Recently, we were approached by a potential client looking for a new website. Their budget? £250. Now, we get it - businesses want to keep costs down, and there’s a common perception that websites are “just a few pages” and should be cheap. But the reality is very different.

The True Value of a Website

A website isn’t just a collection of pages - it’s an investment in your business. It’s your shopfront, your first impression, and often the difference between gaining or losing a customer. A well-built website enhances your brand, improves credibility, and - most importantly - works seamlessly to support your business goals.

At £250, it’s simply not possible to create something that delivers real value. That budget simply doesn’t cover the time, expertise, and attention to detail required to create something effective.

Perception vs. Reality

There’s a big difference between getting a website and getting a good website. Sure, you could find a quick fix - a basic template, a freelancer on Fiverr, or a DIY builder - but what do you end up with? Usually, a site that:

• Looks like every other template-based site (because it is one).

• Lacks performance and security - cheap hosting and poorly coded templates are slow and vulnerable.

• Isn't built with strategy in mind - no thought given to user experience, conversions, or SEO.

And then, six months down the line, you realise the site isn’t bringing in business, looks outdated, or has technical issues. At that point, you either invest in fixing it or start over - which ends up costing more than just doing it right in the first place.

What Professional Website Development Really Involves

When we take on a project, it’s not just about putting something online. It’s about:

• Understanding your business and goals - what do you need your website to do?

• Custom design and development - tailored to your brand, not a cookie-cutter template.

• SEO and performance optimisation - so people can actually find you on Google.

• Security, updates, and scalability - ensuring your site works well now and in the future.

This takes time, skill, and experience - all things that a £250 budget simply cannot cover.

The Cost of Cutting Corners

We love working with small businesses and startups, and we know budget matters. But a website isn’t a one-time purchase - it’s a long-term asset. Choosing the cheapest option often leads to problems that cost far more to fix later.

Instead of asking, “How cheap can I get a website?” ask “What’s the best investment for my business?”, because a well-built website isn’t an expense - it’s a tool that helps your business grow.