GetOnWeb
Most web designers and agencies sell their work as web design packages - usually three tiers with names like Starter, Business and Premium. Packages make pricing look simple, but the details vary hugely from one company to the next. Here's what UK small business website packages typically include at each level, and what to check before you choose one.
Typical UK web design packages
Every company is different, but packages usually look something like this:
| Package | Usually includes | Often missing |
|---|---|---|
| Starter | One to five pages, template design, contact form | Content writing, hosting, changes after launch |
| Standard / Business | Five to ten pages, more custom design, basic SEO setup | Ongoing updates, copywriting, photography |
| Premium / E-commerce | More pages, online shop or booking, integrations | Maintenance plan, marketing, support hours |
Prices for one-off packages commonly range from a few hundred pounds for a starter site to several thousand for premium and e-commerce builds. Monthly packages spread the cost instead - see how pay monthly websites work.
What to look for in any package
Number of pages - and what counts as a page
"Five pages" sounds clear, but some companies count the contact page, the privacy policy and the thank-you page. Ask for the list of pages you'll actually get.
Who writes the content
This is the biggest hidden difference between packages. Many include design only and expect you to supply every word. Good content is what turns visitors into enquiries, so it matters as much as the design.
Hosting, domain and SSL
Some packages include the first year of hosting and then charge separately. Others don't include it at all. Check what happens in year two.
Changes after launch
Your business will change - prices, services, photos, opening hours. Find out whether updates are included, limited, or charged by the hour.
Mobile design and speed
Every package should be mobile-friendly as standard. If "mobile responsive" is listed as an upgrade, walk away.
Quick test: ask "If I choose this package, what else will I need to pay for in the first two years?" The answer tells you the real price.
Which package does a small business need?
Most small local businesses don't need a premium package. A clear site with a homepage, service pages, an about page, reviews and a contact page will do the job for trades, salons, cafés and most service businesses. Spend on good content and a fast, mobile-friendly design rather than extra features you won't use. Our website checklist shows exactly what to include.
Choose a bigger package only when you need specific features - an online shop with lots of products, complex booking, or integrations with other software.
One package. Everything included.
Design, content writing, hosting, domain and monthly updates for £39.99/mo. No tiers, no setup fee, no contract.
See what's included →The bottom line
Web design packages are a useful starting point, but the name of the tier doesn't tell you much. Compare packages on what's actually included - pages, content, hosting, updates and ownership - and on the total cost over a couple of years. The best package is the smallest one that covers everything your business genuinely needs. For more on comparing prices, see what cheap website design really gets you.