Don't Build a Website Before Reading These 7 Shocking Developer Confessions

Building a website is an exciting step for any business. It’s your digital storefront, your 24/7 representative, and a key tool for growth. But behind the scenes, there are mistakes, oversights, and shortcuts that developers might not tell you upfront—until it’s too late.

Before you dive into building a website for your business, there are some eye-opening confessions from developers that you need to hear. These aren’t just technical details; they’re potential roadblocks that could impact your website’s success and, more importantly, your bottom line.

In this article, we’ll reveal seven shocking developer confessions that you absolutely need to know before launching your website. Get ready to be surprised—because these confessions could save you time, money, and a whole lot of headaches down the road.

Confession 1: DIY Website Builders Will Cost You More in the Long Run

Many developers won’t say it outright, but they know it’s true—those “build your own website” platforms that seem too good to be true, often are. DIY website builders like Wix, Squarespace, or even Shopify lure you in with promises of quick, cheap websites, but they hide a harsh truth: while they may save you money upfront, they could cost you more in the long run.

The reason is simple. These platforms limit your customization, flexibility, and growth. You get stuck with templates that don’t perform well, slow load times, and cookie-cutter designs that hurt your brand. Worst of all, as your business grows, these platforms can’t scale with you. Suddenly, you’re paying extra for every feature you need and outgrowing the platform altogether.

Here’s the confession: If you’re serious about long-term growth, skipping DIY builders from the start could save you from rebuilding your website entirely down the road.

Confession 2: Not All Developers Prioritize SEO (Even When They Say They Do)

SEO, or Search Engine Optimisation, is the key to getting your website found on Google. But here’s a little secret: not all developers actually optimise your site for SEO, even when they claim they will. Why? Because good SEO takes time, effort, and specialised knowledge. It’s more than just sprinkling a few keywords on your pages.

The reality is that some developers may cut corners on SEO to speed up the project. They’ll build a website that looks great but lacks the behind-the-scenes technical details that make it easy for search engines to find. Things like optimizing images, creating clear URL structures, or making sure your site loads quickly on mobile devices—these often get overlooked in the rush to launch.

What’s the result? You have a shiny new website that no one can find. Before you hire a developer, ask them specific questions about their SEO process, and make sure they’re building with visibility in mind from day one.

Confession 3: Page Speed Is More Important Than You Think (And It's Often Ignored)

Here’s something that may shock you: the difference between a page that loads in two seconds and one that loads in five seconds could be a 90% increase in your bounce rate. That’s right—just a few seconds of delay can send nearly all your potential customers packing.

But here’s the kicker: many developers don’t put enough focus on optimizing for speed. They get caught up in making the website look pretty, but neglect to streamline the code or compress the images to make the site load faster.

Why is page speed so important? First, it’s a ranking factor for Google. The slower your site, the lower you appear in search results. Second, today’s users expect lightning-fast load times, especially on mobile. If your page doesn’t load quickly, users will leave before they even see your content.

If you want to avoid this mistake, ask your developer to prioritize speed optimisation. It might mean fewer flashy elements on your site, but it will improve user experience—and ultimately, your conversion rates.

Confession 4: Mobile Optimisation Isn’t a ‘Nice-to-Have’—It’s Non-Negotiable

A shocking number of websites are still not optimised for mobile. Even worse, some developers treat mobile responsiveness as an afterthought. In 2024, that’s not just a bad idea—it’s business suicide.

With over half of web traffic coming from mobile devices, you can’t afford to have a site that doesn’t work on phones and tablets. Yet many developers still focus on desktop versions of websites and only adapt to mobile at the end of the project. The result? A clunky, difficult-to-navigate mobile site that frustrates users and drives them away.

Mobile optimisation should be baked into your website from the very beginning. From the layout and design to the speed and functionality, every element should be built with mobile users in mind. If your developer isn’t focusing on mobile, you need to ask why—and fast.

Confession 5: Custom Features Can Make or Break Your Website

Many business owners want custom features on their websites, like booking systems, quote calculators, or interactive product galleries. These features can be game-changers for your business—when done right. But here’s the confession: not all developers are honest about the challenges of implementing these features.

Custom features often require advanced coding, testing, and ongoing maintenance. Some developers might promise you the moon without fully explaining the time and cost involved. Or worse, they might deliver a feature that looks good on the surface but doesn’t work as intended, leading to endless bugs and customer complaints.

Before committing to any custom features, make sure your developer walks you through the process. Ask how it will be built, tested, and maintained. A good developer will set realistic expectations and offer alternatives if your request is too complex or costly.

Confession 6: Security Isn’t Always a Priority (Until Something Goes Wrong)

It’s the confession that no developer wants to admit: security isn’t always top-of-mind during the development process. Why? Because building a secure website requires extra work, extra testing, and a lot of boring behind-the-scenes tasks that don’t show immediate results.

But here’s the truth: if your website isn’t secure, you’re opening yourself up to hackers, data breaches, and costly legal problems. Just one security flaw could expose your customers’ information, or worse, damage your reputation permanently.

So, how do you ensure your website is secure? Ask your developer about their security protocols. Are they using secure hosting? Do they implement SSL certificates? Are they keeping your CMS (Content Management System) updated? If they aren’t talking to you about security, it’s time to find a developer who will.

Confession 7: You’ll Still Need to Update and Maintain Your Website

Many business owners think that once their website is live, the work is done. Unfortunately, that’s far from the truth. Websites need regular updates, maintenance, and adjustments to stay functional, secure, and effective. But here’s the confession: most developers don’t emphasize the importance of ongoing maintenance—because they want to finish the project and move on.

A website that isn’t regularly updated will start to slow down, break, or even become vulnerable to hackers. Not only that, but search engines love fresh content. If your website is just sitting there, untouched, it’s going to drop in rankings, making it harder for customers to find you.

The takeaway? Don’t assume your website is set-it-and-forget-it. Make sure you have a plan in place for ongoing updates, whether that’s through your developer or a managed service. A good website is always evolving to meet the needs of your business and your customers.

What to Do Before Building Your Website

Building a website is a significant investment, and it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of launching a new online presence. But the confessions we’ve shared highlight a critical point: not all websites are created equal. The choices you make before and during the development process will have lasting impacts on your business.

Here’s what you can do to avoid the pitfalls:

• Ask Questions: Don’t be afraid to ask your developer tough questions about SEO, page speed, security, and mobile optimisation. A good developer will be transparent about these topics and ensure your website is set up for success.

• Plan for the Future: Think about where your business is going, not just where it is today. Your website should be able to grow with you, so consider scalability from the start.

• Prioritize What Matters: While flashy designs and fancy features can be fun, focus on what really matters—speed, usability, security, and getting found on search engines.

• Don’t Settle for DIY: If you’re serious about growing your business, leave DIY builders behind and invest in a website that will help your business thrive.

By avoiding these common mistakes and working with the right developer, you can create a website that not only looks great but drives business growth for years to come.

At Paragon Panda, we’re here to help you build a fast, secure, and fully optimised website that grows with your business. No upfront fees, no hidden charges—just a low monthly cost that ensures your site is always performing at its best. Ready to get started? Let’s chat today.