How Much Is A Basic Website Design?
Many small businesses and sole traders start with a simple question: how much is a basic website design? Whether you are launching your first company or refreshing an existing one, the price and timeframe for a basic website can make all the difference. This blog takes a clear, honest look at what a basic website involves, how much it typically costs, and how long it takes to build a basic website that does what it needs to do — without breaking the bank.
What Counts As A Basic Website Design?
A basic website is often defined by its structure, simplicity, and cost. It typically includes a home page, an about page, a services or product page, and a contact page. Some might also include a blog or gallery section. These are designed to give a professional online presence without complex functionality like e-commerce, memberships, or bookings.
For many, a basic website means a clean layout, simple navigation, mobile responsiveness, and enough information to attract and inform potential customers. It is the digital equivalent of a well-designed business card, always available and easy to find.
However, the word ‘basic’ can be misleading. A site might be simple in structure but still include thoughtful branding, clear calls to action, and proper on-page SEO. That is what sets apart a good basic site from a cheap, ineffective one. Asking how much is a basic website design should never mean compromising on quality.
Typical Price Ranges For Basic Website Design
The cost of a basic website can vary widely depending on who builds it, where they are based, and what is included in the package. Here are the most common options:
- DIY website builders like Wix or Squarespace: £10–£30 per month, plus your time. Cheap but limited.
- Freelancers: £500–£1500 depending on experience, customisation, and content provided.
- Small agencies: £1000–£3000 for a properly structured basic website with real SEO support.
At Bognor Websites, we design basic websites starting from a realistic foundation, but always include the things that matter — like proper meta tags, mobile-friendly design, and SEO-ready content. There are no hidden upsells. The aim is to offer affordable website packages that deliver actual results.
How Much Is A Basic Website Design With SEO Included?
Many providers advertise a low rate for website design but then charge extra for search engine optimisation, analytics setup, or basic content creation. At Bognor Websites, we believe a website should be found as well as seen.
So how much is a basic website design when you include SEO that actually works? Many companies offer low prices, but without keyword research or proper metadata, the site ends up buried on page five of Google. We believe that SEO should never be an afterthought. Realistically, you should expect to pay between £1000 and £2000 for a solid starter package that includes:
- Keyword research
- SEO-friendly copywriting
- Alt text and image optimisation
- Meta titles and descriptions
- Google Search Console and Analytics setup
Without these, your site may look pretty but never attract the right traffic. SEO is not an extra, it is essential. Our clients get found because we build websites that are ready for Google from day one.
How Long Does It Take To Build A Basic Website?
This is one of the most common questions we hear: how long does it take to build a basic website? The honest answer depends on several factors, but here is a general guide:
- DIY website builders: 1–2 weeks if you have the time
- Freelancers: 2–4 weeks depending on workload and content delivery
- Small agencies: 3–6 weeks depending on complexity and revisions
At Bognor Websites, we usually deliver basic websites within 21 days of receiving all the content. We include time for feedback and revisions, so you are not rushed into signing off something you are not happy with. We also write all your content in-house, so there are no delays waiting for you to write the perfect paragraph.
So when asking how long does it take to build a basic website, remember that clear communication and fast content delivery make a big difference to timelines.
What Makes Our Basic Websites Different?
We know that many businesses choose cheap website builders because they feel stuck. Either they cannot afford an agency, or they have been burned before. We hear that all the time. That is why we do things differently.
Every basic website we build includes:
- Professional design tailored to your brand
- Fully mobile-friendly layouts
- Clear calls to action and contact options
- Properly written content that sells your message
- Basic on-page SEO included as standard
You can see examples of our work on our Portfolio page or learn more about our Affordable Websites offer. We do not believe in one-size-fits-all. Every site is unique, even the basic ones.
When Is A Basic Website Not Enough?
A basic website is a great starting point. However, as your business grows, you might need more features. This could include:
- Online booking systems
- E-commerce functionality
- Multilingual content
- Blogging and content marketing tools
If you think these may be needed soon, it is worth discussing them up front. We can design your basic site with future upgrades in mind, so you are not stuck rebuilding from scratch later. The goal is to help your site grow with your business, not hold it back.
Next Steps: Build A Site That Works For You
If you are still wondering how much is a basic website design with content included, the best thing to do is speak to someone. We will guide you through what matters most and leave out the fluff that does not help your business grow. We offer free consultations to help you understand what you need, what you do not, and how long it will all take. There is no pressure, just honest advice from a team that knows what it is doing.
We will talk through your business, your goals, and whether a basic website is the right choice. If it is, we will take care of the rest — design, content, build, launch. If it is not, we will point you in the right direction.
Get in touch today to start the conversation. Your website is your shop window. Let us help you open it properly.
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