The verdict in three sentences
In 2026 in Dublin, a small business website costs between 1,500 EUR (configured template) and 6,500 EUR excl. VAT (custom build). The template wins on upfront price, but the semi-custom route often wins on total cost over three years thanks to its scalability. The real trade-off isn't the entry price, it's what you'll want the site to do in two years.
Template, semi-custom or fully custom?
For a small business of 5 staff, three routes are credible. Here are the 2026 orders of magnitude on the Dublin market.
| Option | Upfront cost excl. VAT | Timeline | Scalability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Configured template | 1,500 - 3,500 EUR | 2 wks | Low |
| Semi-custom | 3,500 - 5,000 EUR | 5 wks | Good |
| Fully custom | 5,000 - 6,500 EUR | 9 wks | Excellent |
A template suits a business that simply wants to exist online. Semi-custom (solid base + personalisation) is the best value for anyone who wants to generate leads. Full custom is justified when your brand image is a strong sales argument.
Total cost of ownership over three years
The purchase price isn't the whole story. Add hosting, domain, maintenance and updates. Here's the real three-year bill.
| Line item | Template | Semi-custom |
|---|---|---|
| Initial build | 2,500 EUR | 4,500 EUR |
| Hosting (36 months) | 540 - 1,620 EUR | 540 - 1,620 EUR |
| Domain + SSL | included | included |
| Maintenance (36 months) | 1,080 EUR | 1,440 EUR |
| Updates/rebuild | 2,000 EUR | 800 EUR |
| 3-year total | ~6,700 EUR | ~7,900 EUR |
The gap narrows fast: the template looks half the price to buy, but the final gap is only 1,200 EUR for a far sturdier site. EU hosting sits between 15 and 45 EUR/month depending on traffic, domain and SSL included.
Mini case study
Sophie, owner of a joinery workshop in Dublin (5 staff), hesitates between a 2,500 EUR template and a 4,500 EUR semi-custom site. She picks semi-custom. Result: the site generates 6 quote requests per month versus 2 with her old Facebook page. On an average deal of 3,500 EUR with 30% conversion, the 4 extra requests yield 4 x 0.30 x 3,500 = 4,200 EUR monthly revenue. The 4,500 EUR investment pays back in just over a month.
Need a professional website?
Kolonell builds websites that attract clients, optimized for the Sénégalese market. Free quote in 2 minutes.
FAQ
Is a template really worse?
No, a well-configured, personalised template does the job perfectly for a small business. The risk isn't the template itself, but a template dropped in with no content or local SEO work.
How much is hosting in 2026?
Between 15 and 45 EUR/month for a showcase site, EU hosting, with domain and SSL certificate included in most agency packages.
Is local SEO included?
Basic local SEO (Google listing, tags, Dublin keywords) is usually included. In-depth support costs 200 to 400 EUR/month.
Can I edit the site myself?
Yes with a CMS. Semi-custom almost always includes a simple back office; a template depends on the chosen platform.
What's the minimum budget for a credible site?
Expect at least 1,500 EUR excl. VAT for a serious template. Below that, you mostly get a generic site that won't convert.
Let's scope your project. Tell us your trade, your desired page count and whether you're targeting lead generation or simple presence: we'll steer you to the right template or semi-custom package. 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.
