If you’re running a business, big or small, having a website is no longer optional—it’s essential. In today’s digital world, your website acts as your online storefront, the place where potential customers learn about your products or services, and decide whether to take the next step. However, building a budget-friendly website in 2025 can feel like an expensive endeavour. The good news is, with the right approach, you can create a functional, attractive website without breaking the bank. In this blog, we’ll show you how to launch a website for your business on a budget.
1. Choose the Right Website Platform
The first step in building a website is deciding which platform to use. While there are numerous website-building platforms out there, some are more suited for business owners on a budget. WordPress, Wix, and Squarespace are popular choices, each offering user-friendly interfaces and a variety of affordable plans.
- WordPress is an open-source platform that’s incredibly flexible and has thousands of free and low-cost themes and plugins.
- Wix offers an intuitive drag-and-drop builder that’s perfect for beginners and offers a free plan with limited features.
- Squarespace is known for its beautiful design templates, though it may be a bit pricier compared to other options.
When you’re just starting out, consider your specific needs. Do you need a simple portfolio website or something more robust with e-commerce features? Choose a platform that matches your goals while staying within your budget.
2. Choose a Domain Name
Your domain name is your website’s address on the internet, and it’s essential to pick one that’s easy to remember and reflects your brand. Many website builders include a free subdomain (like yourbusiness.wix.com), but if you’re serious about your brand, it’s a good idea to invest in a custom domain (like yourbusiness.com).
Custom domains can cost as little as £10 to £15 a year, which is a small price to pay for a more professional and trustworthy online presence. Platforms like GoDaddy, Namecheap, or even Google Domains are good places to purchase your domain at a reasonable price.
3. Find Affordable Hosting
If you choose WordPress, you’ll need a hosting provider to store your website files. Hosting can be a major cost, but there are plenty of affordable options. Providers like Bluehost, SiteGround, and HostGator offer hosting packages starting from as low as £2 to £4 per month, which is ideal for a business on a budget. Many hosting providers even offer a free domain for the first year, so you get a deal when you sign up.
When choosing a hosting provider, make sure to look for:
- Reliability (good uptime)
- Customer support (available 24/7)
- Fast load speeds
- Security features
These factors can make or break your website, so take your time selecting a provider that suits your needs.
4. Select a Budget-Friendly Website Template or Theme
Your website’s design is crucial. You want it to be attractive and functional without spending hundreds on custom design. Luckily, most website platforms offer a variety of free or affordable themes.
- WordPress has thousands of free themes available in the WordPress theme repository. Many premium themes also cost less than £50, and they come with extra features and customisation options.
- Wix and Squarespace offer beautiful templates designed to be mobile-friendly and visually appealing. They usually come with the platform’s subscription plan, so you won’t have to pay extra for design.
When choosing a theme, consider the user experience (UX). Make sure the layout is clean, the content is easy to read, and the navigation is simple.
5. Website Creation
Building a low-cost website is the most cost-effective digital marketing method for effective branding. While it might seem daunting, website-building platforms have made it easy for non-tech-savvy people to create a stunning website.
- With Wix, you can drag and drop elements like text, images, and buttons into place, without writing a single line of code.
- WordPress offers a visual editor where you can customise pages using pre-built templates and widgets.
- Squarespace also provides easy-to-use tools for adding pages, adjusting content, and tweaking designs.
If you’re willing to spend some time learning, there are plenty of free resources available to help you. YouTube is a treasure trove of tutorials, and websites like Udemy and Coursera offer affordable courses on web design.
6. Add Essential Pages
When you’re launching your website, make sure to include the essential pages that every business website needs. These include:
- Home Page: A brief introduction to your business and what you offer.
- About Us: A page that tells your story, values, and what makes your business unique.
- Products or Services: A detailed page showcasing what you sell or the services you offer.
- Contact Us: Provide your phone number, email address, and a contact form for easy communication.
- Privacy Policy and Terms: These are important for legal purposes and help build trust with visitors.
Once your core pages are ready, you can add extra features like a blog or portfolio as your business grows.
7. Use Low Cost Digital Marketing to Promote Your Website
After your website is live, it’s time to promote it. While there are many ways to market your business online, you don’t have to spend a fortune on advertising. Low cost digital marketing strategies like search engine optimisation (SEO), social media marketing, and email marketing can help you reach a wider audience without breaking the bank.
- SEO: Optimise your website for search engines by using relevant keywords, improving your website speed, and building backlinks. This will help you rank higher in search engine results, driving organic traffic to your website.
- Social Media: Create profiles on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn, and use them to promote your business, engage with customers, and share updates.
- Email Marketing: Start collecting emails from your website visitors and send them newsletters or promotional offers to keep them engaged with your business.
By focusing on these affordable marketing tactics, you can attract more customers without spending large amounts on ads.
8. Track Performance and Make Improvements
Once your website is up and running, it’s important to track how well it’s performing. Google Analytics is a free tool that allows you to monitor traffic, track user behaviour, and identify areas for improvement.

Pay attention to metrics like:
- Bounce rate (how many visitors leave without interacting with your site)
- Average session duration (how long users stay on your website)
- Conversion rate (how many visitors take the action you want, such as making a purchase or filling out a contact form)
Use this data to tweak your website and marketing strategies for better results.
Conclusion
Building a website for your business doesn’t have to be an expensive or overwhelming task. With the right tools, platforms, and strategies, you can create a website that not only looks professional but also drives results—all without breaking the bank. By choosing the right platform, using affordable hosting and themes, and implementing low cost digital marketing strategies, you can establish a strong online presence that helps your business grow. Keep learning, adapting, and improving your website as you go, and you’ll be well on your way to success.