
If you’re a business owner in Doncaster, you’ve probably wondered about getting a proper website sorted. Maybe you’ve been putting it off because you’re worried about the cost, or perhaps you’ve had quotes that made your eyes water. Trust me, you’re not alone – I’ve had countless conversations with local business owners from Rossington to Bawtry who feel the same way.
The truth is, website costs can vary wildly, and it’s not always clear what you’re actually paying for. So let’s have an honest chat about what websites really cost in 2025 and what options are available to Doncaster businesses, and how to get the best value for your money.
First things first there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to “How much does a website cost?” It’s a bit like asking how much a car costs. Are we talking about a basic runaround or a top-of-the-range motor? The same applies to websites.
Here in Doncaster, I’ve seen businesses pay anywhere from £200 for a DIY website builder to £10,000+ for a fully custom build. But here’s what most people don’t realise: the upfront cost is just the beginning. You’ve got hosting, maintenance, updates, and the inevitable redesign when your nephew’s mate who “does websites” disappears off the face of the earth.
Let me walk you through the main options available to local businesses, along with realistic costs:
Services like Wix, Squarespace, and WordPress.com are everywhere these days. They’re tempting because they seem cheap and easy. For a basic monthly fee, you get:
The hidden cost? Your time. I know a café owner in Mexborough who spent three months trying to build their site on Wix. Three months! And they still weren’t happy with it. When you’re running a business, your time is worth more than that.
Plenty of freelancers operate around South Yorkshire, and they can offer good value. You might pay:
But here’s the catch. What happens when you need updates? When something breaks? When Google changes its algorithm? Many freelancers move on to other projects, leaving you stuck.
The big agencies in Sheffield and Leeds will happily quote you five figures for a website. They’ll promise the earth, and to be fair, they often deliver quality work. But for most Doncaster businesses, whether you’re a plumber in Armthorpe or a restaurant in Thorne, you probably don’t need (or want to pay for) all those bells and whistles.
This is where things get interesting. Some forward-thinking web designers (yes, including us at Pixelish) have recognised that local businesses need a different approach. Instead of huge upfront costs, we offer websites from £95 per month. No massive investment, no nasty surprises.
Here’s what often gets missed in those initial quotes:
Domain Name: About £10-15 per year for a .co.uk
Hosting: £5-50 per month depending on your needs
SSL Certificate: Essential for security (often free with good hosting)
Maintenance: £50-200 per month if charged separately
Updates and Changes: £50-150 per hour typically
Email Accounts: £3-10 per user per month
When you add it all up, that “cheap” website suddenly isn’t so cheap anymore.
Let me share some real examples (names changed for privacy):
Sarah’s Hair Salon in Bentley: Sarah paid £2,000 upfront for a website in 2019. By 2023, it looked dated and wasn’t mobile-friendly, and she couldn’t find anyone to update it. She ended up starting from scratch.
Mike’s Building Services in Conisbrough: Mike went the DIY route with a website builder. After six months of frustration and a site that looked “a bit naff” (his words), he gave up and came to us.
The Flower Shop in Bawtry: They chose a monthly plan with ongoing support. Two years later, their website still looks fresh and ranks well on Google, and they’ve never had to worry about technical issues.
Why Monthly Payment Plans Make Sense for Local Businesses
Think about it. You don’t buy your shop outright; you rent it. You don’t purchase your business phone system; you pay monthly. So why should websites be different?
With a monthly plan like ours at £95/month, you get:
For most Doncaster businesses, this works out much better than a large upfront payment followed by uncertainty.
Here’s what can catch you out:
Time Investment: Even with a designer, you’ll need to provide content, images, and feedback. Budget 10-20 hours of your time.
Photography: Good photos make a massive difference. Budget £200-500 for professional shots of your business.
Copywriting: If writing isn’t your thing, professional copy can cost £300-1,000.
Marketing: Having a website is just the start. You’ll need to think about SEO, Google Ads, or social media to drive traffic.
Value isn’t just about the lowest price. A good value website should:
So what’s the best option for you? Here’s my honest advice:
If you’re just starting out: A monthly payment plan gives you professional results without emptying your bank account.
If you need something complex: Consider an agency, but get clear quotes for ongoing costs too.
If you’re tech-savvy with time to spare: DIY might work, but factor in your hourly rate.
If you’ve been burned before: Look for local providers with proven track records and transparent pricing.
Working with a local Doncaster web designer has real advantages. We understand the local market – we know that a website for a Rossington trades business needs a different approach than one for a Tickhill boutique.
We’re here when you need us, not a voice on the phone three counties away. Plus, we’re part of the same business community. We shop in the same places, face the same challenges, and genuinely want to see local businesses thrive.
The Bottom Line
In 2025, a professional website for your Doncaster business doesn’t have to break the bank. While you could spend thousands upfront, smart monthly payment plans from £65 make professional web design accessible to any business.
The key is choosing a solution that fits your budget, meets your needs, and grows with your business. Don’t get caught up in flashy features you’ll never use or rock-bottom prices that leave you stranded.
Whether you’re in Adwick, Askern, or anywhere else around Doncaster, your business deserves a website that works as hard as you do. And it shouldn’t cost the earth to get one.
Ready to Get Started?
If you’re tired of wondering about website costs and ready to take action, we’re here to help. AAt Pixelish, we specialise in creating professional websites for Doncaster businesses, with transparent monthly pricing starting at £95.No hidden fees, no nasty surprises, just honest, local service from people who understand your business.
© Copyright 2025, All Rights Reserved by Pixelish