Very cheap website offers are not automatically bad
If you have been searching for a new website for your trade business, you have probably seen £99 websites, low-cost introductory packages and, in some cases, even free websites.
There is nothing automatically wrong with a low-priced website offer. Some may be perfectly suitable for what you need. The important thing is knowing exactly what you are buying before you commit.
A headline price does not always tell you what your website will cost over the first year - or what you may need to pay for afterwards.
1. What is the total cost for the first year?
Start with the simplest question. Do not just ask how much the website costs. Ask: “What will I pay in total during the first 12 months?”
That answer should include the website itself, hosting, domain costs and any services needed to keep the website running properly. A clear supplier should be able to give you a straightforward figure.
2. How much will the website cost every year after that?
Most websites have some ongoing costs. These can include hosting, domain renewal, maintenance, software licences, security and support.
Ask what renews annually and how much it currently costs. This makes it much easier to compare one website proposal with another.
3. Are SSL and website security included?
A professional business website should use HTTPS and have an SSL certificate. You should also understand who is responsible for keeping the website secure and properly maintained.
Ask whether the essential security setup is included in the quoted price or charged separately.
4. Is basic SEO included?
A website does not automatically rank well in Google simply because it has been built. However, a professionally built website should normally include the foundations that help search engines understand it.
These can include properly structured page titles, meta descriptions, headings, mobile-friendly design, sensible page URLs, basic technical SEO and search-engine-friendly content structure.
Ask what SEO setup is included and what would require an additional service. Ongoing Local SEO can legitimately be a separate investment, but the distinction should be clear before you buy.
5. Will I need to buy anything else after the website is built?
Ask the supplier directly: “Is there anything else I will need to purchase from you for the website to work as described?”
There may be perfectly legitimate optional services available later, such as ongoing SEO, advertising or content marketing. The important distinction is between an optional service you choose to buy and something you discover you need only after committing to the website.
6. Who controls my domain and website?
Your domain name is an important business asset. Make sure you understand whose name the domain is registered in, who controls the account, what happens if you change supplier and whether your website can be moved elsewhere if necessary.
You do not necessarily need to manage the technical side yourself, but you should know where you stand.
7. What support is included?
Ask what happens after the website goes live. Can you contact somebody if there is a problem? Are minor updates included? Is support charged by the hour? Is there an ongoing maintenance package?
There is no single correct model. The goal is simply to understand it before you buy.
Compare the full package - not just the headline price
A £99 website and a £499 website are not necessarily comparable products. One might be better value than the other, but you can only judge that when you know what is included, what is not included, the ongoing costs, the support you receive and whether later purchases are optional.
That is why we recommend asking every website supplier these questions - including us.
Websites for Trades pricing
We keep our core pricing straightforward. Our professional trade website packages start from £499 + VAT. Hosting is £100 + VAT per year, with domain renewal included.
Our standard websites include the core setup needed to get a professional site online, including mobile-friendly design, contact forms, SSL and security essentials, and SEO-ready foundations.
If you want additional marketing services later, we explain those separately. They are not something you have to buy simply to keep your website working.
Want to compare website quotes?
If you have received another website quote and are unsure how it compares, send us the details. We will happily explain what is included in our package so you can make a proper comparison.
Frequently asked questions
Is a £99 website always a bad deal?
No. It may suit some businesses. The important step is checking the complete first-year cost, ongoing charges, ownership and exactly what is included before committing.
Do all websites have ongoing costs?
Most professional websites require hosting and domain renewal. Maintenance, support, licences and marketing may also apply depending on the supplier and package.