The cost depends on the scope
A simple business website, an online shop and a booking platform serve different needs. Page count matters, but so do the structure, user experience, content, SEO and technical features.
A website built on an existing foundation generally needs less bespoke design work. Highly individual art direction, complex animation or specialised business tools can take more time to develop.
What a quote should cover
Before comparing prices, check whether the work includes the site structure, design mockups, development, mobile layouts, copy, forms, testing and launch. Training on how to use the website may also be included.
A price difference can simply reflect a difference in deliverables. Also ask which revisions are included and which requests would involve additional work.
Remember the ongoing costs
Your domain name, hosting, certain tools and maintenance services may involve recurring costs. You should also plan for backups, security updates and content changes.
A simple static website may have modest technical requirements. Even so, you still need control over its access credentials, files, domain and contact enquiries.
A good website helps people decide
Considered design helps build credibility, but it is only part of the picture. Visitors need to understand quickly what you offer, who it is for, what makes you different and how to get in touch.
The budget should therefore reflect the website's purpose: introducing a business, generating enquiries, making bookings easier or selling online. These goals shape the project's priorities.
Preparing a useful project brief
Gather a few websites you like, a list of your services or products, your existing brand assets and any essential features. You do not need every answer in advance, but a clear brief makes the conversation far more productive.
At ALTO27, we define the need before recommending a solution. The aim is to create the right website, with features that add real value.
Further reading: When is it time to redesign your website?
A website brief you can complete before requesting a quote
Replace the points below with your answers to get a proposal you can assess. If something is undecided, say so: the provider can price it separately or help you make a choice.
- Main goal: introduce our business, receive enquiries or sell; specify what visitors should do next.
- Audience: who needs to understand our offer, and what do they ask before getting in touch?
- Content: pages and languages required; copy, photos and brand assets already available.
- Features: enquiry form, appointments, catalogue; separate essentials from optional extras.
- Existing setup: domain, hosting, access and pages to preserve if replacing a website.
- Organisation: the person approving the work, preferred launch date and available budget.
Add two reference websites and explain what you appreciate: the navigation, how a service is presented or the use of photography.
Compare quotes using the same checklist
Ask each provider to address the same points. The total price is then easier to interpret: a missing item may be optional, your responsibility or simply something that needs clarification.
| Area | Question to ask |
|---|---|
| Design | Which pages and mockups are included? |
| Content | Who writes, translates and prepares images? |
| Features | Which journeys and tools are actually integrated? |
| Approval | Which stages and revisions are covered? |
| After handover | Who controls access and handles changes? |
| Ongoing costs | Which subscriptions and renewals should we allow for? |
Finally, ask what counts as additional work. An extra language, a structural change and a new feature have different implications. For an existing website, use this checklist alongside our article on redesign priorities.
Looking for the right support?
Explore how ALTO27 can help, then let's talk about your project.