The verdict in three sentences
A website for an executive search firm in Edinburgh costs EUR 7,500 to 15,000 (about GBP 6,500 to 13,000) in 2026, delivered in 8 weeks. With average fees of EUR 16,000 per assignment (roughly 22% of a EUR 72,000 annual salary), a single assignment attributed to the site is enough to pay for it. The key is speaking to HR directors and SME owners with function-specific expertise pages and salary surveys, not just to candidates with a job board.
What the price covers
Most search firm websites are built for candidates: job list, CV upload. Yet revenue comes from client companies. The site needs two front doors, with the budget split accordingly.
| Component | EUR 7,500 version | EUR 15,000 version | Value for the firm |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scoping, sitemap, mockups | EUR 1,500 | EUR 2,500 | Separate client and candidate journeys |
| Expertise pages per function (finance, engineering, tech, sales) | 4 pages | 8 pages | Rank for "CFO recruiter Edinburgh" |
| Job sync from the ATS | Simple XML feed | Real-time API + filters | No double entry for consultants |
| Blog and salary surveys | Template + 3 articles | Template + 8 articles + downloadable PDF | HR lead magnet |
| Consultant pages with specialisms | 8 profiles | 8 profiles + short video | Reassures the buyer choosing a contact |
| "Brief us on a role" form | Basic | Qualified (role, salary, urgency) | Actionable brief within 24 h |
| UK GDPR compliance for candidates | Included | Included + automatic purge | 2-year retention |
The profitability table
2026 orders of magnitude for a regional firm: fees of 18 to 25% of gross annual salary, average salary of roles around EUR 72,000, average fee EUR 16,000 per assignment. The brief assumes 2 to 5 assignments a year attributed directly to the site.
| Scenario | Assignments a year via the site | Fees generated | Annual site cost (3-year amortisation + maintenance) | Return |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cautious, EUR 7,500 site | 2 | EUR 32,000 | EUR 4,660 | x 6.9 |
| Cautious, EUR 15,000 site | 2 | EUR 32,000 | EUR 7,160 | x 4.5 |
| Median, EUR 15,000 site | 3 | EUR 48,000 | EUR 7,160 | x 6.7 |
| Ambitious, EUR 15,000 site | 5 | EUR 80,000 | EUR 7,160 | x 11.2 |
| No assignment from the site | 0 | EUR 0 | EUR 7,160 | Loss capped at EUR 7,160 |
Maintenance is estimated at EUR 150 a month and hosting at EUR 30 a month. Even the cautious scenario returns several times the investment, provided each assignment's source is tracked in the ATS or CRM.
Content that attracts SME HR directors
An HR director at an 80-person company does not search for "recruitment agency". They look for an answer to a specific problem: hiring an operations director in Livingston, benchmarking a financial controller's salary in Scotland, knowing how long a search takes. Pages that convert:
- Annual salary survey by function in Scotland, downloadable against a work email.
- Typical timelines: 6 to 10 weeks to a shortlist, 3 months on average to start date.
- Displayed replacement guarantee (for example 6 months), reassuring first-time buyers.
- Anonymised sector references: "food plant director, EUR 85,000, shortlist in 5 weeks".
Mini case study
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Fiona, partner at an 8-consultant executive search firm in Edinburgh, bills EUR 1.3 million in fees, almost all through her network. She chooses the EUR 14,000 version, delivered in 8 weeks, with 7 function pages and a Scotland salary survey. Over the first 12 months the survey is downloaded 210 times, 9 HR directors ask for a meeting and 3 brief an assignment, worth EUR 47,000 in fees. After the site and EUR 2,160 of maintenance, first-year net gain is about EUR 30,800.
FAQ
What does an executive search firm website cost in Edinburgh in 2026?
Budget EUR 7,500 for a solid site with a job feed and EUR 15,000 for a full version with ATS API, salary surveys and function pages. Timelines run 6 to 8 weeks.
Can we connect our ATS to the site?
Yes, most ATS platforms expose an XML feed or API. Real-time sync costs EUR 1,500 to 3,000 depending on the tool and removes double entry.
How many assignments can a website bring?
A well-positioned regional firm can target 2 to 5 assignments a year via the site, i.e. EUR 32,000 to 80,000 in fees at EUR 16,000 each.
Should we publish all our roles?
No, confidential searches stay offline. Publishing 60 to 70% of roles is enough to feed SEO and the candidate pool.
What are the GDPR obligations for CVs?
UK and EU guidance points to keeping CVs no longer than about 2 years after last contact. The site can automate candidate notices and purges for about EUR 600.
Let's scope your project. Tell us your target functions, your ATS and your annual assignment goal: we will price a website between EUR 7,500 and 15,000, deliverable in 8 weeks. Detailed quote within 48 h. WhatsApp +221 77 596 93 33.
Mohamed Bah
Fondateur, Kolonell
Passionate about digital and entrepreneurship in Africa, Mohamed has been helping Sénégalese businesses with their digital transformation since 2020. Founder of Kolonell, he believes every SME deserves a professional and accessible online présence.
