I get asked about personal website costs almost daily here in Cardiff. Whether it’s a freelance consultant wanting to showcase their expertise or someone building a portfolio, the answer isn’t straightforward.
Honestly, I think the biggest mistake people make is focusing purely on upfront cost without considering the ongoing reality. You’ll see “£200 website” adverts everywhere, but then what? You’re stuck with a site you can’t update, hosted on dodgy servers, with no support.
The Real Cost Breakdown for Personal Websites
Let me give you the honest numbers based on what I’ve seen working with clients across South Wales for the past 6 years.
| Website Type | Initial Cost | Annual Running Costs | What You Get |
|---|---|---|---|
| DIY Builder (Wix/Squarespace) | £0-£300 | £144-£432 | Basic templates, limited customisation |
| Fiverr/Cheap Freelancer | £200-£500 | £100-£200 | Template site, no ongoing support |
| Professional WordPress Site | £800-£2,500 | £200-£400 | Custom design, proper hosting, support |
| High-end Custom Build | £3,000-£10,000 | £500-£1,200 | Bespoke features, complex functionality |
Why Those £200 Websites Aren’t What They Seem
A Cardiff financial adviser came to me recently after getting burned by a cheap Fiverr site. The freelancer delivered a basic template, then disappeared. When she needed updates, she discovered the site was hosted on some overseas server she’d never heard of, and making any changes would cost extra.
This is something I see too often. That £200 site quickly becomes £500 when you factor in:
- Hosting setup and configuration
- SSL certificate installation
- Email setup
- Basic SEO optimisation
- Mobile responsiveness fixes
- Content updates and changes
The Hidden Costs Most People Don’t Consider
Everyone focuses on the build cost, but personal websites need ongoing attention. I always tell clients to budget for these essentials:
Domain and Hosting
Don’t go near GoDaddy. Seriously. They’ll search-jack your domain ideas and lock you into their awful builder. We use Krystal for hosting because they’re UK-based, plant a tree for every site, and actually care about performance. Expect £100-£200 annually for decent hosting and domain renewal.
Security and Updates
WordPress needs regular updates, and SSL certificates are essential in 2025. Many cheap providers charge extra for these basics. We include SSL free because, frankly, it should be standard.
Content Management Reality
Those trendy AI-generated React sites look gorgeous, but you’ll pay through the nose for every tiny change. That’s why I build with WordPress and Bricks. My clients can edit their own content without calling me every time they want to update their bio.
What Affects Personal Website Pricing?
In my experience, these factors make the biggest difference to cost:
Design Complexity
A simple portfolio with a few pages costs far less than an interactive showcase with custom animations. Be realistic about what you actually need versus what looks cool.
Content Creation
Writing compelling copy takes time. Professional copywriting can add £500-£1,500 to your project, but it’s often worth it. Poor content kills conversions faster than bad design.
Once you have your personal website up and running, you’ll also want to consider how it appears in local search results, which is where local SEO for small business Wales becomes crucial for attracting nearby clients.
Of course, if you’re running a restaurant or hospitality business, there are specific considerations around functionality and features that can significantly impact your budget, which I cover in detail in my guide on restaurant website design.
Integration Requirements
Need booking systems? E-commerce? Contact forms with CRM integration? Each addition increases complexity and cost. Start simple and add features as you grow.
My Honest Recommendation for Personal Websites
For most people wanting a professional personal site, budget £1,200-£2,000 initially, then £300-£400 annually. That gets you a proper WordPress site that you can update yourself, hosted on reliable UK servers, with ongoing support.
Yes, it’s more than Wix. But your personal website is your digital first impression. Don’t cheap out on something that represents you professionally.
We offer all-in-one service with a fixed monthly fee, so there are no nasty surprises. Minor changes and fixes are included because I believe in building relationships, not just websites.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I build a personal website myself?
Technically, yes. But I’ve seen too many DIY disasters. Non-responsive designs, broken contact forms, terrible load speeds. If you’re serious about your online presence, invest in professional help. Check out our approach to see the difference proper development makes.
What’s the cheapest way to get a personal website?
The cheapest upfront option is usually a DIY builder, but consider long-term costs. You’ll likely need help eventually, and starting over costs more than doing it right initially.
How long does a personal website take to build?
A straightforward personal site typically takes 2-4 weeks from briefing to launch. Complex sites with custom features can take 6-8 weeks. Rush jobs usually cost extra and often show it.
Do I need ongoing maintenance for a personal website?
Absolutely. WordPress updates, security patches, content updates. It’s not huge work, but it needs doing regularly. That’s why we include basic maintenance in our monthly packages.
Want to know exactly what your personal website might cost? I’ve built a detailed calculator that factors in your specific needs. It’s based on real project data from our Cardiff clients, not generic estimates. Try our website cost calculator and get a realistic budget for your project.
