Ah, the web model... This word that can make designers' eyes shine and make entrepreneurs break a cold sweat. Surely you have already heard this phrase: “I want a site that is beautiful, fast and cheap.” (Spoiler: it's like wanting a gourmet restaurant for the price of a fast food restaurant).
Before you start creating a website headlong, there is one crucial step that you should not skip: the web model. It is she who lays the foundations for the design, the user experience and the overall structure of the site. A bit like architect's plans before building a house (because otherwise, hello wobbly walls).
But how much does that cost exactly? Between the express landing page, the professional showcase site and the ultra-personalized web app, prices can vary from simple to fivefold. So how do you find your way around and avoid the pitfalls? What elements influence the price of a web model in 2025? And above all, should you go through an agency or use a freelancer?
In this article, We demystify the cost of a web model, giving you concrete examples, price ranges and tips to optimize your budget.
Hang on, we're taking you behind the scenes of web design! 🚀
Building a website without a model is a bit like wanting to build a house without an architect's plan. You can, of course, start laying bricks at random and see what happens... but chances are that it's more like a poorly played Jenga game than a dream villa.
The web model is used to structure your project, by defining ergonomics, navigation, design and even user interactions. It is at this stage that we decide if your call to action button will be clearly visible or if your menu will look like a treasure hunt.
Today, we no longer draw a model on Paint (even if it was fun in 2005). Web designers use powerful software to prototype and test interfaces before even writing a line of code. Among the stars of the game:
With these tools, you can design interactive pages, simulate the user experience, and test several versions before starting web development.
You may think that making a mock-up is a waste of time. After all, you might as well cut to the chase and start development right away, right? 🤔
Fatal error.
Because correcting a poorly thought-out design afterwards costs a fortune. Without a mockup, you may find out in full development that your menu is too complicated, that your layout does not work, or that the user experience is a nightmare. Result: you start all over again... and it hurts the bill.
A well-designed mockup makes it possible to streamline the work of developers. They no longer have to guess where to put each item or how an interaction should work. Everything is clear, validated and documented. The result: less back and forth, fewer frustrations and a project that progresses more quickly.
Basically, a good model is a GPS for your web project. Without it, you risk taking a lot of unnecessary detours... and arriving much later than expected! 🚗💨
Not all websites are the same, and of course not all models are the same. A one-page site with three buttons and a beautiful image does not require as much work as an e-commerce application with 200 product references and a smooth conversion tunnel.
A quick overview of the different types of sites and their impact on the complexity (and therefore the price 💸) of a web model:
The Fuga site is a good example of a project requiring a complex model. Lots of pages, lots of content to organize and a robust CMS to manage everything. Here, we cannot be satisfied with a simple template: you have to think about information architecture, user experience and adapted content management system.
If you are offered a 3-course menu or an all-you-can-eat buffet, the price will not necessarily be the same. For a web model, it's the same: the more pages, the more work.
A custom design is necessarily more expensive than a basic template. If you add custom animations, unique illustrations, or an ultra-smooth scroll effect, it requires more design time. The result: a higher bill.
Example: a startup that wants a clean showcase website with 4 static pages and a blog will not have the same resources as a brand that wants an immersive user experience with 3D effects and micro-interactions.
A web mockup is not just a beautiful image. It is also a strategic tool that must take into account the real requirements of the site even before the start of development.
Take SEO into account from the start
Accessibility: a site for everyone
Specific features and integrations
All these options should be anticipated from the model, as they influence the design and configuration. If they are not taken into account at this stage, it can lead to additional costs (and headaches for developers 🤕).
If you are wondering how much to invest in designing your website, the answer depends (obviously) on the size of your project, its level of complexity and your specific needs.
Here is an overview of the price ranges for different types of web models made in agencies.
Great for?
👉 Why this price? A landing page is a unique page with a clear message, an impacting design and a clearly visible call to action. The objective is simple: to convince quickly.
⚠️ Template or tailor-made? To stay in this price range, it is often best to use an existing template, which will then be adapted to your brand. However, be careful:
If you want a fully personalized landing page, plan to budget around €1000 instead.
📌 Read on the subject: How much does the web design of my site cost?
Great for?
👉 Why this price? A One Page site (or “scrolling” site) groups all the sections together on a single page. Unlike a landing page, it can contain several parts (presentation, services, testimonials, contact form...).
What affects the price:
For a truly premium version with advanced animations and strong customization, the price can go up to €3,000 or more.
Great for?
👉 Why this price? A showcase site is composed of several pages (home, services, about, contact...). Its aim is to present the company and its services in a clear and professional manner.
What affects the price:
💡 Example of realization of our studio: Fuga
Fuga's site required work on content management (CMS) to structure a large amount of information. This type of project requires a well-thought-out model so that navigation remains fluid and intuitive.
Great for?
👉 Why this price? A web or mobile application is not just a basic site: it requires a thorough reflection on the user experience and the customer journey.
What affects the price:
In this type of project, the model becomes a key element, because it makes it possible to test the courses and validate the ergonomics before starting the development (which avoids having to do everything again afterwards 🚀).
📌 Read on the subject: Why is Figma still the number one web design tool in 2025?
You have defined your project, your budget, and you are ready to start creating your web model. But a crucial question arises: should you use a web agency or use a freelancer?
Both options have their pros and cons, and your choice will depend on your budget, the complexity of your project, and the level of support you're looking for. Decryption.
If you are looking for a complete and structured service, an agency is undoubtedly the best option.
Why choose a web agency?
Ideal for companies and ambitious projects If you need a tailor-made model, a strong visual identity and optimized integration, going through a web agency is a safe choice.
📌 Read on the subject: How to choose an agency to create your web design?
⚠️ The downside? The price. Working with an agency is generally more expensive than a freelancer, but in exchange, you get comprehensive expertise and seamless management.
If you're on a tighter budget and looking for a more flexible solution, freelancing can be a great option.
Why choose a freelancer?
Great for small businesses, startups, and freelancers. If you have a smaller project (showcase site, landing page) and are comfortable with project management, a freelancer can be an excellent choice.
⚠️ The disadvantages?
If you thought that a web model was just a “small sketch” made in a hurry before development... you are now enlightened. A well-thought-out model is the foundation of a successful site, a way to avoid unpleasant surprises and to optimize the overall funds of the project.
👉 A simple landing page? A small budget may suffice.
👉 A complete showcase site? It is better to think carefully about the user experience.
👉 A web application or an ambitious project? The mockup is becoming essential to avoid endless back and forth with developers.
Agency or freelancer, simple or premium model, what counts above all is to define your needs in advance to choose the best option.
And if you want a well-structured, well-designed, and well-executed project, it's best to surround yourself with the right experts. Book a time with one of our experts to find out more 🚀
