“How much does a website cost?” is the question we hear most. The honest answer is “it depends”, which is frustrating to hear. So instead of a vague answer, this guide explains exactly what you are paying for, which costs people forget, and how to compare quotes fairly.
Why website prices vary so much
You can find someone to build a website for almost any price. Two quotes for “a five-page website” can be very different because they are not describing the same thing. One might be a template with your logo added. The other might include planning, original writing, photos, search optimisation and training. The page count is the same; the result is not.
The main things that affect the price
1. Number of pages and how complex they are
A simple page with text and photos takes less time than a page with a booking calendar, a price calculator or a product filter. Count the pages you need, then list anything on them that customers will interact with.
2. Design: template or custom
A good template is quicker and cheaper and is fine for many small businesses. A custom design takes longer but fits your brand exactly and helps you stand out from competitors using the same theme.
3. Languages
Every extra language adds work. An Arabic version also needs a layout that reads from right to left. In Morocco, many businesses need French and Arabic, and often English for tourists. Each version should be written for its readers, not simply put through a translation tool.
4. Writing the content
Words sell. Many projects are delayed for weeks because nobody has written the text. Ask whether the quote includes professional writing or whether you must provide every word yourself.
5. Features
Features add cost and should each earn their place:
- Online booking or reservations
- An online shop with payments and delivery options
- Member areas or customer logins
- Connections to other tools, such as your booking system or accounting software
6. Search and speed
A website nobody finds is an expensive brochure. Check whether the quote includes the basics that help Google understand your site: page titles and descriptions, fast loading on phones, a connected Google Business Profile and simple tracking so you can see enquiries.
The costs people forget
The build is only part of the price. Before you decide, ask about:
- Domain name: your web address, renewed every year.
- Hosting: where your website lives, usually paid monthly or yearly. Cheap hosting often means a slow website.
- Maintenance: updates, backups and security checks. WordPress websites need regular updates to stay safe.
- Paid plugins or licences: some features need a yearly licence.
- Changes after launch: is there a support period, and what does it cost after that?
Why the cheapest quote often costs more
Very low prices usually mean something is missing: no writing, slow hosting, no search basics, or a website you can’t edit yourself. Many business owners pay twice, once for the cheap website and again to fix or rebuild it a year later.
The right question is not “how cheap can I get a website?” but “how many customers will this website bring me, and what will it cost to get them?”
Questions to ask before you choose
- What exactly is included, page by page?
- Who writes the content and takes the photos?
- Will the website be fast on a phone?
- Will I own the website, the domain and the hosting account?
- Can I edit text and photos myself, and will you show me how?
- What are the yearly costs after launch?
- Can I see websites you have built for similar businesses?
Our approach
At Misk & Monarch, we start with a free call to understand your business and goals. Then you receive a written, fixed-price quote that lists everything included and every yearly cost, so there are no surprises. Your website, domain and accounts are always in your name.
If you are planning a new website or wondering whether your current one is worth fixing, tell us what you need. We work with businesses in Morocco, Saudi Arabia and the UK.
