Why Cheap Websites Can Cost You More in the Long Run
We get it. Budget’s tight, you need a web presence, and Wix or another drag-and-drop builder promises a free, fast, and easy way to get online. But what’s the real cost of that “free” website?
Here’s the thing: those savings might be costing you business.
1. You Don’t Own It And That’s a Problem
Free and low-cost platforms like Wix, Weebly, or GoDaddy site builders typically host your website under their terms. That means limited portability and functionality. Want to migrate your site later? Good luck. You’ll likely have to rebuild from scratch.
2. SEO Limitations Hold You Back
Google ranks websites based on speed, structure, content quality, and security. Many cheap platforms have bloated code, slower load times, or limited SEO tools (like meta tag customization). That’s a problem for anyone serious about organic growth.
Want to know what Google looks for? Google’s SEO starter guide is a helpful resource.
3. Brand Credibility Takes a Hit
Your website is often your customer’s first impression. Templated design, generic fonts, and built-in ads (“This site was built with Wix”) can erode credibility. A polished, professional site signals trustworthiness; especially in B2B or high-value industries.
4. Security and Support Gaps
Many low-cost builders lack robust security features, routine maintenance, or backups. If your site goes down or gets hacked, you’re often on your own. That’s not a risk most businesses can afford.
5. What You Save Upfront, You Lose in Growth
As your business grows, you’ll likely want custom features, integrated forms, CRM tools, gated content, scheduling, e-commerce. But most free or cheap platforms can’t scale easily, forcing you to pay for piecemeal upgrades or start over elsewhere.
In Summary:
Yes, a cheap website might get you online quickly. But in the long run, the true cheap website cost could be lost leads, credibility, and growth.
If your website is your digital storefront, don’t settle for a folding table in an alley.
Need a Site That Works as Hard as You Do?
YellowDog helps small and mid-size businesses build secure, search-optimized websites that grow with you. From strategy and design to maintenance, we’ve got your back.
