Ways to get a website, compared
Every way works for someone. Here's an honest look at the usual options, so you can pick the right one for your business.
| Do it yourself | Freelance web designer | Web design agency | The Free Website Shop | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Who builds it | You, with a website builder | One designer | A team | Our UK team |
| Paid before you see it | Usually the first month or year of the builder | Usually a deposit or the full fee | Usually a deposit, often the largest | Nothing. You see it finished first |
| Each month after | The builder's plan | Hosting, often arranged separately | Hosting, often with a support contract | £19 a month hosting |
| Changes later | You make them | Usually charged by the job | Usually charged, or in a contract | Log in and edit it, or email your designer |
| Your domain | Yours if you buy it yourself | Check whose name it's in | Check whose name it's in | Registered in your name |
| Contract | Monthly or yearly plan | Varies | Often a fixed term | None. Cancel any time |
| Your time | The most: you write and build it | Some: answering questions | Some: meetings and sign-offs | Least: tell us about your business |
Doing it yourself
Makes sense if you enjoy it and have the evenings to spare. You'll write every page, choose the photos and keep it up to date yourself.
A freelance web designer
Good when you want one person to work closely with on a one-off design, and you're happy to pay before you see the finished site.
A web design agency
The right choice for bigger budgets and complicated websites, like large online shops or sites joined up to other systems.
The Free Website Shop
For small UK businesses who want a good website without paying up front. Our team builds it, you see it finished, and you only pay £19 a month hosting once it's live.
See yours before you pay a penny.
Get my free website£0 to build. £19 a month hosting once it's live. No contract.