33 different WordPress website design prices
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Updated 15th May 2025
Understanding the real cost of WordPress website design
What influences pricing and how to plan your budget
When designing a WordPress website, it’s important to understand the range of costs involved so you can make smart decisions from the start. Whether you’re building a personal blog or a complex e-commerce site, knowing what affects pricing helps you avoid unexpected expenses and plan effectively. This guide outlines the main factors that shape WordPress design costs and what you can expect for different types of websites.
How design complexity impacts overall cost
The level of design complexity is a major factor in determining the final price. A simple, template-based website with basic features will cost less than a fully custom build with advanced design elements and interactive features. The more original and detailed your design, the more time and technical skill it will require, which increases the cost.
Why the number of pages matters
Each page on your website adds to the workload. Designing, formatting, and adding content to each individual page requires time, which directly affects pricing. A site with only a few pages will be more affordable than one with dozens, especially if those pages require unique layouts or content.
The effect of custom functionality on pricing
Integrating custom features such as advanced plugins, booking tools, or membership systems adds complexity and cost. These elements often need bespoke development and testing, especially if they go beyond what standard WordPress plugins can offer. Knowing what features are essential helps manage your budget and avoid overbuilding.
Budgeting for content creation
Strong content plays a key role in the success of your website. If you’re creating your own content, you might save money but will need to invest more time. Hiring professionals for writing, photography, or video can raise the budget, but it can also improve the quality and impact of your site. It’s important to plan for content as part of the overall project cost.
SEO and its role in project pricing
Basic SEO features might be included in your design package, but more comprehensive optimisation like keyword strategy and detailed metadata usually requires extra work. These efforts help improve your site’s visibility in search engines and are worth budgeting for if organic traffic is a key part of your strategy.
Considering long-term maintenance and support
Once your site is live, it will need ongoing attention to stay secure and perform well. Regular updates, backups, and technical support all come with costs. Many designers offer maintenance packages, which can help spread these expenses over time. Including this in your budget ensures your site remains in good shape well after launch.
Typical price ranges for WordPress website design
What different types of websites usually cost
The cost of a WordPress website depends heavily on the type of site you’re building and the level of design and functionality you need. From simple personal blogs to fully customised business platforms, the range of pricing can vary significantly. Here’s a general breakdown of what you can expect for different types of websites.
Basic websites and their typical pricing
A basic WordPress website is ideal for individuals or small projects that need an online presence without complex features. These sites are usually built with pre-designed templates and involve minimal customisation. They might include a few pages, standard plugins, and basic layout adjustments. Costs typically range from a few hundred to around two thousand pounds, depending on content needs and design support.
Standard websites for small businesses
Standard websites offer more flexibility and functionality than basic sites. They may include customised layouts, improved visual design, and features like contact forms, galleries, or basic SEO. These sites suit small businesses or organisations that need more than a simple brochure-style presence. Pricing generally falls between two thousand and five thousand pounds, based on the number of pages, features, and level of design input required.
Premium websites with full customisation
Premium websites are built for larger organisations or businesses that need a fully customised online platform. These projects often include bespoke design work, advanced integrations, custom functionalities, and unique branding. They require more development time and collaboration, which significantly increases the cost. Premium websites typically start around five thousand pounds and can go beyond twenty thousand pounds, depending on the size and complexity of the build.
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Costs of specific design elements in WordPress websites
How individual features influence your total budget
Beyond general design and development, certain features and visual elements can have a direct impact on the overall cost of your WordPress website. Whether you’re aiming for advanced branding, e-commerce capabilities, or multilingual support, understanding the pricing for each component helps you plan more effectively.
Themes and templates
Themes play a central role in shaping the look and functionality of your site. Free themes are available and work well for simple sites, but premium themes offer more design flexibility and built-in features. The cost of a premium theme typically ranges from fifty to several hundred pounds. Higher-end themes often come with advanced customisation options and support, which can save time during development.
Custom graphics and branding
Investing in unique visual identity such as logos, icons, and custom illustrations can elevate your site but also increase costs. Graphic design fees depend on the complexity of the work and the level of detail required. For example, a simple logo might cost a few hundred pounds, while full branding packages can run into the thousands. Custom visuals contribute to a cohesive and professional appearance, especially for business sites.
Responsive design for all devices
Ensuring your website looks and functions well across different screen sizes is essential. While most premium themes are responsive by default, refining a site’s mobile performance or creating custom layouts for different devices can increase development time and cost. If mobile experience is a priority, it’s worth allocating budget to make sure your design is fully optimised.
Adding e-commerce functionality
E-commerce features require specialised setup, from product listings to secure payment systems. Depending on the scope, this might include product categorisation, inventory management, customer accounts, and checkout processes. Simple setups might cost a few hundred pounds, while fully customised stores with advanced functionality can cost several thousand. Your e-commerce goals will guide how much to invest in this area.
Multilingual website support
If your audience spans multiple languages, adding multilingual functionality introduces added complexity. Costs will vary based on how many languages are required and whether translations are handled manually or through automated tools. You’ll also need language switchers and duplicated content structures, which require additional development. This investment improves accessibility and user experience for a global audience.
Comparing pricing across different WordPress service providers
Choosing the right provider based on your project and budget
WordPress website costs can vary significantly depending on who you hire and the type of website you need. From freelancers to agencies to DIY platforms, each option offers different pricing structures, levels of service, and outcomes. Understanding what each provider typically charges helps you choose the right approach for your needs.
Freelancers and flexible pricing
Freelancers are a popular choice for small to mid-sized projects. Their rates vary based on experience and the complexity of the work. For basic sites or small business needs, you might pay anywhere from a few hundred to a few thousand pounds. For more complex or custom websites, especially those requiring advanced features, their fees can increase. Freelancers are often a good option for those looking for flexibility and a more personal working relationship.
Design agencies for comprehensive solutions
Design agencies usually offer full-service packages, including design, development, content support, and long-term maintenance. Their pricing reflects their team’s experience and the broader scope of services. A typical project might start at a few thousand pounds and can exceed twenty thousand for high-end, fully customised solutions. Agencies are well-suited for businesses needing a high level of polish and long-term support.
DIY website builders for budget-conscious users
Platforms like WordPress.com, Wix, or Squarespace allow users to build sites on their own with monthly subscription fees and optional upgrades. While DIY tools are more affordable upfront, they offer limited customisation and support. They are best for personal blogs or very small businesses with minimal design needs and a willingness to manage the site independently.
What to expect for a small business website
For most small businesses, a basic to moderately customised website offers the right balance of cost and functionality. These sites typically cost between two thousand and five thousand pounds and include enough flexibility to support content, contact forms, galleries, and light branding without going over budget.
E-commerce websites and their price range
Building an e-commerce site comes with added complexity, including product listings, payment integrations, customer account systems, and added security. These projects usually fall within the five thousand to fifteen thousand pound range, depending on how many products you’re selling and how much custom development is needed.
Corporate websites and premium design
Large companies or organisations with high traffic and advanced content needs typically require fully bespoke solutions. A corporate website may include advanced security features, integrations with internal systems, custom dashboards, and multilingual support. These projects usually start around ten thousand pounds and can easily reach twenty thousand or more, depending on the scope and required functionality.
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Budgeting effectively for your WordPress website
Managing upfront design and development costs
When creating a WordPress website, your initial budget should cover the core design and development work. This includes custom features, content creation, and any premium themes or plugins needed to launch your site. Clear planning at this stage ensures your budget reflects the real scope of the project, helping you avoid delays or unexpected charges.
Understanding ongoing website expenses
After launch, your website will require regular upkeep. This includes hosting, domain renewals, plugin and theme updates, and possibly ongoing support. These long-term expenses are necessary for keeping your site secure, reliable, and running smoothly. Factoring them into your annual budget helps you manage costs over time and avoids lapses in service or security.
Being prepared for hidden costs
Even with careful planning, unexpected costs can arise. These might include changes to the original design brief, new feature requests, or extra revisions. Setting aside a portion of your budget for unplanned expenses helps you stay flexible and prepared without compromising the quality of your site.
Tips for keeping your project on budget
Planning and research
Taking the time to understand what you need from your website and what it will cost allows you to make informed choices. Research different design approaches, content needs, and functionality before committing to a provider.
Choosing the right provider
Working with a designer or agency that aligns with your goals and budget is essential. Compare different service providers not just by price but by experience, approach, and the scope of services offered.
Prioritising key features
Focus on the features that matter most to your users and your business. By prioritising essential functionality over extras, you can build a site that’s effective and within budget. Optional upgrades and additional features can be added later as your needs evolve.
Final thoughts and key takeaways
WordPress website design prices
When it comes to designing a WordPress website, the price can vary significantly depending on a range of factors. From the type of theme you choose to whether you hire professionals for customisation or decide to do it yourself, understanding the cost breakdown is essential for making an informed decision. Here’s a closer look at what you can expect when planning your budget.
Key factors that influence WordPress website design prices
- Theme selection: A free theme can cost you nothing, but premium themes generally range from £30 to £100 or more. Themes like MaxiBlocks offer both free and premium versions, providing a great balance of affordability and functionality for your website. Premium themes often come with additional design features, customisation options, and ongoing support.
- Customisation and design: The complexity of customisation is a key factor in pricing. If you’re using a free theme and only making basic tweaks, your cost could be minimal. However, if you need a completely unique design, this will require the services of a web designer or developer, which can increase costs substantially. Custom design projects can range from £500 to £5,000 depending on the complexity and scope.
- Plugins and additional functionality: For advanced features, you may need premium plugins. Some essential plugins like those offered by MaxiBlocks can be extremely useful for enhancing design and functionality, but these often come with their own price tag. The cost for premium plugins can range from £20 to £100 each, depending on the features you need.
- E-commerce features: If you plan to build an e-commerce site, the cost will increase. Setting up an online store typically requires more complex features such as payment gateways, product pages, inventory management, and secure checkout systems. This can push your design costs upwards, with a basic e-commerce setup ranging from £1,000 to £3,000.
- Ongoing maintenance and support: Once your website is live, it will require ongoing maintenance, updates, and security checks. Many agencies or designers offer maintenance packages, which could cost between £50 and £200 per month, depending on the level of support and updates required.
Final thoughts and key takeaways
The price of designing a WordPress website can vary greatly depending on your needs. From free themes to premium options like MaxiBlocks that offer powerful design features, there is a wide range of choices that suit different budgets. Customisation, additional functionality, and ongoing maintenance all contribute to the final cost of your website.
If you’re looking for a flexible, feature-rich theme with excellent customisation options, consider exploring MaxiBlocks. Whether you’re creating a simple blog or an e-commerce platform, investing in a quality theme and the right tools can save you time and money in the long run.
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FAQs – WordPress website design prices
How much does a basic WordPress website cost?
A basic WordPress website, often built using a pre-made theme and limited customisation, can cost between £300 and £800 depending on the designer’s experience and the features included.
What is the price range for a custom WordPress design?
A fully custom WordPress website with unique design elements and tailored functionality usually ranges from £1,500 to £5,000 or more, depending on the complexity of the project.
How much does an e-commerce WordPress website cost?
An e-commerce site using WooCommerce or similar platforms typically starts at around £1,000 and can go up to £10,000 or more based on the number of products, payment systems and integrations needed.
Are there hidden costs in WordPress website design?
Yes, there may be additional costs for premium themes, plugins, hosting, domain names, security tools, and ongoing maintenance, which are not always included in the initial quote.
Do freelancers and agencies charge differently?
Yes, freelancers often charge less than agencies. Freelancers may offer prices from £300 to £2,000, while agencies might start from £1,000 and go upwards depending on their services and expertise.
Is there a monthly cost for a WordPress website?
There can be monthly costs for hosting, maintenance, updates, security, and content management. These typically range from £20 to £200 per month based on the level of support you need.
How much should I budget for plugins and add-ons?
Many plugins are free, but premium ones can cost from £20 to over £200 each per year. The total depends on your site’s features and the number of plugins used.
Do prices differ for one-page WordPress websites?
Yes, one-page websites are generally more affordable, often starting at £200 to £600, since they require less content and development time.
Are revisions included in the price?
Some designers include a limited number of revisions in their pricing, while others may charge extra for significant changes or additional rounds of edits.
Can I pay in instalments for a WordPress website?
Many designers and agencies offer staged payment plans, often requiring a deposit upfront and the balance paid in phases or upon project completion.
WordPress itself
Official Website
wordpress.org – This is the official website for WordPress, where you can download the software, find documentation, and learn more about using it.
WordPress Codex
codex.wordpress.org/Main_Page – This is a comprehensive documentation resource for WordPress, covering everything from installation and configuration to specific functionality and troubleshooting.
WordPress Theme Directory
wordpress.org/themes – The official WordPress theme directory is a great place to find free and premium WordPress themes. You can browse themes by category, feature, and popularity.
maxiblocks.com/go/help-desk
maxiblocks.com/pro-library
www.youtube.com/@maxiblocks
twitter.com/maxiblocks
linkedin.com/company/maxi-blocks
github.com/orgs/maxi-blocks
wordpress.org/plugins/maxi-blocks
Kyra Pieterse
Author
Kyra is the co-founder and creative lead of MaxiBlocks, an open-source page builder for WordPress Gutenberg.
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