Since we started working with more local business owners in Columbus, Mansfield, Washington Courthouse, Grandview, and Powell, one thing is certain: businesses know when they need a new website but hesitate to start because of costs.
And it makes sense; professional web designs can be expensive. But if you’re strategic and resourceful, there are a few ways to keep costs down without cutting corners. Here are six things you can do to make your web design project both affordable and effective.
1. Do the Design Legwork
Visual designs can be costly because they are highly subjective. There’s a lot of back-and-forth that could take weeks, or even months, to get them right. So if you know what you want or have someone in mind who can help, start addressing what you can about your website design.
This may include sharing your web designer, websites you like, your logo and branding, or the complete page-by-page design. Anything is better than nothing, which reduces the overall effort (and costs) required to build your website. Note that limited website animations will not significantly affect the overall budget, but complex ones can.
2. Avoid Outdated Technology
If you’re designing your first website, chances are you have no technology in mind. Building it with outdated tools will only make things more complicated. Older or clunky systems limit what your developer can do and often lead to extra work and budget later. Make sure your platform is modern, flexible, and easy to maintain, saving time and money in the long run.
3. Write Your Own Website Copy
This one’s simple: the more work you do upfront, the less your web design team has to do. Writing your own content can significantly reduce your overall web design budget. There are plenty of free tools that can help you create SEO-friendly, unique copy. Just remember to keep your brand’s voice authentic; search engines in 2025 are getting better at detecting AI-generated content. Therefore, avoiding genAI abuse and being genuine will help your website stay indexed and visible.
4. Provide Your Own Images
Just as writing your own copy can help lower costs, providing your own images can too. If you don’t have images in mind, you can still help your designer by sharing examples or styles you like. This guidance speeds up the design process and keeps your budget-friendly web design project on track.
5. Host Your Own Website
If you’re tech-savvy or simply want more control, consider hosting your own site. Choose a reliable website hosting service, such as Uplancer, that offers automated tools for backups, updates, and security. By hosting your own website, you’re bringing the server setup and ongoing website maintenance in-house, keeping your costs low. The only caveat is that bugs, website crashes, and other hosting-related issues may be beyond your ability to fix.
6. Be Specific About Your Wants and Needs
One of the biggest budget killers in any web design is miscommunication. Be clear and detailed about what you like and don’t like. Create two lists: one for things you want and another for things you don’t. Instead of saying “I want it to look professional,” say “I like clean layouts with blue accents and simple navigation.” The clearer your vision, the fewer revisions you’ll need and the quicker you’ll align on a creative direction. As a result, a cheaper website.
Smarter Websites Start with Uplancer
Many business owners are juggling a dozen things at once and don’t always realize how much they can influence the project’s cost. By taking ownership of your content, assets, and clarity, you can drastically reduce your web design budget without sacrificing quality.
Got questions? Reach out to us for a local SMB quote. We love working with businesses in Columbus and beyond, and we’re happy to help you create a great website on a smart budget.
