What should you actually pay for a trades website?

Start with the job your website needs to do

A website quote only makes sense when you know what is included. A local builder who needs to show recent extensions and receive enquiries has a different brief from a company selling products or taking complex bookings.

Write down the essentials first: the services you offer, the area you cover, examples of your work and a clear way to contact you. A focused site that does these things well is often a better starting point than a large site full of pages nobody maintains.

Separate the setup from the running costs

The setup price usually relates to designing and preparing the site. A recurring charge may cover hosting, security updates or a support arrangement. Do not assume that everything described as “maintenance” includes new pages or rewriting your content.

Our offer starts at £149 setup plus £19 a month. The starting package is for a straightforward trades website; the final scope, VAT treatment and any extras are confirmed in writing. That distinction matters when comparing our offer with any other quote.

• Ask whether a domain name is included or charged separately.
• Check how content changes are priced.
• Find out who keeps software and hosting maintained.
• Confirm the total payable, including any applicable tax.

Photos and words are part of the work

Design is only part of a useful website. Someone needs to organise services, write accurate descriptions and choose photographs. If you have a folder of good project photos and a clear service list, say so when requesting a quote.

If you need help writing the content, ask how much is included and who checks it. Qualifications, insurance statements and opening hours should come from your business, not from a designer’s assumptions.

Ask the questions that matter before paying

Understand ownership, access, cancellation and ongoing support before you commit. If you leave the service, what happens to the domain, content and website? How are future changes requested? The answers should be written down in the proposal.

A preview can make the design conversation easier. You can see how your business is being presented and identify missing details before agreeing to launch. It should help you make a decision, without pressure to buy.

Choose a clear fit, not just the lowest number

The useful comparison is scope against cost. Look for readable mobile layouts, visible contact details, honest service information and a practical handover. Ask to see examples and understand whether they are live client work or demonstration concepts.

For a small trade business, the best first website is one you can understand and afford to keep useful. Start with the essentials, agree the details and leave room to add more once you know what customers need.