Starting a new business is exciting but it also comes with tight budgets and big to-do lists. One thing every startup needs? A website.
But what if you don’t have thousands to spend?
Don’t worry. In this blog, we’ll walk you through the best budget-friendly web design options for startups, including when to DIY, when to hire help, and how to get the best value for your money.
DIY Website Builders
✅ Pros:
Low monthly cost
Easy drag-and-drop design
No coding required
🚫 Cons:
Limited design flexibility
Harder to scale for growing businesses
May not look as unique
Best for: Simple websites, portfolios, or personal brands.
WordPress with a Pre-Made Theme
WordPress is a great step up if you want more control and scalability without spending a fortune.
✅ Pros:
Free to use (you just pay for hosting and a domain)
Thousands of free and premium themes
Huge plugin library for added features
🚫 Cons:
Slight learning curve
May need a developer for setup or tweaks
Best for: Startups who want a professional site with more room to grow.
Quick Tip: You can find beautiful, mobile-friendly themes for under £50 and hire a freelancer to install/customise it for you.
Hire a Freelance Web Designer
Freelancers can be a budget-friendly alternative to big agencies and you often get more personal attention.
✅ Pros:
Custom design tailored to your brand
More affordable than large firms
Direct communication with the person building your site
🚫 Cons:
Quality can vary (check reviews and past work!)
May not offer ongoing support unless agreed
Best for: Startups with a clear vision and a small budget (£500–£800) who want a site that stands out.
Starter Packages from Small Agencies
Some small web agencies offer “startup packages” designed to give you a pro site at a fixed low cost.
Look for:
Transparent pricing
Mobile responsiveness
Basic SEO setup
Support after launch
Best for: Businesses who need a little more hand-holding or want to offload the whole process.
Lean & Launch Now, Improve Later
Don’t get stuck in “website perfection” mode. It’s OK to launch with something simple and upgrade as your business grows.
Focus on:
Clear branding
Contact form or booking system
Basic SEO (like page titles and descriptions)
Mobile-friendly design
Getting online early helps build trust and momentum… even if your first site is just a solid starting point.
Looking For A New Website?
You can get a cheap website in the UK without sacrificing quality. The key is:
1. Understanding your needs
2. Working with the right developer
3. Choosing smart tools and keeping things simple
You don’t need a huge budget to launch a great website. By choosing the right platform and working with the right people, your start-up can get online fast, affordably, and professionally.
If you’re a UK-based startup looking for a reliable, budget-conscious web design partner, let’s chat. I offer tailored startup packages that don’t cut corners.
Email me: *insert your email address*
Email me: hello@thetechllama.co.uk
