What determines the cost of a website?

A landing page or a 4–5 page site?

The biggest driver is the number of pages and how much each one has to carry. A landing page is a single long page: who the business is, the main services, reasons to choose it, a few answers to common questions and one way to get in touch. It often suits a single service, a campaign or a first online presence.

A multi-page site gives each topic its own page — home, services, about, work and contact. That helps search engines understand each topic separately and helps visitors find what they need quickly, but it also adds design, content placement and testing work.

Languages, copy and photos

A second language effectively doubles each page: translated copy, separate headings, search metadata and a language switch that lands on the right page. That is why it is usually priced separately.

Who supplies the words and pictures matters too. Ready, checked copy and good photos speed things up. Copywriting, photography and logo design are separate services and should be stated clearly in any quote.

Forms, data storage and integrations

A simple Instagram or phone link is not the same as a form. Where a form sends data, where it is stored, how it is protected from spam and who can access it all add work and responsibility.

Integrations such as online payments, booking systems, a CRM, Telegram alerts or automation usually sit outside a standard package and are quoted separately after a technical review.

Domain, hosting and recurring costs

Building a site is a one-off cost, but keeping it online can involve ongoing payments: annual domain renewal, hosting and subscriptions for any services used. A quote should state whether these are included and in whose name they are registered.

Revision rounds and timelines

Agree the number of revision rounds up front; an unlimited promise often just means an undefined scope. Timelines do not depend on the builder alone: supplying copy and photos on time and giving prompt feedback directly affect the delivery date.

Ownership and handoff

Ask: whose name will the domain be in, will you receive access details, and could you work with someone else later? A clear handoff prevents lock-in and unpleasant surprises.

Checklist for comparable quotes

When comparing several quotes, ask each provider the same questions:

• How many pages and roughly how many sections are included?
• How many languages? Who supplies copy and photos?
• Is a form included? Where is the data stored?
• Are domain, hosting and subscriptions included?
• How many revision rounds?
• How many business days, and what does the timeline depend on?
• Who holds access and ownership after handoff?
• Which work is priced separately?