Or maybe you're using Wix or another cheap budget builder
If you just need something simple to just 'exist', sure. Go spin up a Squarespace account or give Wix a try (*deep sigh*). Better yet, give your cousin's mate's kid $100 and let 'em have at it. Or give that $100 to the homeless guy - at least you'll feel great afterwards.
You know what all cheap slap-together websites all have in common? They suck.Have a squiz here if you want the details on why you should avoid them. That's not to say that businesses haven't been able to make a living, hell even thrive, using these platforms but it's a hell of a lot of work and still doesn't get you to where you could be. The businesses that do half-alright using them generally outsource the work to specialists in those areas. That's where we come in. Here's a glimpse at the swamp of sh*t we help you avoid.
Common issues with these uh.. budget-friendly platforms
- Slow loading timesAffects user experience and SEO rankings.
- Broken images and linksDamages credibility and frustrates users.
- Not showing in GoogleIndicates SEO issues or penalties.
- Hard to editMakes site maintenance and updates difficult or more costly.
- Things 'just not working'
- Limited to basic functionality
- Site errors or loading issuesCan drive users away and affect SEO.
- Inconsistent brandingAffects brand recognition and trust.
- Limited functionalityRestricts user engagement and site potential.
- Looks poor on some devices but alright on others(yea, they suck on mobiles)
- Slow and convuluted editing processUsing Wix? I'd rather rub sand in my eyes.
- Your content isn't yours.It's a closed system. If you ever need to move, too bad. They provide zero tools or support to migrate your content elsewhere. You're on your own.
Users
A list of all the users in your account including their name, title, email and role.
| Name | Title | Role | Edit | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Edinburgh | ||||
| Lindsay Walton | Front-end Developer | lindsay.walton@example.com | Member | |
| Courtney Henry | Designer | courtney.henry@example.com | Admin | |
✅ Positives:
- Cheap monthly cost.
- Easy to set up if you have time and patience.
- Hosting and maintenance are included.
❌ Negatives:
- Looks like a DIY job-doesn’t stand out.
- Slower website speed (can hurt SEO).
- Poor SEO performance, so it’s harder to get found on Google.
- You’re stuck on Wix’s platform, making it hard to move to a better setup later.
Bottom Line:
Good if you’re just starting out and don’t care about looking professional or getting high Google rankings. But it’s hard to grow your business on a Wix site.
✅ Positives:
- More design flexibility than Wix.
- Can be SEO-friendly if the freelancer knows what they’re doing.
- You own the site (unlike Wix).
❌ Negatives:
- High upfront cost.
- Slows down over time due to bloated page builders.
- Most freelancers disappear after the project ends-you’re left managing it yourself.
- You’re responsible for updates, security, and backups unless you pay extra for ongoing support.
Bottom Line:
Better than Wix, but it’s often a cookie-cutter design that can slow down your site. You might end up paying more in the long run for maintenance and fixes.
✅ Positives:
- Completely custom design that makes your business stand out.
- Superior performance-fast loading and great SEO.
- Fully managed-you don’t have to worry about hosting, updates, or fixes.
- Unlimited updates included-if you want to add new pages or tweak content, it’s covered.
- No upfront cost-just a low monthly fee.
❌ Negatives:
- You don’t own the website unless you negotiate a buyout.
- Monthly fee might feel expensive if you’re not thinking long-term.
Bottom Line:
Ideal if you want a high-performing, hands-off website solution that grows with your business. It’s a smarter investment long-term compared to Wix or a $2,000 WordPress site.
Q: Why shouldn’t I just stick with Wix?
A: Wix is fine if you’re just starting out and want something quick and cheap. But if you want to grow your business, attract more customers, and stand out, Wix will hold you back. It’s slower, has worse SEO, and the DIY look won’t build trust with your customers.
Q: Do I own the website if I choose the $99/month option?
A: You don’t own the code itself unless you negotiate a buyout. However, you get full access to request any changes or updates-and you never have to worry about managing it yourself. Think of it like leasing a high-performance car with all maintenance included.
Q: What if I want to make changes myself?
A: The $99/month option is fully managed to save you time, but if you want to tinker with things like content or images, we can set up an easy-to-use content editor for you. It gives you control over updates without the hassle of managing the technical stuff.
Q: Why is a custom-coded site better for SEO?
A: Custom-coded sites are built for speed and performance, which Google loves. Wix and many WordPress templates use bloated code that slows your site down-hurting your rankings and losing you potential customers.
Q: What happens if I want to leave the $99/month plan?
A: No hard feelings! We can provide a buyout option if you want to own the site outright. Or, if you prefer to move to another platform, we’ll help you with the transition.
Q: What’s the catch with unlimited updates?
A: There’s no catch. If you need new pages, content tweaks, or updates, it’s all included. We want your website to keep growing with your business without charging you extra for every little change.