What does it cost to have a website created? Price overview
Jul 5, 2025
Karina Paviotti
What does it cost to have a website created? Price overview
What does it cost to have a website made? Read our guide for an overview of prices and options for creating a professional website.
The reality? A digital business card can be free, while complex online stores often cost more than a new car. What determines this huge price difference? The answer lies in your choices, from construction methods to functionalities.
Simple solutions with templates start around €200. Professional platforms with custom development quickly grow to €2500+. For specific business needs - think reservation systems or client portals - amounts can reach five figures. Fortunately, smart solutions exist for every budget.
Key factors? Developers' time investment, technologies used, and desired personality of the platform. A basic WordPress variant requires 20-40 hours of work, while custom development sometimes demands 200+ hours. Do you choose cheap freelancers or experienced agencies? That choice directly reflects in the final result.
Key Insights
Price differences arise from complexity and time investment
Template solutions are budget-friendly but less unique
Custom development offers precision at higher costs
Maintenance costs influence the total investment
Always compare multiple quotes for optimal choice
The world of website costs
In the digital age, your online presence is the first handshake with potential customers. A professional platform functions 24/7 as a sales representative, brand ambassador, and customer service in one. But how do you translate that value into concrete budgetary choices?

📈 Why investing pays off
A strong digital business card not only enhances your credibility – it also activates direct business opportunities. Companies with user-friendly platforms generate up to 50% more leads according to recent analyses. Today, customers expect:
Instant access to product information
Mobile-friendly navigation
Secure data handling
💸 Price-determining elements
Your budget is primarily shaped by three pillars:
Technical complexity: basic contact forms versus personalized API integrations
Design ambition: template adjustments versus a fully unique visual identity
Scalability: future-proof architecture for growth
A simple platform with five pages starts around €200. For advanced functionalities like live chat or reservation systems, this quickly moves up to €1500+. Choose wisely: cheap solutions often require later adjustments, while quality bespoke work lasts longer.
My web design services at Design by Karina
A website that works and suits you.
Your online presence deserves more than a standard template. At Design by Karina, we build strategic, custom websites that are not only beautiful but also genuinely effective.
What you can expect from us:
✨ Personal strategy & brand deepening
We start with a conversation about your goals, target audience, and competition — so that your website really works for you.
🧠 Smart design focused on user-friendliness
From wireframes to design: it’s all about the right flow, a clear message, and conversion.
🔧 Technical realization in WordPress or Shopify
We build your site entirely bespoke, mobile-friendly, and SEO-ready — ready to grow with your business.
🙋♀️ Direct contact with the designer
No intermediaries or confusion. You work directly with me — Karina — ensuring your vision always stays paramount.
💰 Clear packages starting at €1399
For starting freelancers, we create quick, effective one-pagers or compact websites. Larger projects? Then we tackle them grandly with:
Custom product configurators
Booking systems and client portals
Conversion optimization based on data
Integrations with email marketing and social media
With over 10 years of experience and a passion for design that truly makes an impact, we create websites that let your business shine.
👉 Ready for a website that attracts and instills trust? Let's work together.
📊 How much does it cost to create a website?
Developing an online platform requires clear financial decisions. Budgets vary greatly depending on ambitions and technical requirements.

From basic budgets to high-end bespoke work
Option | Description | Price indication |
---|---|---|
1 | Self-made via free CMS like WordPress.com | €0 - €100 |
2 | Student or hobbyist | €100 - €1,000 |
3 | Freelancer | €500 - €2,000 |
4 | Low-code agency | From €3,500 |
5 | Small web agency (bespoke) | From €10,000 |
6 | Medium-sized agency | From €30,000 |
7 | Large specialist agency | From €100,000 |
⚙️ Choosing between WordPress and Shopify
Benefits of WordPress for your website
With 43% market share, WordPress remains the undisputed leader
The open-source system provides full control over design and technology
Ideal if you:
Want to create a unique brand experience
Need expansions via 58,000+ plugins
Consider an SEO-friendly structure essential
When Shopify might be a better option
For online stores with 100+ products, Shopify is gaining ground. The closed system offers:
Integrated payment solutions
Automatic tax calculations
Inventory management with real-time updates
Entrepreneurs without technical knowledge appreciate the ready-made e-commerce functionalities. Note, however: monthly costs rise faster than with self-hosted solutions.
🧱 Low-code websites versus bespoke
Low-code solutions (from €3,500)
Quick implementation within 2-4 weeks
Less flexibility, lower maintenance costs
Standard integrations with popular tools
Fully bespoke (from €10,000)
Unique workflows needed
Communicate a specific brand experience
Future scalability essential
"A bespoke platform grows with your ambitions. It becomes a strategic tool, not a cost item."
🧾 Extra costs and monthly maintenance costs
A professional online platform requires ongoing attention – and budget. After the initial investment, fixed costs will impact your total expenses.
Examples
Item | Average costs |
Domain registration | €10 - €30/year |
Hosting | €5 - €100+/month |
Maintenance | €10 - €100+/month |
Support | One-time or monthly package |
Note: always compare service inclusions. Some agencies offer free monthly updates with annual hosting payment.
🎨 The role of design and functionalities in pricing
Every click on your platform tells a story – but at what cost? Visual choices and technical possibilities together form the invisible cost driver.
Smart design decisions can double or halve your investment, depending on their impact on conversions:
Targeted call-to-action buttons increase click rates by 35%
Clear navigation structure reduces bounce rates by 40%
Responsive layout improves mobile conversions by 55%
How additional features can drive up the price
A basic contact form costs an average of €150. For complex systems like reservation modules or client portals, you quickly pay €2000+.
Ask yourself these questions:
Does this feature directly contribute to main objectives?
Are affordable plugins available as alternatives?
Does it require specific technical expertise?
Always prioritize core functionalities. A webshop integration pays for itself, while advanced animations often yield only a 2% increase in conversion.
🔍 Decision guide: How to find the right web designer?
Choosing a web designer sometimes feels like looking for a needle in a haystack. Professionals distinguish themselves through their communication style and focus on measurable results.
What should you look for?
Criteria | Professional | Amateur |
Communication | Asks about target audience and business goals | Only talks about technology |
Portfolio | Shows case studies with concrete results | Only shows pretty pictures |
Guarantees | Offers maintenance contracts | Says "done is done" |
During initial conversations, ask for recent references and make clear agreements about deadlines and revisions.
🛠 Tips for a successful collaboration
Make written agreements about deadlines and revisions
Ask for weekly progress updates
Test all functionalities yourself before delivery
Watch out for red flags such as:
Vague quotes without hourly specification
Pressure to sign immediately
Lack of interest in your brand identity
Good web designers invest time in your success, not just in their own process.
Comparison of price examples and options in the market
Price differences in the market help you make realistic choices. Let's examine concrete scenarios, from budget-friendly starters to premium solutions.
Examples from cheap to professional websites
A simple presentation site via platforms like Wix starts at €8.50 per month. But beware: cheap packages often have limitations:
No own domain name included
Limited storage space
Generic templates without customizations
Provider / Type | Price range | Inclusions | Suitable for |
---|---|---|---|
Wix Premium | €8.50 - €24.50 / month | Drag-and-drop editor, hosting | Starters with small budgets |
JouwWeb / Webador | €5 - €25 / month | All-in-one solution, Dutch support | Freelancers and hobby projects |
Student / hobbyist | €100 - €1,000 one-time | Theme-based site, limited experience | Simple presentation sites |
Freelancer | €500 - €2,000 | Customization, often WordPress | Small businesses / Freelanders |
Low-code agency | €3,500 - €10,000 | Modules + personal styling | SMEs with limited budgets |
Bespoke agency (small) | €10,000 - €30,000 | Fully custom, strategy, and UX | Ambitious SMEs |
Specialist agency | €30,000 - €100,000+ | Custom APIs, design, development, support SLA | Large organizations |
Insights from the current market and trends
Webshops on average require 35% higher investments than informative platforms. Notable developments:
Mobile-first design doubles development time
Minimalist layouts reduce maintenance costs
AI tools lower prices for basic optimization
Freelancers are increasingly opting for modular solutions. These combine affordability (€1,200-€2,000) with a professional appearance. Always consider:
Number of revision rounds included
Technical support after handover
Scalability options with growth
🌟 Why choose Design by Karina?
We help entrepreneurs looking for quality without the high costs of large agencies. Expect no standard approach from us, but strategic bespoke solutions that work.
At Design by Karina, you get:
✅ Bespoke from €1399
✅ Custom websites in WordPress or Shopify or Framer
✅ Strategy before design: every pixel has a purpose
✅ No intermediaries, but direct contact with the designer
✅ Smart, scalable solutions for freelancers & small businesses
Projects grow with your vision. Whether you want a compact site or an advanced platform with reservations, we think along with you.
➡️ Schedule a no-obligation introduction or send a WhatsApp — I'd love to think along with you.
📞 010 307 2374
🌐 designbykarina.com
📌 Conclusion
The right website is not a cost item, but an investment in your visibility, your customers, and your revenue. Whether you choose a basic model or full bespoke work: choose wisely, invest smartly, and work with someone who understands your goals.
💡 With the right approach, you create a platform that effortlessly pays for itself — today, tomorrow, and in five years.
FAQ
Why do website costs vary so significantly?
The price depends on your requirements. A simple design with standard features is more affordable than custom solutions with advanced tools, such as a booking system or a personal customer portal.
Is WordPress or Shopify better for my business?
WordPress offers more flexibility for growing companies, while Shopify is ideal if you want to quickly launch an online store. Together, we’ll determine which platform aligns with your goals.
Are there any hidden costs I should be aware of?
Pay attention to hosting, domain name, and maintenance costs. At Design by Karina, you receive a transparent overview, including advice on affordable long-term packages.
How long does it take to develop a website?
On average, it takes 6-12 weeks, depending on complexity. A clear plan and prompt feedback can speed up the process. I will keep you updated at every stage!
Why does design have such an impact on the price?
A unique design requires more research, creativity, and technical adjustments than a template. The result? A website that truly stands out and converts better.
Can I add features later on?
Absolutely! We build your site so that you can easily expand. Consider adding a blog, newsletter tool, or additional service pages without high modification costs.
Ready to create your website in Rotterdam?
Don't let an outdated or poorly performing website hold your business back any longer. It's time to invest in a digital presence that truly reflects the value of your brand and helps you achieve your business goals. We are eager to understand your unique needs and would love to discuss how Design by Karina can create a website you will be truly proud of.