When should a trade choose an agency instead?
If you need full brand strategy, paid media, and large content programmes, an agency may fit. For a straightforward trade website with maintenance, our annual plan is simpler.
Build My Trade Site vs a web agency
Quick verdict: Agencies suit larger rebrands and multi-channel campaigns, but many trades overpay for retainers they barely use. Build My Trade Site focuses on one job: a credible local trade website with preview-first billing.
Agencies often bundle strategy, branding, and ads. If you mainly need a dependable website that turns searches into calls, a focused trade offer with a private preview may be simpler and easier to budget.
| Feature | Build My Trade Site | Traditional web agency |
|---|---|---|
| Typical upfront cost | £495/year after Site Acceptance (no deposit) | Often £2,000–£10,000+ project fees plus monthly retainers |
| Preview before payment | Yes — private Website Preview before any payment | No — proposals and deposits usually come first |
| Built for UK trades | Yes — tailored to local service and trade businesses | Varies — many agencies serve multiple industries |
| Enquiry handling | Enquiry forwarding included in Annual Website Plan | May include CRM integrations at additional cost |
| Ongoing maintenance | 6 maintenance updates per year plus technical upkeep | Retainer-based — scope changes add cost |
| You own the website | Yes — your domain, your business presence | Yes, depending on contract and deliverables |
Common questions
Is £495/year too cheap to be quality?
The price reflects a focused Starter Trade Website, not open-ended agency scope. You review a real preview before paying, so quality is judged on the work — not a pitch deck.
Do agencies offer preview-before-payment?
Rarely. Most agencies work from proposals and staged invoices. Our preview-first model reduces commitment risk for owner-operators.
What's included in the Annual Website Plan?
Starter Trade Website, six maintenance updates per year, technical maintenance, enquiry forwarding, Local SEO Foundation, and basic site analytics.