Building an ecommerce website is a significant investment that can deliver substantial returns when done correctly. The costs for an ecommerce website in the UK vary widely depending on factors like design, functionality, platform, and the level of customisation you need. For many businesses, knowing how much to budget for an ecommerce website is essential for planning and aligning with growth objectives.
At Yellowball, we’ve partnered closely with over 150 businesses across the UK, delivering tailored, results-driven ecommerce solutions that don’t just look great—they perform. With client retention at 84% and a certified Google Partner status, we’re trusted by brands to create impactful ecommerce sites that drive revenue and build loyalty.
In this guide, we’ll break down what influences ecommerce website costs in the UK and help you understand where your investment will go, so you can make an informed decision for your business.
How Much Does an Ecommerce Website Cost in the UK?
Building an ecommerce website is an investment that requires careful consideration of design, functionality, platform, and ongoing support. Entry-level ecommerce sites start from £6,500 for a templated and component-based set up, to over £150,000 for a custom, enterprise-level site. At Yellowball, we believe in creating ecommerce websites that drive tangible results, and we tailor our services to each client’s unique needs and budget.
Key Factors That Influence Ecommerce Website Costs
The cost of an ecommerce website can vary from a few thousand pounds for a simple, template-based site to over £150,000 for a fully bespoke solution. Here are some of the key factors that impact the overall cost:
1. Website Design and Customisation
The level of design customisation plays a significant role in determining the cost of an ecommerce website.
- Template-Based Design: A more budget-friendly option, template-based designs typically start from £6,500. With a template, the layout and structure are predefined, which means you have less flexibility to create a unique brand experience. However, it’s an affordable choice for startups and small businesses.
- Custom Design: For brands wanting a bespoke look that aligns closely with their brand identity, custom design is the way to go. Custom designs involve creating unique layouts, elements, and functionality from scratch, allowing you to build an ecommerce site that truly stands out. Custom ecommerce sites range from £30,000 to over £150,000 depending on complexity.
Yellowball’s Approach: We believe that every brand is unique, and your website should reflect that. Our design team collaborates closely with clients to create a tailored, best-in-class ecommerce experience that not only captures your brand’s personality but is also designed to convert. Using tools like Figma and Adobe, we design websites that are both beautiful and highly functional.
2. Ecommerce Website Platform Choice
Choosing the right ecommerce platform is crucial for both functionality and budget. There are several options available, each with different pricing structures:
- Shopify: Known for its ease of use, Shopify is a popular choice among smaller businesses. Shopify’s monthly fees range from £29 to £299 per month, with additional costs for apps and customisations.
- WooCommerce: Built on WordPress, WooCommerce offers flexibility and is an open-source platform, meaning it’s free to use. However, there are costs for hosting, plugins, and customisation that can add up to between £5,000 and £50,000, depending on complexity.
- Laravel: Laravel is an open-source PHP framework that allows for highly customisable, secure, and feature-rich ecommerce sites. While not a traditional ecommerce platform, Laravel’s flexibility makes it ideal for businesses needing unique functionalities that aren’t achievable with off-the-shelf platforms. Laravel development typically starts at £20,000 and can go upwards of £100,000, depending on the complexity and specific customisations. It’s a powerful choice for businesses that require complete control over every element of their ecommerce experience.
Yellowball’s Expertise: We work with a variety of platforms, including WooCommerce, WordPress, and Laravel, to offer the best fit for each client’s needs. We also do white label web design services for digital agencies. As a Google Partner, we ensure our ecommerce sites are optimised for performance on every platform, helping you attract and retain more customers.
3. Functionality and Features of Your Ecommerce Website
The specific functionality and features required for your ecommerce website will significantly impact its cost. Common ecommerce functionalities include:
- Product Catalogue Management: For stores with large inventories, a robust product management system is essential. Adding custom categorisation, filters, and search functionalities can increase costs.
- Custom Checkout Process: A streamlined checkout process reduces cart abandonment. Integrating custom checkout features, like multi-step checkouts or one-click payments, often requires additional development time.
- Integrations with Third-Party Systems: Integrating with other software, such as inventory management, CRM systems, or marketing platforms, is essential for a seamless backend but can add to development costs.
- Customer Accounts and Loyalty Programmes: For businesses aiming to build loyalty, customer accounts and rewards programmes can be integrated. These features enhance user engagement but often require custom development.
Yellowball’s Value-Driven Solutions: We tailor functionality based on your business model and audience needs, ensuring you don’t pay for features you don’t need. From custom search functionality to advanced loyalty systems, we focus on delivering the right tools that drive results.
4. SEO and Marketing Integrations
In a crowded online marketplace, SEO and marketing integrations are essential for getting your ecommerce website noticed. The cost for SEO services and marketing integrations varies, but these investments are crucial for a successful ecommerce site.
- On-Page SEO: Includes keyword research, metadata optimisation, and content creation to help your website rank higher in search engines. Expect costs from £1,000 to £5,000 for an initial SEO setup.
- Content Marketing Integration: Many businesses add blog sections to their websites to improve SEO and engage visitors. Developing a content strategy and integrating it into your website can range from £2,000 to £10,000, depending on scope.
Yellowball’s Marketing Edge: As a certified Google Partner, we keep our clients ahead of digital trends. Our team integrates SEMrush, GA4, and Looker Studio to provide comprehensive SEO and marketing solutions, ensuring your ecommerce website drives organic traffic and performs at its peak.
5. Ongoing Maintenance and Support for Your Ecommerce Website
An ecommerce website requires ongoing maintenance and support to ensure it remains secure, up-to-date, and fully functional. Maintenance typically includes software updates, security checks, and minor updates to keep the website performing optimally.
- Basic Maintenance: Small businesses may require minimal support, costing between from £290 for base-level maintenance and support.
- Comprehensive Maintenance and Support: For larger ecommerce sites with custom integrations, costs range from £435 to £3,500 per month, depending on the level of support required.
Yellowball’s Client-Centric Support: Our clients value the peace of mind that comes with ongoing support. With 84% client retention, we’re dedicated to building lasting relationships and providing reliable, responsive maintenance, so you can focus on growing your business while we handle the technical aspects.
Your Ecommerce Success Starts Here: Invest in a Website That Delivers
Ready to build an ecommerce website that stands out and drives growth? Let’s chat about how Yellowball can help you turn your ecommerce vision into a reality with our ecommerce web design services. With a supportive, client-focused approach, as well as white label web design services for digital agencies, we’re here to deliver exceptional results every step of the way. Contact us today!
