The expense of professional website design and development can be daunting, especially for new startups and small businesses on limited budgets. This leads many owners to seek DIY solutions or extremely cheap web design in hopes of saving money.
However, chasing the lowest possible website cost often backfires through damaging shortcuts, hidden fees and fatal flaws that require expensive reworking. When evaluating bargain-priced web design options, beware of these common budget-busting mistakes:
Opting for Do-It-Yourself Site Builders
User-friendly DIY website builders like Wix, Weebly, and Squarespace enable anyone to create a basic website with no coding skills required. But while convenient, their cookie-cutter templates severely limit customization options compared to hiring a professional cheap web designer. You sacrifice uniqueness and capabilities.
Skimping on Responsiveness
With mobile usage now dominant, a website must adapt seamlessly to any screen size. However responsive design is often carved out as an add-on service to drive up fees. Lack of mobile optimization cripples the user experience and SEO. Don’t accept a non-responsive site to save money upfront. The long-term costs will be much higher.
No Attention to Site Speed
Slow page load times hurt conversions and search rankings. However many bargain web designers ignore speed optimization entirely. Always evaluate actual metrics like time-to-interactive and page speed. Anything above 3 seconds is unacceptable. Speed optimization should be standard, not a premium add-on.
Minimal Revisions Allowed
Cheap web designers often impose strict limits on design revisions after initial site delivery, sometimes just 1-2 rounds. This prevents fixing flaws or aligning the site with your evolving brand. Seek unlimited revisions for at least 2-3 months, even if it costs more.
Cutting Corners on Security
SSL certification and other security measures are must-haves, not optional add-ons. But some cheap web designers make security an upcharge. Never compromise the protection of customer data and transactions. Security gaps will cost you much more long-term through breaches.
No Post-Launch Support Plan
Cheap web designers may wash their hands of you after an initial handoff, leaving you stranded when issues arise. Make sure continuous technical support and maintenance are contractually guaranteed for 6-12 months at a minimum. Paying extra here prevents headaches.
Hidden Subscription Fees
Cheap web design deals sometimes lure you in with seemingly cheap monthly subscriptions that end up ballooning over time. Watch for auto-renewals, long lock-in contracts, limitations on site hosting, and sneaky premium feature add-ons. Read the fine print!
Cutting Corners on Design
While professional custom design has a huge branding impact, some cheap web designers rely on cookie-cutter templates and stock imagery. Don’t compromise uniqueness and quality. Review portfolios closely and invest in custom graphics if needed.
No SEO Optimization
Many cheap web design packages exclude crucial SEO best practices like metadata optimization, alt text, compression, sitemaps, and page speed. But SEO is the most valuable traffic driver. Don’t settle for a site that ignores optimization to rank higher.
In summary, the lure of rock-bottom pricing often obscures serious downsides. Avoid the above mistakes and carefully vet cheap web designers to uncover any hidden gotchas before signing a deal. Your goal is maximizing long-term value, not just short-term savings. With diligence, you can find cheap website design that delivers quality without preventable pitfalls.
