The average UK business can expect to spend anything from £700 to £3,500 for a full website rewrite, depending on the copywriter’s rates and the scope of your project.
Experienced copywriters generally charge between £60-£100 and over an hour, but that doesn’t just include writing time; it also focuses on research, planning, edits, and revisions.
So, there’s the short answer for you, but what you spend is only part of the story.
The true cost of website copywriting services boils down to whether you’re paying for words or thinking. And, most importantly, how the amount you spend initially translates into long-term ROI.
In this guide, I’ll cover everything you need to know about the cost of website copywriting in the UK.
How Much Do Copywriters Charge?
Copywriters typically use three pricing models: by time, per project, or by page. Here are the average rates based on the 2026 ProCopywriters Survey:
| What You’re Buying | Typical UK Costs |
| Basic page (homepage, simple brochure page) | £150 – £500 |
| Conversion-focused service page | £350 – £800 |
| Landing page | £300 – £2,000 |
| About Page | £200 – £600 |
| Full Website Copy (5-8 Pages) | £900 – £3,500 |
| Hourly Rate (Experienced Copywriter) | £60 – £100 |
| Rebrand for a Small Website | £1,200 to £4,000 |
| Rebrand for a Complex/Large Website | £3,000 to £6,000 |
However, these rates only tell a small part of the story, because it really depends on what you’re getting.
The Price Per Word Model
There was a time when copywriters based their pricing on a rate per word, and some still do. But here’s the thing: while this can seem cheaper, there’s a distinct problem with this model.
When someone prices per word, they’re not factoring in the research, SEO, consumer psychology, and other factors that contribute towards copywriting that generates measurable results.
It’s like a mechanic charging for parts only, or a doctor prescribing medication without performing a full assessment.
For this reason, many experienced copywriters (including myself) don’t operate on this pricing model.
What Do Copywriting Rates Include?
It’s important to remember that when you pay an expert copywriter, you’re not just getting words on a page; you’re getting the following:
- Research: A detailed analysis of your audience, competitors, and any gaps in your market. This takes time, but without research, we’re essentially writing blind.
- Messaging and Positioning: Who are you for? What makes you different? Why should your target audience choose you instead of your competitors? Without messaging and positioning, you’ve got words on a page, but no real competitive advantage.
- Structure: Determining how each component of your website leads visitors through the purchasing process.
- Tone of Voice: Messaging and positioning define your brand’s identity, but tone of voice determines how it communicates. Another vital part of your website copywriting strategy, as the right tone establishes how your target audience views you.
- SEO: You can have the best website copy imaginable, but without SEO, nobody’s going to find it. And – yep, you guessed it – optimising for both search engines and AI takes time.
- Experience: Lastly, you’re paying for the copywriter’s experience. A newbie with one year of experience might understand the basic principles of copywriting, but fail to look at your website as a strategic asset. An experienced website copywriter understands how to ask the right questions and deliver conversions.
How Much Should You Realistically Spend on Website Copywriting?
There’s no set amount that you should spend, as it depends on your goals and budget. However, website copy is an investment that should pay dividends in the long term. Here’s a general breakdown based on where your business is at:
| Where Your Business Is At | Realistic Budget | What That Should Get You |
| New Business With 5-8 Pages | £400 to £1,200 | The lower end will get you words on a page, but nothing else. Being willing to spend around £750 gives your website an excellent starting point to build upon. |
| Growing Websites With 8+ Pages | £800 to £3,000 | Larger websites require more research, planning, and tone of voice alignment across pages. |
| Full Rebrand for Large Website | £1,500 to £6,000 | The pricing here depends on the scope of your project and whether the brand research is already in place. |
Comparing Different Options
As you can see, the price of copywriting can vary, but your initial investment determines the long-term results of your copy.
For example, when someone buys a used car, they don’t just go for the cheapest option; they look at reliability, MOT history, and whether the car will get them from A to B.
Cheap copywriting from a content mill (the ones that charge just £50 per page) won’t deliver any meaningful results or engagement. Neither will hiring a cheap freelancer on Fiverr who promises to deliver a full website for £150.
1: Doing it Yourself
Can I create website copy myself? Of course you can. But should you? That’s the question that makes the biggest difference. Sitting down at your laptop and putting words on a page might seem easy, but each of those words must serve a purpose.
Then you have to factor in SEO, your branding, tone of voice, and other elements that turn generic copy into something that actually delivers sales and leads.
Pros:
- You don’t have to pay anyone.
- You don’t need to brief a copywriter.
Cons:
- It takes up a lot of your time.
- You’ll need to learn SEO.
- You’re biased but usually not realistic.
- Your copy might read nicely, but fail to speak to your target audience.
If you have existing website copy and aren’t sure whether you need a full rewrite or some reframing, my website audit provides valuable insights and recommendations that you can action yourself.
2: Hiring a Cheap Writer
Next up is the “cheap writer” dilemma, a trap I’ve seen loads of clients fall into over the years. And I’m going to be completely honest with you; you spend £100-£300 on your website copy, then soon realise that it literally is just words on a page.
You’re not attracting clients or generating sales, so you end up contacting someone like me for help. By the end of the entire thing, you’ve spent more than you would have if you’d worked with an expert in the first place.
Pros:
- You can save money.
- The turnaround is usually quick.
Cons:
- Entry-level copywriters produce basic content.
- You’ll get words on a page, but there won’t be a strategy to back them up.
- Your copy will be generic and do little for conversions.
- You’ll probably end up having to pay for a professional later on.
3: Hiring the Most Expensive Copywriter
Hiring the most expensive copywriter might seem like a good idea, but it depends on the type of website you need copy for.
For example, complex Ecommerce sites with loads of pages will often cost more because of their size, but small businesses with 5-10 pages don’t need to spend £3,000 and over on website copy.
It’s more about finding the right balance based on your needs.
4: Using AI to Write Your Copy
AI can create copy for your entire website in seconds. Sounds too good to be true, right? That’s because it is. There are many reasons to avoid using AI for copywriting, and I’ve covered them in separate posts:
The short takeaway is that AI can create words, but they won’t be unique to your brand or ensure that you stand out.
How to Choose the Right Copywriter for Your Needs and Budget
When comparing quotes for your website copywriting project, it’s important not just to look at the prices, but to consider the following factors:
- What’s Included? Does the project include comprehensive research, strategy sessions, SEO, and revisions?
- What’s the Process? Does the copywriter start with research and strategy? If they’re offering words on a page and nothing else, I highly recommend walking away.
- Who are you Working With? Are you working with the actual copywriter, or an agency that will pass the project on to a junior writer?
- Where’s the Proof? Do they have a portfolio of projects? Are there any case studies?
The bottom line
Website copywriting in the UK costs anywhere from about £150 for a simple page to £3,500+ for a full, strategy-led site. But the price is only part of the story. You’re actually paying for research, positioning, and messaging.
Working with a copywriter will cost initially, but it’s important to understand that those costs will define your website’s success in the future.
If you’re not sure whether you need full website copy, I offer consultancy services that provide honest advice and actionable insights.
FAQs
Why do website copywriters ask for a deposit?
We’re small business owners too! A deposit is standard as it reserves our time. Most copywriters ask for a 50% deposit upfront, but nobody should ask you for 100% of the payment without doing any initial work.
How much does website copywriting cost in the UK?
Most small businesses pay £1,000–£3,500 for a full website rewrite; single pages run £150–£800. Rates depend on strategy, research and SEO included.
How much does a copywriter charge per page?
Typically £150–£500 for a straightforward page, £350–£800 for a conversion-focused service page, and more for research-heavy or specialist pages.
How much does a full website cost to write?
A 5-page site with messaging and SEO built in usually lands between £1,200 and £4,000+. Complex rebrands can exceed £6,000.
Is cheap website copywriting worth it?
Sometimes — a newer writer can be brilliant. Compare what’s included (research, strategy, SEO, revisions), not just the price.
Why is website copywriting so expensive?
Because most of the cost is the thinking before the writing: messaging, positioning, research, structure and SEO, you’re paying for enquiries, not sentences.
Should I hire a copywriter or write it myself?
If your copy is vague, generic, or getting no enquiries after genuine effort, a professional (or even a DIY audit + one session) will almost always be cheaper than the time you’re already spending.