Thinking about a new site? Before you pick a theme or sign up for a host, you need a clear picture of the money you’ll actually spend. The numbers can add up fast, but knowing where each cost comes from helps you avoid nasty surprises later.
Below is a quick run‑through of the main line items you’ll see on any web project. I’ll also throw in a few hidden fees that catch most people off guard.
Domain name. This is the web address you type into a browser. Most .com domains cost around £10‑£15 a year, while premium names can be hundreds or even thousands of pounds. Registering a new domain is usually a one‑time fee, but remember to renew it every year.
Hosting. Hosting is where your site lives online. Shared hosting can be as cheap as £3‑£5 per month, but it comes with slower load times and limited resources. If you expect steady traffic, a VPS or managed WordPress host costs £20‑£50 per month and gives you more speed and security.
Design and development. Hiring a freelancer or agency to build a custom site can range from £500 for a simple brochure page to £10,000+ for a complex e‑commerce platform. If you’re comfortable with DIY tools, a premium theme or site builder might cost £50‑£200 one‑off.
Content management system (CMS). Open‑source options like WordPress, Joomla, or Drupal are free, but you might purchase paid plugins or extensions for extra features—usually £20‑£100 each, annual or one‑time.
E‑commerce functionality. If you sell products, you’ll need a shopping cart, payment gateway, and SSL certificate. Platforms such as WooCommerce are free, but add‑ons (inventory management, subscriptions) can add £100‑£500 per year. Transaction fees from Stripe or PayPal typically take 1.5‑2.9% of each sale.
SEO and marketing. Basic SEO plugins cost £0‑£80, but a professional audit or ongoing optimization service can be £200‑£800 a month. Email marketing tools (Mailchimp, ConvertKit) often start free and climb to £30‑£100 per month after a certain subscriber count.
Renewals and upgrades. Many plugins and themes charge yearly renewal fees to keep receiving updates and support. Forgetting to renew can leave your site vulnerable, so factor these into your annual budget.
Performance tools. A CDN (Content Delivery Network) improves load speed and can cost £10‑£30 per month. Image optimization services, like TinyPNG or ShortPixel, may also have a subscription fee.
Security. Basic security plugins are free, but advanced firewalls, malware scanning, and DDoS protection often require a paid plan (£15‑£50 per month). It’s cheaper to act early than to deal with a hack later.
Legal compliance. GDPR or other privacy regulations may need a consent banner or a privacy policy generator. Some services charge a yearly fee of £30‑£100.
Maintenance. Even a perfectly built site needs updates, backups, and occasional bug fixes. Hiring a maintenance service can be £50‑£150 per month, or you can set aside a few hours each week if you’re tech‑savvy.
By adding up these line items, a small business website typically costs £1,200‑£3,000 in the first year and £500‑£1,500 annually after that. An e‑commerce shop can start at £2,500 and climb to £10,000+ depending on product range and traffic.Knowing where each pound goes lets you plan better and avoid budget shock. Start with a realistic spreadsheet, prioritize must‑have features, and treat optional add‑ons as upgrades you can add later. With a clear cost picture, you’ll spend less on surprises and more on growing your online presence.
Trying to figure out how much it really costs to host a website? This article cuts through the confusion and breaks down the actual expenses, from basic plans to hidden fees. We're talking about the real price tags for beginners and pros—nothing sugarcoated. You'll read tips on what to avoid, smart ways to save, and some facts they don't mention in the ads. If you're serious about putting your site online, you'll want these details.