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Why Are Websites So Expensive? Understanding the True Value of Bespoke

Profile photo of Martyn McDermott.

By Martyn McDermott

5 min read

computer monitor in a dimly lit room with gold coins piled up all around it

"Why do agencies charge so much for websites? My Wix site only costs £x a month!"

This is a challenge we get asked a lot. And fair enough—it deserves a real answer. The reality is, websites are incredibly nuanced creations—ranging from hundreds of pounds to millions. It all depends on your goals, audience, and what you want your digital experience to achieve. So, let’s unpack why a bespoke website can cost vastly more than that monthly Wix fee and why, at MAJOR, we play at the ‘craft’ end of the scale. 

wall of business cards pinned to a cork board

Your Website Is Your Digital Billboard

Picture this: you’re in a chip shop, and there’s a pinboard crammed full of business cards. Classic (and charmingly British) local marketing—cheap, accessible, but with limited reach. Now imagine your brand plastered across a massive billboard at London Victoria station, where thousands of commuters see it every day. Same idea—different league. Both advertise your business, but the price and impact? Completely different. 

If you’re a cabbie, that chip shop pinboard might be ideal: a small investment for a local audience. But for a business trying to launch a new drinks product, it’s the massive billboard that will deliver the reach and influence required to make an impact. 

It’s the same with websites. A Wix site is the chip shop pinboard: easy, cheap, and it does the trick if your ambitions are modest. But if you want to leave a lasting impression and reach far beyond local foot traffic, you need a platform that works as hard as your brand does. 

Relative Value: Not Just Cost, But Impact

Our websites aren’t expensive—they’re relative. Just like the billboard reaches a wider audience than the chip shop board, a bespoke website built with care and attention speaks to your brand’s ambition, reach, and quality. The key isn't just the cost—it's the value of that investment relative to what you're trying to achieve. 

The right solution depends entirely on your needs. For some, a simple, functional website is enough. For others—those who want to push boundaries, create unique experiences, and amplify their digital presence—the investment needs to match their aspirations. Our focus is always on understanding your vision, ensuring that every pound you invest drives impact, growth, and visibility in your digital landscape. 

Craftsmanship Versus Commodity

Think of a website like a building. You wouldn’t say, “A building is a building, why is one more expensive than another?” The difference lies in craftsmanship, bespoke design, and tailored functionality. You can have a prefabricated flat or a custom-built home with every detail planned and executed to fit your vision and unique personality. 

Off-the-shelf platforms like Shopify or Wix are great for straightforward needs. Think of them as prefabricated flats—efficient, functional, and cost-effective. But if you want a home that’s uniquely yours, you’d hire an architect. Bespoke websites work the same way: they’re designed to reflect your brand’s personality, adapt to your needs, and maximise every opportunity to make an impact. 

Expertise Matters

DIY websites are tempting—who doesn’t love saving money? But without the right expertise in design, user experience, SEO, and technical know-how, what you save in the short term can cost you in performance, security, and scalability later on. A DIY site might look good initially, but like a house built on shaky foundations, it could struggle when it matters most. 

Bespoke websites, by contrast, are more than just a pretty face. They’re crafted for performance—secure, fast, optimised for growth, and designed to be an asset for your brand. It’s about creating a digital presence that drives engagement, delivers exceptional experiences, and supports your goals. 

Crafting the Difference

Building a bespoke website isn’t about just putting a site together from modular parts; it’s about thoughtful craftsmanship. It’s a multidisciplinary process that includes discovery, strategic insight, design, robust development, and ongoing enhancement.

Here’s a quick snapshot:

  • Discovery and Strategy: Getting to know your audience, your competition, and your vision.

  • Design and User Experience: Crafting a site that looks incredible and works seamlessly for your users regardless of their accessibility needs.

  • Development: Building a secure, fast, and future-proof foundation.

  • Content and SEO: Making sure every piece of content is on-brand, engaging, and easy for search engines to find.

  • Ongoing Support: Keeping everything running smoothly with regular updates and improvements.

     

This type of service doesn’t fit into a one-size-fits-all template. The effort put into a bespoke site ensures it grows with your business, reflects your brand identity, and delivers the impact that a DIY solution simply can’t match. 

Investing in Your Digital Future

A website isn’t just an expense; it’s a strategic investment in your future. It’s the billboard at London Victoria, the custom-built home, and the handshake that welcomes your audience to your brand. A well-crafted website doesn’t just exist; it works to drive your business forward, connect with the right people, build credibility, and make you stand out in a crowded online space. 

So, why are websites so expensive? Because they’re worth it when they’re built to make an impact. At MAJOR, we don’t just make websites; we craft digital assets that drive growth, influence, and success for years to come.

Give your website the care and attention your brand deserves. Let's talk.

From discovery to design and ongoing support, our bespoke websites are tailored to amplify your brand and deliver lasting impact. Contact our friendly team of experts today.

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