What Do You Actually Need to Pay For When Getting a Website?
"How much is a website?" is actually several questions in one, because a website is made up of a handful of separate costs. Here is what each one is for, roughly what it costs on its own, and how to tell whether a quote actually covers it.
The build itself
This is the one-off (or included) cost of actually designing and putting your site together: the layout, the writing, the photos and getting it all working. It is the biggest and most variable cost, and the one most quotes focus on, but it is far from the only one. Our website cost calculator gives a rough range based on what you need built.
The domain name
Your domain is your web address, for example yourbusiness.co.uk. It typically costs somewhere around £10–£20 a year on its own, renewed annually. Some quotes include a domain for the first year and then charge you to renew it, so it is worth asking. Our guide on what a domain name actually is explains how it works if you are not sure.
Hosting and SSL
Hosting is the ongoing service that actually keeps your website online and loading quickly, generally somewhere around £3–£20 a month if bought separately. SSL is the padlock and "https" that makes your site look and behave securely; most decent hosting now includes it, but it is worth confirming rather than assuming. See our guides on what website hosting is and what SSL is for more detail on each.
Email forwarding and updates
A tidy hello@yourbusiness.co.uk address usually needs email forwarding set up, which some hosts include and others charge extra for. And then there are updates: changing your prices, opening hours or photos after launch. On a DIY builder this "costs" your own time; with a freelancer it is often billed per change; with a managed plan it is commonly included as standard, which is worth checking specifically, since it is the cost people most often forget to ask about.
How to read any website quote
Whatever route you are looking at, ask directly: does this include the domain, hosting, SSL, email forwarding and future updates, or just the build? Two quotes of the same headline price can leave you in very different positions a year later depending on the answer.
The number on a quote only means something once you know what it does and does not include.
One fee, everything included
LaunchSite bundles all of the above into a single monthly fee of £39.99/month on a 24-month plan, with no upfront build fee. The build, hosting, SSL, a standard domain, email forwarding and monthly updates are all included, with no tech setup for you to sort out, and your first draft arrives within 3 working days of completed onboarding. See full pricing details or book a free call to talk through what you need.