Don’t Get Duped: Cheap Websites vs. Affordable Websites

Think of a cheap website like a fast-food burger. While it may fill a hole in the short term, it's not the healthiest option for you (or your business).

Here are the not-so-nice drawbacks of a super low-cost website...

Often, cheap websites lack important user-friendly features like e-commerce functionalities, mobile-friendly design, and contact forms. Imagine the frustration potential customers may feel when visiting a website that does not account for user-friendliness. This will only hurt your bottom line and their impression of your business.

Users form an opinion on your website in a flash - just 5 hundredths of a second!

Super cheap options often expect you to build the website yourself. You may have the best intentions, but without understanding design, coding, or SEO skills, your site will become a mess with clunky navigation, poor user functionality, terrible page load speeds, and downright confusion. This can lead to losing credibility, customers, and ultimately, revenue, as visitors may choose to go to your competitors with better-designed websites.

A positive user experience is crucial! A staggering 88% of online consumers won't return to a site after a bad experience, and 89% seek out competitors after encountering poor design, functionality, and seamless usability.

Everybody loves a bargain, and cheap websites purposely reel would-be customers in with an initial price tag that seems too good to be true. Be careful of hidden fees, such as ongoing maintenance, additional features, and add-ons or updates, which are all billed separately.

The budget-friendly route often leaves users with what they pay for—minimal to no customer support. Trust us, when things do go wrong, and they do, it helps to know there is someone who can help!

A cheap website design option may seem like a worthwhile investment now, but down the line, it can be hard to edit, update, or maintain your website. This means you will either be caught in the trap of continually paying to stay ahead or rebuilding an entirely new website, negating any initial savings you thought you'd make.

An affordable website design strikes a balance between price and quality. It may cost a bit more upfront but offers a much higher return on investment.

Here's what you get with an affordable website...

A website developer will work alongside you to understand your brand, needs, wants, and goals to create a website that showcases your unique identity. This collaborative approach means you'll also have more control over your website's functionality, look, and feel and how your products and services are displayed. An affordable website can still provide you with a level of customisation that aligns with your target audience and brand.

A responsive website looks great on a desktop computer as well as on any other device, such as a tablet or mobile phone. You can still get a mobile-friendly website when partnering with an affordable website designer like Lab007.

Mobile users want to buy! Over two-thirds are more likely to purchase on a mobile-friendly site.

Agencies prioritising design and affordability are experts in creating evolving websites that can provide flexibility and scalability as your business grows.

When you partner with a money-saving website developer, you get access to a partner, not just a product. This includes ongoing support, such as regular check-ins and troubleshooting, maintenance services like software updates and bug fixes, and security upgrades to protect your website from potential threats. You will have a clear idea of any costs involved and access to reliable customer service to help with any issues and answer any questions.

Whether inexpensive or expensive, website designers and developers prioritise security and will take the necessary steps to protect your and your customer's information.

Expect pricing structures upfront, with all features listed. This means you'll know precisely what you are paying for.

Website designers typically build sites with SEO in mind. This means you should have a great-looking website that loads quickly, is responsive, and has all the relevant optimisation techniques and strategies to help you climb search engine rankings and attract organic traffic.

With SEO, you can expect to see a massive increase in website traffic, exceeding organic social media results by more than 1000%.

Don't be afraid to shop around and compare the different website designers and web design agencies out there in New Zealand. Keep in mind your budget, needs, and long-term goals. A website is a valuable asset, and investing in it wisely will help you achieve those goals.

Here are some additional tips for finding an affordable website designer...

• Do your research: Read reviews and compare features before deciding.
• Define your needs: What are your must-have features? How much customisation do you need?
• Costing: Ask about ongoing costs, such as factors in maintenance, updates, and potential add-ons.
• Don't be afraid to negotiate: You might be surprised at what you can achieve with a little bit of communication.

Remember...

The best website for you will be based on your budget and goals. If you are starting out, a simple, affordable website might be all you need. But if your business is growing and you have clearly defined needs, it may be worth investing in a website that can help you achieve those goals.