Frequent Ways Small Businesses Get Scammed by Web Design Companies
When it comes to building a website for your small business, choosing the right web design company can be tricky. Unfortunately, there are many ways small businesses get scammed or taken advantage of by unethical companies. Here are some of the most common pitfalls to watch out for.
Recycled Themes and Designs
One of the most frequent scams small businesses encounter is when a web design company takes a generic theme or template and uses it across multiple clients. While there’s nothing inherently wrong with using templates, the issue arises when companies charge premium prices for a “custom” design that isn’t truly unique. In this scenario, you’re paying more for a service that doesn’t reflect your brand’s individuality and may look exactly like another business’s website.
Overcharging for Initial Builds
Another common scam involves web design companies drastically overcharging small businesses for the initial build of their website. These companies may take advantage of your lack of technical knowledge to inflate costs, leaving you with a website that’s not worth the price you paid. It’s essential to compare quotes from multiple designers and ask for detailed breakdowns of what’s included in their pricing.
Low Initial Cost with High Ongoing Fees
Some web design companies entice small businesses with cheap initial pricing, only to hit them with high fees for ongoing maintenance and updates. They may charge a low upfront cost to build your website but lock you into expensive monthly maintenance packages or charge excessive fees for making simple updates. To avoid this, be sure to ask about long-term costs before signing any contracts and clarify what’s included in the initial price versus ongoing fees.
Excessive Hosting and Domain Markups
Lastly, some companies charge exorbitant fees for services like hosting and domain registration. In many cases, they purchase these services cheaply and mark them up significantly when reselling them to clients. An internet consultant can help you avoid this by guiding you toward trusted, affordable hosting and domain providers.
