Planning to invest in a new website for your Oldham business? Understanding the costs involved is one of the first questions on your mind.
Website design cost in Oldham can range from a few hundred pounds to several thousand. But what determines these prices? And more importantly, what should you expect to pay for a website that actually delivers results?
In this guide, we break down the typical web design costs in Oldham for 2026, from freelance designers to full-service agencies. We also share insights from local experts like dsgnuk, who help businesses get quality websites without overpaying.
Why Web Design Costs Vary So Much
You’ve probably noticed that web design cost in Oldham varies wildly between providers. One company quotes £500, another wants £5,000. Why such a huge difference?
Several factors influence pricing:
- Experience and expertise matter significantly. A seasoned web design company in Oldham with years of proven results will charge more than someone just starting out.
- Bigger projects cost more. A small five‑page site is much cheaper than a big online store.
- Provider type affects pricing, too. Freelance website designers in Oldham typically charge less than established website design agencies in Oldham, though both offer different advantages.
- Timeline requirements can impact cost. Rush jobs often come with premium pricing.
- Ongoing support and maintenance may be included or charged separately, affecting the overall investment.
Understanding these factors helps you make sense of the quotes you receive and ensures you’re comparing like for like.
Average Website Design Costs in Oldham
Let’s get specific. Here’s what local Oldham businesses are typically paying for different types of websites in 2026.
| Website Type | Price Range | Key Features | Best For | Notes |
| Basic Brochure Website | £500 – £2,000 | 5–10 pages, basic contact forms, mobile-responsive, template-based layout, basic SEO | Tradespeople, local services, consultants, small retailers | Freelancers often provide excellent value at this level, quick online presence. |
| Small Business Website | £2,000 – £5,000 | 10–20 pages, custom design elements, advanced contact forms, blog/news section, social media integration, comprehensive SEO, basic analytics | Established local businesses, professional services, and small retailers | Agencies specialise in this range; more functionality and a polished design. |
| E-commerce Website | £3,000 – £10,000 | Product catalogue management, shopping cart, payment gateway, customer accounts, order management, stock control, enhanced security | Retailers, wholesalers, and online product sellers | Requires e-commerce experience; ongoing support and technical expertise needed. |
| Complex Custom Website | £10,000+ | Fully custom design/development, advanced features, database-driven content, custom web apps, third-party system integration, enterprise-level security | Larger businesses, organisations with unique requirements, companies needing sophisticated functionality | Bespoke solutions for high-end, complex needs; usually delivered by specialised agencies. |
Freelance Designers vs Agencies: Price Comparison
Choosing between a freelancer and an agency significantly affects your budget. Let’s compare what each offers.
Freelance Website Designers
Typical costs: £500 to £3,000 for most projects
Advantages:
- Lower overheads mean better rates
- Direct communication with your designer
- More flexible and personalised service
- Often faster decision-making
- Great for straightforward projects
Considerations:
- Limited capacity for large projects
- May lack specialised skills
- Potential delays if they’re juggling multiple clients
- Less backup if they’re unavailable
Freelance website designers in Oldham offer excellent value for small businesses with clear requirements and reasonable timelines.
Website Design Agencies
Typical costs: £2,000 to £15,000+ depending on project scope
Advantages:
- Team of specialists (designers, developers, copywriters)
- Handle larger, complex projects
- More resources and support
- Established processes and project management
- Better capacity for ongoing support
Considerations:
- Higher costs due to team overheads
- Potentially less direct communication
- May feel less personal
- Can be slower for minor changes
Website design agencies in Oldham work well for businesses needing a comprehensive website design service and ongoing support.
Key Factors Affecting Cost
How you pay for your website varies between providers. Here are common payment structures.
Fixed Price Projects
You agree on a total price upfront for a defined scope of work. This gives certainty, but changes outside the scope cost extra.
Typical structure:
- 30-50% deposit to start
- 25-30% at design approval
- Remaining balance on completion
Hourly Rate
Designers charge by the hour, typically £30 to £100 per hour, depending on experience and location.
This works for projects where requirements aren’t clear initially, but costs can spiral without careful management.
Monthly Retainers
For ongoing work, many businesses prefer monthly retainers covering a set number of hours or tasks.
Typical retainer costs: £200 to £1,500 monthly
This suits businesses needing regular updates, content changes, or ongoing support.
Package Pricing
Many designers offer tiered packages (Starter, Professional, Premium) with set features at fixed prices. This simplifies decision-making and makes comparing providers easier.
Read More: How to Choose the Right Web Designer in Oldham
Taking the Next Step
Ready to invest in your website? Start by:
1. Writing down your specific requirements.
2. Setting a realistic budget, including ongoing costs.
3. Researching local designers and agencies.
4. Requesting quotes from at least three providers.
5. Comparing proposals carefully.
6. Checking portfolios and references.
7. Making your choice confidently.
Your perfect website is within reach. With clear expectations about pricing and value, you’ll find a designer who delivers exactly what your Oldham business needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How much should a small business expect to pay for web design in Oldham?
Most small businesses in Oldham typically spend between £2,000 and £5,000 for a professionally designed website. This usually includes a custom layout, mobile optimisation, basic SEO, and essential features that help turn visitors into enquiries.
2. Why do some web designers in Oldham charge £500 while others charge £5,000 or more?
The price difference comes down to experience, project scope, and service level. Lower prices often mean template-based designs with limited support, while higher-priced services usually include custom design, stronger SEO foundations, better performance, and ongoing support.
3. Is it better to hire a freelance web designer or an agency in Oldham?
Freelancers are often more affordable and work well for simple websites. Agencies cost more but provide a full team, structured processes, and long-term support. The best option really comes down to how much you can spend, the timeframe you’re working with, and the level of complexity your site requires.
4. What ongoing costs should be budgeted for after the website is built?
Beyond the initial design cost, most businesses should budget for hosting, domain renewal, maintenance, updates, and occasional improvements. These ongoing costs typically range from £200 to £1,500 per year, depending on support needs.
5. How can Oldham businesses avoid overpaying for web design?
To avoid overpaying, clearly define your requirements, compare at least three quotes, review real portfolios, and make sure pricing includes everything you need. Working with trusted local experts like dsgnuk helps ensure you pay for value, not just a nice design.
