Web design agency for businesses that think big
We build websites and digital platforms for speed, search visibility, and conversions – powered by strategy and built for ongoing business growth. Work with a team that’s still thinking about your project long after launch.
15 years. 250+ clients. Partnerships that last.
Consistent results start with the right relationship. Based in Exeter, Devon, we work with businesses across the South West and the UK. Here’s what we’ve achieved together.
Say hello to
Lightning-fast load speeds
Supercharged search visibility
Enquiries or sales in under 3 clicks
High impact first impressions
Engaged visitors that become customers
Easy-to-manage content at any scale
Break free from
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Quick and dirty websites – because they only get you so far
Getting a website live is easy. Building one that’s easy to scale and integrate with new tools is harder. Many websites work fine on day one but become a headache the moment your business needs something new. We build with flexibility in mind, making it easier to add features, launch campaigns and adopt new systems without costly rebuilds.
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One and done launches – because you deserve better
Some agencies consider a project finished the day a website goes live. Launch is just the point where real users start interacting with the site, and we’re there to support what comes next. Through ongoing improvements, testing and analysis, we help increase conversions, uncover opportunities and keep your website performing at its best.
Thinking Beyond the Build
Too many websites are built without the bigger picture in mind. Yours won’t be. With our simple three step process, every decision is tied to your goals, creating a website that supports the wider business rather than existing alongside it. It delivers real performance beyond launch – because we stick around to make sure of it.
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01
Define
We’ll begin by understanding the business behind the website – clarifying your unique audience, objectives and commercial priorities before a single layout is designed. Strategy first. Design second.
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02
Design
This is where strategy becomes reality. We’ll design and build for conversion, carefully balancing your unique brand expression with speed, usability and accessibility. Clarity wins customers.
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03
Amplify
Launch is the starting point, not the finish line. Through support, optimisation and ongoing design iteration, we help you continually drive better results as a long term partner. Amplify your site.
Our team
Studio Illicit guarantees a smooth agency experience here in Exeter. You’ll get a dedicated project manager to keep everything on track, while our design and development specialists focus on their craft – no generalists or juniors working on your time. We’re straight-talking, approachable, and fully invested in every project, bringing the South West’s top talent to your work.
Our Services
Brands we’ve enhanced
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FAQs
How much does a bespoke website cost?
Every project we take on is completely unique, so pricing depends on what your business actually needs. A streamlined brochure site will will naturally cost less than a fully custom eCommerce platform or heavily complex platforms with integrations and advanced functionality.
What we can promise is transparency from day one. We scope projects properly, quote clearly and build websites designed to perform, scale and last, not just look good for launch day.
How long does a website project take?
Timelines vary depending on the size and complexity of the project, but most websites take anywhere from 4 weeks to a few months from discovery to launch.
We keep the process refreshingly straightforward: discovery, design, development and launch. The more prepared your content and feedback are, the faster things move. Every site is designed with a mobile first mindset from the beginning, ensuring your website looks sharp and performs properly on every device. Either way, we’ll set realistic timelines from the start and keep everything moving smoothly.
Can you work with my existing website?
Yes. We often work with existing websites that have a solid foundation but need improvements to perform better. That might mean adding new features, improving site speed, fixing usability issues, strengthening SEO, or refining key conversion paths.
In many cases, targeted improvements can deliver significant results without the cost and disruption of a full rebuild. We’ll assess your current website, identify opportunities for improvement, and recommend the most effective next steps based on your goals.
If you’d like an expert view of what’s working, what isn’t, and where the biggest opportunities lie, book a free website audit.
Do you build Shopify or WooCommerce websites?
We’re proudly platform agnostic, so you have complete freedom of choice. We build with both Shopify and WooCommerce because each has its own strengths depending on your goals, products and workflows.
If you already have a preference, we’ll work with it. If not, we’ll guide you towards the platform that gives your business the best mix of performance, flexibility and scalability.
What makes Studio Illicit different from other web design agencies?
What really sets us apart is our long term mindset. We don’t see launch day as the finish line. The best websites evolve over time through data, refinement and intentional improvements. If you want us in your corner, we’ll become an extension of your team, supporting growth long after your site goes live.
What industries do you specialise in?
We work with startups and SMEs. We especially love partnering with businesses in Retail & Lifestyle, Tech & SaaS, and Built Environment: like minded industries that value high conversion, clarity and creative solutions to complex problems.
Not sure you fit the bill? Call us about your web project – we’re flexible when it comes to the right brief.
What matters most is building a website that genuinely reflects your brand and helps you achieve the results you need. Every project is tailored from scratch, so your website never feels like a recycled solution from another sector.
Do I need to be local to work with your Devon web design studio?
Not at all. We love being based in the South West, and although we provide web design for businesses in Exeter and across Devon, we also work with companies throughout the UK.
Some projects happen face to face, while others happen entirely remotely through video calls, shared workflows and regular collaboration. Whether you’re down the road or in another country, the process and the results stay exactly the same.
Do you work with AI?
We use AI as a tool to help optimise workflows, speed up processes and support ideation, not to churn out clichéd concepts or generic websites.
Everything we create is still shaped by human thinking, strategy and creativity. Our service is intentionally human centric, so AI is simply another part of the toolkit.
Can you help with branding, copywriting and SEO?
Yes, and this often makes a huge difference to the final result. SEO, GEO (for AI search) and marketing in particular are integrated into our process from day one. If you need an extra boost an existing site or one we have built, check out our Illicit Amplify package.
We also work with a trusted network of photographers, filmmakers, copywriters and digital marketing specialists to help elevate every part of your online presence. Whether you need sharper messaging, stronger visuals or a complete brand refresh, we can bring the right people into the project and manage everything under one roof.
Let’s work together
The best projects begin with a great relationship. Let’s begin the conversation.