The most affordable ways to get a good quality affordable website for your business.
How to get a cheap website for your business.
Many small businesses want a website but are working with a limited budget. The good news is that there are several ways to create a cheap website, depending on how much time, flexibility, and control you need.
Some businesses choose to build their own site using website builders, while others use platforms like WordPress or work with a web designer to create something more customised. Each approach has different costs, advantages, and limitations.
In this guide we’ll look at the most common ways to get a cheap website for your business, from DIY solutions to affordable professional options. By understanding the differences between them, you can decide which approach makes the most sense for your situation.
What “cheap website” really means.
When people search for a cheap website, they are usually looking for a way to get online without spending thousands of pounds. For many small businesses, a simple and affordable website is enough to introduce their services, share contact information, and start attracting enquiries.
However, the price of a website is only part of the picture. A cheap website might have a low upfront cost, but it can still involve other expenses such as hosting, domain names, software subscriptions, or ongoing maintenance.
There is also the time involved in building and managing a website. If you decide to build the site yourself, you will need to learn how the platform works, design the pages, add your content, and keep the site updated.
Because of this, the cheapest option is not always the best long term solution. The right approach depends on your budget, your technical experience, and how important the website is to your business.
The cheapest way to build a website.
For many businesses, the cheapest way to get a website is to build it yourself using a website builder. Platforms such as Wix, Squarespace, and Shopify allow you to create a website using ready made templates and drag and drop editing tools. This means you can design pages, add images, and publish content without needing to write code.
Website builders usually charge a monthly subscription that includes hosting, security updates, and basic support. This can make them an attractive option for small businesses that want to get online quickly without hiring a developer.
However, there are a few limitations to consider. Template based websites can look similar to many others using the same platform, and customisation options are often limited compared with a fully built website. Over time, monthly subscription costs can also add up.
For simple websites or small projects, website builders can be a practical starting point. They allow businesses to launch quickly and test their online presence before investing more heavily in a custom website.
Building a cheap website with WordPress.
Another popular way to create an affordable website is by using WordPress. WordPress is the most widely used content management system in the world and powers a large percentage of websites online.
One of the main advantages of WordPress is flexibility. You can start with a simple website and gradually expand it as your business grows. There are thousands of themes and plugins available, allowing you to add features such as contact forms, blogs, booking systems, or ecommerce functionality.
WordPress websites can also be relatively affordable if you manage the setup yourself. You will still need hosting and a domain name, but many businesses find the platform offers a good balance between cost and flexibility.
The main downside is that WordPress requires some basic technical understanding. You will need to manage updates, plugins, and security settings to keep the site running smoothly. For some businesses this is manageable, while others prefer to have a web designer set everything up properly from the start.
Hiring a web designer on a budget.
If you want a more professional result without building the website yourself, working with a web designer can still be an affordable option. Many web designers offer smaller packages or simplified website builds designed specifically for small businesses.
A professionally built website usually provides a cleaner design, better structure, and stronger foundations for search engine visibility. This can make a noticeable difference if your website is an important part of attracting new customers.
Working with a designer also means you do not have to worry about technical setup, hosting configuration, or design decisions. Instead, you can focus on your business while the website is built for you.
While the upfront cost is higher than a DIY solution, a well built website often lasts longer and can be easier to maintain as your business grows.
The hidden cost of cheap websites.
A cheap website can be a good way to get started, but it is important to understand that the lowest upfront price is not always the lowest overall cost.
Many DIY website builders charge monthly subscription fees. While these can seem affordable at first, the cost adds up over time. Additional features such as ecommerce tools, extra storage, or premium templates can also increase the monthly price.
Another factor is time. Building and maintaining a website yourself can take many hours, especially if you are learning the platform as you go. Writing content, editing images, setting up pages, and troubleshooting technical issues all require time that could otherwise be spent running your business.
There are also limitations with some cheap website solutions. Restricted design options, slower loading speeds, or limited SEO tools can make it harder for your website to perform well in search results or stand out from competitors.
Because of this, it is often worth thinking about the long term value of your website rather than focusing only on the initial price.
When a low budget website makes sense.
For a few businesses out there, going for a really cheap website is perfectly alright. You might be starting a whole new project, still trying to test out a business idea, or you just need a bare bones online presence to get the ball rolling. A basic website can pretty much cover all that.
Cheap websites often work fine for small local businesses, side projects, short term websites or operations that mainly rely on recommendations from friends or family rather than any sort of online marketing push.
In cases like this the main goal is just to give people a way to get in touch with you, know when you’re open, and get a rough idea of what you do. A simple website builder or a starter website should be all you need to get by.
Starting off with a small website can also give you a chance to improve it later as your business takes off and your budget expands.
When it’s worth investing in a professional website.
For many businesses, a website becomes one of the most important marketing tools they have. If your website is expected to generate enquiries, attract search engine traffic, or represent your brand professionally, investing in a well built website can make a significant difference.
A professional website allows for greater design flexibility, better performance, and stronger SEO foundations. This can help your website load faster, rank better in search results, and provide a smoother experience for visitors.
It also means the website can grow with your business. New pages, features, and integrations can be added over time without needing to rebuild the entire site.
While the initial cost may be higher, a professionally built website often provides better long term value and helps your business present itself more effectively online.
Choosing the right option for your business.
There are several ways to get a cheap website, and the best option depends on your goals, budget, and the role the website will play in your business.
DIY website builders can be the fastest and cheapest way to get online. WordPress offers more flexibility and room for growth. Working with a web designer can provide a more professional result and a stronger long term foundation.
If you are unsure which option is right for you, it can help to speak with a web designer who can explain the different approaches and help you choose a solution that fits your business.
A website does not have to be expensive, but it should be reliable, easy to use, and capable of supporting your business as it grows.
Affordable ways to get a professional website.
If you want something more professional than a DIY website but still need to keep costs down, there are a few practical options.
One approach is to start with a smaller website that focuses only on the most important pages. For many businesses this might include a homepage, a services page, an about page, and a contact page. Additional pages and features can always be added later as the business grows.
Another option is to use a flexible platform such as WordPress with a lightweight theme or framework. This allows a web designer to build a custom website without the cost of developing everything completely from scratch.
Some web designers also offer starter websites designed specifically for small businesses. These packages usually include the core elements needed to launch a professional website, such as hosting, basic SEO setup, and a responsive design that works well on mobile devices.
Starting with a smaller, well built website often provides a better foundation than using the cheapest possible solution. It gives your business a professional presence online while leaving room to expand the website over time.
Free website builders and their limitations.
Many people searching for a cheap website first look for a free website builder. These platforms promise an easy way to launch your own website with little or no upfront cost. While a cheap website builder or free plan can help you get your business online, there are some important limitations to understand.
The first question people often ask is “is it completely free?” In reality, there is usually no such thing as a free website if you want a professional result. Most platforms offer free plans to try out most website builders, but the free version normally includes ads, limited features, or a subdomain rather than a custom domain that you own. Some providers even include a free domain name for the first year with most website builders, but after that the standard renewal fees apply.
Most platforms also offer a variety of paid plans that unlock additional features. If you want to use a drag and drop editor, connect your own domain, or remove adverts, you will often need to upgrade. Website builders sometimes include built in marketing tools, but website builders sometimes have built in marketing tools, but you often have to pay extra to use them. For example, you may need to pay extra for marketing tools such as analytics, automation, or email campaigns.
For some businesses these platforms offer useful cost savings for small business owners, especially when starting out. However, it is important to understand what you are paying for in the long term.
Choosing the best website builder.
When people start researching platforms, a common question is so what are the best website builders? The answer depends on your goals, your technical ability, and how much control you want over your website.
Some platforms focus on simplicity. A premium website builder such as Squarespace is popular because it allows beginners to build a visually attractive site quickly. Others, such as Wix or Shopify, offer additional tools that make it easier to launch a website or start selling online, although selling online often comes with additional costs, for example on Shopify.
Most website builders include templates that help you launch quickly. There are website templates available for quick launch on website builders, but this is also true of WordPress. Good templates can reduce the time required to build a site, but they also mean many websites end up looking similar.
Another factor to consider is flexibility. Many website builders allow you to build a site quickly, but once you’ve outgrown the website builder, you’ll likely be unable to move your website from the web hosting and will have to start from scratch. This is one reason some businesses eventually move to more flexible platforms.
WordPress as a low cost alternative.
Another approach is building your site with WordPress. Low cost websites can be built on WordPress, especially if you are comfortable setting things up yourself or working with a developer.
One reason WordPress remains popular is that WordPress has a user friendly interface that hasn’t changed much over the years, making it easier for many business owners to manage their content. There are also WordPress templates for single page websites or a landing page, which can help you launch quickly if you only need a simple site.
WordPress also benefits from an extensive library of free plugins. The WordPress extensive library of free plugins allows you to add features such as forms, SEO tools, analytics, and ecommerce functionality without needing to build everything from scratch.
With WordPress you can also customise your site more easily. This allows you to create a website that works for you rather than being restricted by the limitations of a closed website builder platform.
Marketing, SEO, and website tools.
Many people also ask are the built in SEO tools any good? Some website builders include basic optimisation features, but advanced tools are often limited unless you upgrade to higher plans.
A common strategy is incorporating free tools such as Google Analytics to track website traffic and user behaviour. Businesses can also integrate email marketing tools like Mailchimp to stay in touch with customers and promote services.
Some website builders also allow you to run marketing campaigns directly from the platform, potentially running marketing campaigns through your website builder. However, the extra features usually require upgrading to premium plans.
When evaluating a website platform, it can also be useful to check social media posts, what are people saying? Reviews from other business owners often reveal hidden limitations or advantages that are not immediately obvious from the marketing materials.
Design, content, and building the website.
Regardless of which platform you choose, website creation can be time consuming. Even when using templates, you still need to write content, upload images, and structure the site properly.
Many people also experiment with automated tools. While AI can help generate ideas or draft content, it is wise to avoid overuse of AI tools. Human editing and real business knowledge are still essential if you want your site to sound authentic and trustworthy.
Design also plays a role in how your business is perceived. You may want to consider whether it’s possible to use your marketing materials for things like printing business cards, social media, and other branding. Some business owners also rely on free tools to create graphics before eventually investing in professional design.
If you are building the site yourself and if you have the technical skills, this can reduce costs. However, many businesses eventually choose to speak to a professional business website builder or a web design professional once they want something more advanced.
Cheap website design vs professional design.
When comparing options, many people are attracted to cheap website design solutions. However, you’ll get what you pay for with a low cost website builder if you only focus on price.
Professional websites usually follow a professional web design process, which includes planning, design, development, and testing. This approach ensures your site performs well, loads quickly, and presents your business clearly.
Templates can help reduce development costs. For example, professional templates can cost around £60 but give a much better result than free templates. Some platforms also offer annual plans can often work out cheaper over the year compared with monthly subscriptions.
When considering your options, it can help to ask a simple question: what do you consider an affordable price for a professional end product? A website is often a long term investment that supports your business for years.
Final considerations before choosing a platform.
Before making a final decision, it is worth thinking about your long term goals. You may have tried a web builder before, and you may already know what features matter most to your business.
For many small businesses, the most important thing is reaching local customers. This means your website should load quickly, present your services clearly, and help potential customers contact you easily.
Whether you build the website yourself or work with a professional, the goal is the same: to launch your new web design in a way that supports your business and allows it to grow over time.
Conclusion
There are many ways to get a cheap website, but the best option depends on how important the website is to your business. While DIY builders can be a quick way to get online, a professionally built website often provides better performance, flexibility, and long term value.
If you are looking for an affordable way to launch a new website, we offer a range of website packages designed for startups and small businesses. These options make it possible to get a professional website without the cost of a large custom project.
You can also take a look at our special offers for new websites, or get in touch if you would like advice on the most cost effective way to build your site.