Last week I got an email from someone who needed a website. Someone offered $500 to build it for them. That sounds like a good deal, doesn’t it?
When I see a price like this, I surmise the offer was by TGMBK (This Guy My Brother Knows) or a PFK (Pimply-Faced Kid). A professional web design company wouldn’t be around long if they offered prices like this.
We are creatures of belief. We want to think the $3,000 cash back from a car dealer is a deal. We want to believe our children are telling the truth when the evidence is to the contrary. And we want to believe that a $500 website will allow us to build a business.
Marketing your company with a $500 site is a gamble. Are you willing to gamble on your company’s success on a site like this? Building a high-quality website takes time and expertise from someone who has built dozens or hundreds of sites.
Why Super Low Prices Mean Trouble
Many companies are tempted by the idea of a super cheap website, often built by someone through a personal connection. But these cut-rate options often come with hidden costs. Here’s why:
Lack of Expertise: Building a high-quality website takes experience and knowledge. Someone who dabbles in web design might create a site that looks bad or doesn’t function well.
Long-Term Issues: A cheap website might not be built with search engines or user experience in mind. This can hurt your online visibility and make it harder to attract customers.
Wasted Time and Money: In the end, you might end up spending more time and money fixing a poorly designed website than you would have by hiring a professional from the start.
Here are three questions you should ask yourself when choosing a web design company:
Do They Have Success Stories?
The only way you can forecast the weather is to look at prevailing patterns and historical data. Choosing a web design firm is no different. They should have dozens of sites for you to look at so you can see a pattern of historical success, as well as the quality of their work. Is there a variety of work and skilled design structures?
Do They Specialize in Website Design?
Just because someone is good with computers, like reinstalling a printer driver or bringing your laptop back to life, it doesn’t mean they can create an attractive website that generates business. It would help if you had someone who focuses on web design. And, by all means, call the computer network company when you need additional security on your computers.
Are They Concerned About Your Long-Term Success?
A responsible web design company will think beyond just the site design. They’ll create a site that is also search engine friendly and converts visitors to leads or sales.
Hiring an inexperienced web designer can hurt you in the short run and the long run. I see people start a small business that spends tons of time and money on brochures or embroidered shirts when they should concentrate on a professional website.
Having a great website is foundational for your business for years to come. And that can’t be found by having your site designed by an amateur.
