Key points
- An SME website's cost depends mainly on the number of pages, the design approach, the features needed and ongoing maintenance.
- At HKONE, for example, a one-off build costs from HK$4,500 (1 page) to HK$9,500 (1–20 pages). Online shops, booking systems and similar are quoted separately.
- When comparing quotes, look beyond the price: check that the files and domain belong to you, what renewals cost from the second year, and exactly what is delivered.
What makes up the cost of a website
A website's cost usually includes the following. Some are one-off; others recur every year:
| Item | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Domain | Yearly | Your web address, such as yourcompany.com.hk, renewed every year. |
| Hosting | Yearly or monthly | The server that stores your site. Static sites generally cost less to host. |
| SSL certificate | Yearly | Makes the address start with https and protects data in transit. Many hosts include it free. |
| Design and build | One-off | Page planning, mock-ups, build and testing, usually priced by page count and complexity. |
| Content | One-off | Copywriting, translation and images. Some quotes include these; others expect the client to supply them. |
| Feature systems | One-off and ongoing | Online shops, membership and booking systems, usually quoted separately and sometimes with monthly fees. |
| Maintenance | Optional | Content updates, backups and technical checks. |
The main factors that affect price
- Page count: whether each service needs its own page, and whether you need a blog.
- Languages: a bilingual site needs two sets of content and layouts.
- Design approach: a ready-made template or a custom design.
- Features: a brochure site and a site with an online shop or booking system differ greatly in cost.
- SEO set-up: whether structured data, a sitemap and speed optimisation are included.
Comparing ways to build a website
| Approach | Advantages | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| DIY website builder | Quick to start, easy to edit yourself | Takes your own time; sites usually cannot leave the platform, and fees continue |
| Template site (outsourced) | Lower price, faster to build | Limited design flexibility; check the SEO set-up is complete |
| Custom design (outsourced) | Pages and content planned around your business | Higher price; check ownership and how edits work after handover |
HKONE website pricing
All HKONE website plans are mobile-first with SEO built in, and bilingual from the Standard plan. Files and ownership are handed over on completion:
| Plan | Price | Pages | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic | HK$4,500 | 1 | Chinese site, basic SEO, contact form + WhatsApp button, first-year domain / hosting / SSL |
| Standard | HK$6,500 | 1–6 | Adds bilingual pages, schema structured data, Google Analytics |
| Advanced | HK$9,500 | 1–20 | Adds an FAQ page and llms.txt, basic GEO optimisation, speed optimisation |
Online shops, shopping carts, membership and booking systems are extra. Domain and hosting renewals from the second year are charged separately.
Questions to ask when comparing quotes
- Are the website files, domain and hosting account held in my name? Can I take them with me if we stop working together?
- How much will I pay each year from the second year, and what does it cover?
- How many pages are included? Who writes and translates the content?
- Is basic SEO included, such as titles, descriptions, a sitemap and structured data?
- Can I edit content myself after launch? Are changes charged?
Frequently asked questions
Can I edit the website myself after it is built?
It depends on how the site is built. HKONE hands over the files and ownership on completion. If you plan to make frequent edits yourself, tell us during planning so we can choose a suitable approach.
Why does a website need SEO set-up?
SEO settings, such as page titles, descriptions and structured data, let search engines and AI tools read your site correctly. Without them, even a well-designed site is harder for customers to find.