If you’re a business owner in St Helens thinking about creating or redesigning your website, one of the first questions that comes up is price. The cost of web design can vary depending on what you need, but understanding the main factors will help you plan a realistic budget and get the best return on your investment.
At AFB Digital Solutions, we’ve helped countless local businesses across St Helens and the wider North West build websites that don’t just look great but also perform. Below, we’ll explain what affects pricing, what to expect to pay, and how to make sure your new website delivers real results.
Average Web Design Prices in St Helens
Web design prices in St Helens tend to reflect the size and complexity of your site. On average, here’s what local businesses can expect to pay in 2025:
Starter websites: £350–£650
Ideal for tradespeople or small start-ups who need a simple, one-page online presence.
Small business websites: £700–£1,200
Great for growing local businesses that need 5–8 pages, contact forms, service details and basic SEO setup.
E-commerce websites: £1,200–£2,500+
Perfect for shops, salons and service providers who want to sell products or take bookings online.
Bespoke or advanced builds: £2,500–£6,000+
Custom designs, integrations or unique functionality tailored to your brand and goals.
These are typical averages for the St Helens area. The final cost depends on your goals, design preferences and technical requirements. The key is to focus on value rather than just the lowest price — a website that performs well will quickly pay for itself.
What Affects the Cost of Web Design?
Every website is different, but several key factors influence the overall cost.
Design complexity
Custom graphics, animations or branding increase the level of work.
Number of pages
More pages mean more content to design and optimise.
Platform choice
WordPress and Shopify are popular for flexibility and affordability.
Functionality
Contact forms, booking systems, e-commerce checkout or live chat all add value but take extra setup time.
SEO optimisation
Building your site properly for Google is essential but requires additional planning and content structure.
Hosting and maintenance
Ongoing support, security and updates often come as monthly packages.
A good web designer will always take the time to understand your business, your goals and your audience before giving you a quote. Avoid agencies that give a price without learning what you actually need — every project is unique.
Why Invest in Professional Web Design?
A professional website is more than a digital brochure — it’s a tool for growth.
Here’s why investing in professional web design makes sense for St Helens businesses:
- Better first impressions: A clean, modern design builds trust and credibility.
- Improved visibility: Sites built with SEO best practices rank higher on Google.
- Higher conversions: Clear layouts, fast loading times and strong calls to action turn visitors into customers.
- Long-term results: A well-built site is easier to maintain and scale as your business grows.
When you work with a local web design agency in St Helens, you get the added benefit of local expertise. We understand the kinds of businesses that thrive in this area — from electricians and builders to salons, shops and professional services — and we design websites that speak directly to local customers. We also know how to structure your site to rank well for local searches, helping people in St Helens find your business first.
Ways to Keep Your Web Design Affordable
Not every project needs to break the bank. Here are some smart ways to keep your costs manageable.
- Start small: Launch with a few core pages and expand as your business grows.
- Provide your own content: Writing your own text or supplying images can reduce costs.
- Use flexible platforms: WordPress offers full control without expensive ongoing fees.
- Bundle services: Combine web design with SEO, hosting or maintenance for better value.
- Plan early: Having your content, images and goals ready can speed up the process and lower costs.
Think of your website as an investment rather than an expense — a well-built, conversion-focused site will pay for itself through enquiries and sales.
How Long Does It Take to Build a Website?
For most small businesses, a new website takes between three and six weeks from concept to completion. Larger or more complex sites, such as e-commerce stores, may take up to eight weeks, especially if there’s bespoke functionality or content creation involved.
The timeline often depends on how quickly you provide feedback, approve designs and supply content. With clear communication and a structured process, your site can be ready sooner than you might expect.
How to Choose the Right Web Design Agency in St Helens
Not all web design companies are the same, so it’s important to pick one that suits your needs. Before hiring an agency, look for:
- A strong portfolio: Check examples of previous work and client results.
- Transparent pricing: Make sure you understand what’s included in the cost.
- Good communication: Choose a team that listens, explains clearly and provides updates.
- Local reviews: Testimonials from St Helens businesses show real results and reliability.
- Ongoing support: Your website will need updates and maintenance — find a team that offers this.
The best agencies will guide you through each step, explain their process in plain English and focus on delivering measurable outcomes, not just a good-looking site.
Real Example: A Local Success Story
Recently, we worked with a St Helens-based trades company whose website hadn’t been updated in years. It wasn’t mobile-friendly, the loading time was slow and the design looked dated. After redesigning the site with a modern layout, responsive design and proper SEO structure, the business saw a 300% increase in website enquiries within three months.
That’s the difference a professional, locally focused web design can make.
Final Thoughts
Web design in St Helens isn’t a one-size-fits-all service — it’s an investment that should reflect your goals, audience and ambitions. Whether you’re starting from scratch or giving your current site a refresh, working with a local, experienced web design team ensures your website is built for both performance and growth.
A great website should be fast, responsive and designed with purpose — and that’s exactly what we deliver at AFB Digital Solutions. We combine creativity, technical expertise and local knowledge to help St Helens businesses thrive online.
If you’re ready to bring your business online or upgrade your existing site, get in touch today for a free, no-obligation quote. Let’s build something that helps your business stand out and grow in 2025.