Ask ten people and you'll get ten answers — from "free with a builder" to "the agency quoted me €5,000." Both extremes are real, and both can be the wrong choice. Here's what actually drives the price so you can judge a quote for yourself.
What you're really paying for
A website's cost comes down to a few things: how many pages, whether it's a template or custom-built, any special features (bookings, shop, gallery), and how much design and copywriting is involved. More of each means more time — and time is what you're paying for.
The three price bands
- DIY builders (€0–€20/mo): cheap, but you build it, it looks like a template, and you rent it forever
- Freelancers / studios (€100–€1,500 one-time): custom, personal, the sweet spot for most small businesses
- Agencies (€2,500–€10,000+): great for big brands, overkill for a local business
Watch the monthly traps
A low headline price often hides a monthly fee — for hosting, "maintenance", or the platform itself. Over a couple of years those add up to more than a one-time custom build. Always ask: what do I pay up front, and what every month?
What a fair deal looks like
For most small businesses, a custom site should be a one-time cost, with free hosting and no monthly fees, and you should see it before you pay. That's exactly how Ncell works — plans start from €80, the full price is agreed up front, and you get a free preview first. Event sites work the same way.