pay?
SEO pricing is another gray area. Some providers charge a flat monthly fee of £300‑£1,000 for basic on‑page work, while technical SEO audits can cost £500‑£2,000 as a one‑off. If you need link‑building or content marketing, expect per‑article rates of £50‑£200 or retainer packages that start at £1,000 per month.
For a realistic picture, compare the ROI of each service. A cheap SEO plan that brings no traffic isn’t a win. Look for case studies or client testimonials that show measurable rankings or traffic lifts.
Freelance Rates – How Fast Can You Earn?
If you’re thinking about becoming a freelance web developer, the first client can arrive in a few weeks or a few months—much depends on your portfolio and networking. Most freelancers start at $20‑$40 per hour, then raise rates as they gather positive reviews and niche expertise. A solid portfolio with a few finished sites can allow you to charge $75‑$120 per hour for complex projects.
Don’t forget to factor in taxes, insurance, and time spent on non‑billable tasks like marketing and admin. Those costs can add 20‑30% to your hourly rate, so set your prices accordingly.
All the articles linked to this tag dive deeper into each pricing topic. Use them as a checklist: compare quotes, ask about hidden fees, and match costs to the value you expect. With the right information, you’ll make smarter decisions and keep your web projects on budget.