It All Depends on Who You Work With…
If you’re planning a new website for your business, one of the first questions you’ll probably ask is: how much is this going to cost me?
It’s a fair question — and the answer varies more than you might think. The truth is, it’s not just about the type of website you want. It’s about who you choose to build it.
In Northern Ireland, you’ll find everything from budget DIY platforms to full-service design agencies (like us). Each comes with its own pros, cons, and price tag — and the difference can be thousands of pounds. But what are you actually paying for?
DIY Website Builders (e.g. Wix, Squarespace)
💰 Typical cost: £0–£300/year (plus your own time)
DIY platforms are a popular starting point for small businesses — and for good reason. They’re cheap, you don’t need to know how to code, and you can get something online quickly.
But that’s also where the downsides start to show:
• You’ll spend hours trying to “make it look right”
• Your site might look fine, but lack the structure that helps convert visitors
• SEO? Speed? Accessibility? You’re on your own
In short: these are great for hobby sites or absolute beginners, but they rarely hold up for businesses trying to grow.
Freelancers or Sole Traders
Typical cost: £400–£1,200
Freelance designers and developers are often a step up from DIY platforms. You’ll get a more professional result, and usually someone local you can speak to.
That said, freelancer experiences vary widely. Some are fantastic — others may disappear halfway through a project. You might also find:
• Limited support after launch
• Delays due to workload
• Less focus on business goals or marketing strategy
If budget is tight, this route can work. Just make sure you’re clear on the scope and process from the start.
Off-the-Shelf Theme Sellers
Typical cost: £600–£1,500
This is the middle ground between DIY and custom. You’re buying a pre-built theme (sometimes from a web company, sometimes a freelancer), and paying for some basic tweaks.
It can look slick, especially at first — but:
• You’re often working with a design made for someone else’s business
• Pages might not be optimised for your customers
• There’s little flexibility to grow or adapt
This can be tempting for businesses who want something “quick and modern” without breaking the bank. But it’s often a short-term fix rather than a long-term solution.
Digital Agencies (Like Us!)
Typical cost: £1,200–£4,000+
Working with an agency means investing in a full process — not just a design. At LM Agency, for example, we don’t just build websites. We help businesses in Northern Ireland:
• Define their goals
• Structure their content
• Create designs that reflect their brand
• Launch sites that actually perform
You’re getting the input of designers, developers, content writers and SEO specialists — all working together to create a site that feels right and functions beautifully.
It also means:
• A clear project timeline and process
• Honest advice on what you do and don’t need
• Ongoing support after launch
For businesses who are serious about their online presence — and want a site that works just as hard as they do — this is where the real value lies.
So… What Should You Budget?
If you’re just starting out, or testing a new idea, a smaller budget might make sense. But if you’re ready to take your business seriously online, investing in a proper website is one of the smartest things you can do.
In Northern Ireland, a well-built, properly planned website typically costs somewhere between £1,200–£4,000 — depending on what you need, who you’re working with, and how far you want to take it.
Want to Talk About Your Website?
We work with businesses across Northern Ireland — from sole traders to growing companies — to create websites that reflect who they are and where they’re going.
If you’re thinking about a new site (or wondering whether yours is still doing the job), get in touch and let’s have a chat. We’ll help you figure out what’s right for your business — no pressure, no jargon.