The cost of a web design project can vary widely, depending on several critical factors. Understanding these elements is essential when reviewing any web design price guide, as it helps you assess what you’re paying for and the value each component adds.

1. Project scope and complexity

A fundamental driver of web design costs is the scope and complexity of the project. A straightforward brochure website with a few pages will typically cost less than a complex ecommerce site with a custom checkout, user accounts, and hundreds of product pages.

Complexity includes factors such as unique functionality, user interface elements and custom integrations. Each additional feature requires time and expertise, which impacts the overall project cost.

2. Design requirements and customisation

Websites designed from scratch with bespoke branding and custom graphics are often more expensive than those using existing templates. Custom design ensures that your website is unique and aligned with your brand identity, but it can also increase both time and budget.

High-end designs with animations, interactive features, and multimedia elements require specialized skills and tools, adding to the cost.

3. Platform and CMS choice

The choice of platform, such as WordPress, WooCommerce, or another content management system (CMS), also impacts costs. WordPress is popular for its flexibility and scalability, but customisations for WooCommerce or other plugins may require specialised expertise from Submerge.

For a more comprehensive look at how platforms influence web design pricing, you can explore this guide on choosing the right CMS for your business.

4. SEO and content strategy

Incorporating SEO and content strategy from the start can also affect the budget. SEO-friendly design, keyword integration, and content alignment help increase visibility on search engines, enhancing your site’s long-term value.

Agencies such as Submerge offer SEO services as part of their web design packages, ensuring that your website not only looks great but also ranks effectively in search engines. Check out our SEO services page for more insights.

5. Ongoing support and maintenance

Post-launch support and maintenance are often overlooked but crucial for long-term success. Regular updates, security checks, and performance optimization help keep your site secure, fast, and up-to-date.
Many agencies offer maintenance as a subscription service, which can be a cost-effective way to ensure your website remains reliable and high-performing.

6. Agency Expertise and certifications

The level of experience and qualifications of the agency handling your project also affects pricing. Agencies with certifications, such as WP Engine Strategic Partner or Cyber Essentials Certification, bring additional credibility, quality assurance, and security benefits to the project.

For more details on the typical price ranges, be sure to click the download button on our full web design price guide and get a tailored view of the pricing landscape. Each of these factors contributes to the final price, helping you make informed decisions for a high-quality, sustainable website that meets your business needs.

The platform you choose influences both initial development and ongoing costs.

WordPress, for example, is often cost-effective for content-driven sites due to its flexibility and large community support. However, adding ecommerce capabilities with WooCommerce requires customisations and plugins, which can increase costs. The platform’s scalability and compatibility with various integrations also play a role in long-term expenses.

Certification provides peace of mind that your project will follow best practices. For instance, Submerge’s WP Engine Strategic Partner status ensures deep knowledge of WordPress hosting, while our Cyber Essentials Certification guarantees compliance with essential cybersecurity measures, reducing risks and improving website performance and reliability.

A standard package usually covers initial consultation, design mockups, development, testing and launch support. This might also include basic SEO setup, mobile responsiveness, and limited post-launch support. Each package can vary, so reviewing what’s included ensures your investment aligns with your project goals.

That’s why we’ve created our web design price guide, which you can download for free. The guide clearly shows our pricing for all website sizes and requirements so you can get the best site for your budget.

Maintenance costs help keep your site secure, optimized, and up-to-date. Regular updates, backups, and security monitoring prevent issues that could disrupt user experience or harm your rankings. Many clients choose a monthly or annual maintenance package for peace of mind and reliable website performance.