WebHostGB vs agency vs freelancer vs website builder: costs compared
There are four common ways for a small business to get a website: build it yourself on a website builder, hire a freelancer, hire an agency, or pay us £47 a month to design, write, host and update it. This page compares who does the work and which costs turn up later.
What's included, and who has to do it
Freelancers and agencies vary a lot. This compares the usual way each option works, not every provider out there.
| What you need | DIY website builder | Freelancer | Agency | WebHostGB, £47 a month |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Design | You pick and adapt a template | Depends on the person | Usually | Designed for your business |
| Words on every page | You write them | Sometimes | Often charged separately | Included |
| Hosting, SSL and domain | Plans and add-ons | Varies | Often charged separately | Included |
| Checks on phones and tablets | You check | Varies | Usually | Included |
| Changes after launch | You make them | Hourly rate or quote | Retainer or quote | 10 changes a month |
| Enquiry forms and Google Business Profile help | Plugins and add-ons | Varies | Usually charged separately | Included |
| Setup fee | None | Usually a project fee | Usually a project fee | £0 |
| Monthly cost you can predict | Depends on add-ons | No | Depends on the work | £47 a month |
Which option suits your business?
Choose a DIY website builder if…
You enjoy designing and writing, want to make every edit yourself, and are happy to sort out the technical parts and add-ons.
Choose an agency if…
You need complex integrations, a large online shop, custom software or a big website for several departments, and have a project budget to match.
Choose WebHostGB if…
You want a brochure website that brings in enquiries, for £47 a month, and want someone else to design, write, host and update it.
Website cost questions
Is £47 a month cheaper than paying a freelancer?
It depends on the freelancer. The difference is that £47 a month covers design, the words, hosting, your domain and 10 changes a month, with no setup fee, so you know what you’ll pay.
Can I build it myself and just host with you?
Yes. Our cPanel web hosting starts at £2.99 a month and WordPress hosting at £3.99 a month.
Do I own the website and domain?
You own your domain and your content. See ownership and security for the detail.
More about switching, our promise and who owns what
Switch your website
Free website migration on hosting plans, or a new managed website built while your old one stays live.
Read more → After launchService promise
What we do every month after your website goes live, and what never becomes an add-on.
Read more → Stay in controlOwnership & security
You own your domain and content. If you leave, the domain is transferred free and you get the website files.
Read more →Get a website designed, written and hosted for £47 a month
Tell us about your business, check the proposed pages and domain, then decide. Your first monthly payment starts the design and writing.
No setup fee · No contract · Cancel any time