In today's digital world, a website is one of the most important tools that a business can have. It's a way to connect with customers, promote your products or services, and drive sales.

The number of websites continues to grow rapidly as they appeal to a wider audience. In 2010, there were 210 million web pages. However, not all websites are created equal. 

There are many companies that offer cheap website design and development services. And while you may be tempted to go with one of these companies to save money, there are some very good reasons you should avoid them.

The 7 Hidden Costs of Cheap Websites

1. Poorly Designed

When you work with a low-cost website design company, you run the risk of getting a generic, cookie-cutter website that does a poor job of representing your brand. This can hurt your business in many ways, including making it difficult to compete against other companies in your industry.

It's important to have a website that reflects your brand identity, and cheap templates often don't allow for this. Additionally, the developers working with these templates may not have the experience needed to make customisations or changes down the road. This could leave you stuck with a website that doesn't properly represent your business.

There is a direct correlation between the cost of a website and its quality. If you want a website that is going to be effective, you need to be willing to invest in it. Otherwise, you will end up with a site that is poorly designed and difficult to use.

2. Unprofessional

This is another important factor to consider. You may find a template that is quite similar to the one you have in mind for your business. However, it is not always about how it looks.

The problem with cheap templates is that they are often unprofessional – and this will reflect badly on your business. It is important to remember that your website is one of the first things that potential customers will see.

If you want to give your business the best chance of success, it is essential that you create a professional image from the very beginning.

3. Poorly Coded

If you are not a developer, it can be hard to tell if a website has been coded well or not. However, it is important to remember that the code is the foundation of your website. If it is not well-written, your website will not function properly. This can lead to several problems, including slow loading times and numerous errors.

4. Poor Quality Servers

Another problem with cheap websites is that they are often hosted on poor-quality servers. This can lead to several problems, including slow loading times and downtime.

5. Not Optimised for Search Engines

If you want your website to be successful, it is important to ensure that it is optimised for search engines. Cheap websites are often not optimised for search engines, which means that your website will be less visible to potential customers.

6. Not Mobile Friendly

Most of us now access the internet via a mobile device such as a smartphone or tablet. In fact, over 60% of all internet usage is now performed on a mobile device, so if your website is not designed to be viewed on a mobile phone or tablet, then you could be losing out on a lot of business.

7. Not Backed by Good Customer Support

If you encounter any problems with your website, you will want to know that you can get help quickly and easily. With a cheap website, you might find that the customer support is not as good as it could be, and you could end up waiting a long time for any issues to be resolved.

Why should you avoid cheap websites? Because cheap websites are often poorly designed, unprofessional, poorly coded, hosted on poor quality servers, not optimised for search engines and not mobile friendly. Also, cheap websites are often not backed by good customer support.

Tips for Finding a Quality Website Design Company

Now that you know how to spot a cheap website, you might be wondering how to find a quality website design company. Here are some tips to help you out:

1. Look for a Company with Experience

If you want to find a quality website design company, you should look for a company with experience. A company that has designed and developed lots of websites will have the experience and knowledge necessary to create a high-quality website for you.

2. Check the Portfolio

You should also check the portfolio of the company you are thinking about working with. This will give you an idea of the quality of websites that the company has created in the past, and you will be able to see if they have experience in designing websites in your industry.

3. Read Online Reviews

You should also read online reviews of the company you are thinking about working with. This will give you an idea of what other customers have thought about the company, and you will be able to see if they have been happy with the websites they have designed.

4. Get a Quote

When you have found a company that you think you might like to work with, you should get a quote from them. Doing so will give you an idea of how much they will charge you for the work they do, and you will be able to compare prices with other companies.

5. Ask Questions

You should also ask lots of questions when you are talking to a website design company. This will help you to get a better idea of what they can do for you, and you will be able to see if they are the right company for you.

Conclusion

There are many reasons why cheap websites are a bad idea. First, they often look unprofessional and can turn potential customers away. Second, they may not be built with search engine optimisation in mind, meaning that your site will be harder to find online. Finally, cheap websites may not be able to provide the same level of functionality and features as more expensive ones, leaving you with a subpar experience.

If you are looking for a web design agency in Sydney, contact DSIGNS. We specialise in branding, web design and digital marketing and want to help your website succeed today!