If you're a tradesman anywhere in County Durham, you've probably thought about getting a website at some point. Then you Googled it, saw a few agencies quoting three or four grand, and decided it wasn't worth the hassle. We get it. But the truth is, a professional website doesn't have to cost anywhere near that much.
The pricing myth that puts tradesmen off
There's a massive gap between what big agencies charge and what a tradesman actually needs. An agency in Durham or Newcastle will build you a ten-page site with custom animations, fancy sliders, and all the bells and whistles. Looks great on their portfolio. Costs a fortune. But does a plasterer in Consett or a plumber in Bishop Auckland really need all that? Not a chance.
What you need is a clean, fast site that tells people what you do, where you work, shows some photos of your graft, and makes it dead easy to get in touch. That's it. And that kind of site costs a fraction of what the agencies charge.
What should it actually cost?
For a proper tradesman's website with hosting, support, and no hidden extras, you're looking at a small setup fee and a monthly cost that's less than a tank of diesel. At Obrix, we build sites specifically for tradesmen and small businesses in the North East. No fluff, no jargon, just a site that works and brings in leads. You can check our pricing here.
Why County Durham tradesmen have a massive advantage
Here's something most people don't realise. The online competition in places like Spennymoor, Crook, and Bishop Auckland is way lower than in Newcastle or Sunderland. If you're a joiner in Spennymoor, there might only be one or two competitors with actual websites. Get yours up and you could be top of Google within weeks. Try that in a big city and you're fighting against hundreds.
The same goes for tradesmen covering the Dales, Weardale, or Teesdale. Massive service areas with barely any online competition. A single website can pull in enquiries from Barnard Castle to Consett and everywhere in between.
What to watch out for
- Long contracts. If someone wants to lock you in for two years, walk away. You should be able to leave if the site isn't working for you.
- Hidden hosting fees. Some designers quote cheap for the build, then hit you with separate hosting, SSL, and maintenance charges. Ask what's included upfront.
- No ongoing support. Your site will need the odd tweak. Make sure someone's there to help when you need a phone number changed or a new photo added.
One job pays for a year
Think about what one decent job is worth to you. A bathroom refit in Crook. A full rewire in Bishop Auckland. A new kitchen in Consett. One of those jobs covers your website cost for an entire year. And your site is out there generating leads 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, while you're on site grafting.
If you're a County Durham tradesman who's been putting off getting a website because of the cost, have a look at what's actually available. You might be surprised how affordable it is. See what we offer for Durham businesses here.