GetOnWeb
Finding affordable web design for a small business isn't hard - finding one that stays affordable is. A low quote can grow quickly once content, hosting, changes and renewals are added. The good news is that a few direct questions before you pay will tell you almost everything. Here are the seven we'd ask.
1. What exactly is included in the price?
Ask for a list, not a summary. Design, number of pages, content writing, images, hosting, domain, SSL certificate, email, contact forms and search engine setup can all be included - or all be extras. Two quotes that look similar can cover very different amounts of work.
2. Who writes the content?
Many small business owners are surprised to learn they're expected to write every word themselves. Writing clear, search-friendly text for a website is often the slowest part of the whole project. If the designer writes it, great. If not, budget the time - or the cost of a copywriter.
3. What will it cost in year two?
The first-year price is only half the picture. Ask about hosting renewals, domain renewals, software licences and maintenance plans. A site that costs £400 to build and £200 a year to keep online is a £800 site after three years. Our guide to hidden website costs covers the usual suspects.
4. How do I get changes made, and what do they cost?
Your prices, opening hours and photos will change. Find out whether you can edit the site yourself, whether small changes are included, and what bigger changes cost. "Just email us" is fine if you also know the price and how long it takes.
Tip: ask to see a site they built a year ago and check whether it has been kept up to date. It tells you more about after-launch support than any promise.
5. Will the domain be registered in my name?
Your domain name is your address online - it's on your van, your cards and your Google listing. It should be registered to you or your business, even if the designer manages it. If it isn't, you may struggle to move away later.
6. How long will it take, and what do you need from me?
A simple small business site can be live in a couple of weeks, but only if the designer gets what they need from you. Ask for a timeline and a list of what you must supply - logo, photos, details of your services. Most delays happen while the designer waits for the client. See how long it takes to build a website for a realistic timeline.
7. What happens if I want to leave?
It's an awkward question at the start, but an important one. Is there a minimum contract? Can you take the site, the content and the domain with you? A designer who's confident in their service won't mind answering.
Seven clear answers, up front
Design, content writing, hosting, your own domain and monthly updates for £39.99/mo. No setup fee, no contract.
See what's included →What "affordable" should really mean
An affordable small business website isn't just the lowest number on a quote. It's a site that brings in enquiries, stays up to date and doesn't keep producing surprise bills. If a web designer can answer all seven questions clearly and the total cost over two or three years still fits your budget, you've found good value. If the answers get vague, keep looking.
Still comparing options? Our breakdown of what a website costs in the UK shows typical prices for freelancers, agencies, builders and monthly plans.