$20/Month Sounds Like a Deal Until You Do the Math
Let's start with some simple math. Imagine you're lured by the promise of a $23/month Wix Business plan. That's $276 a year. Over 10 years, and most businesses are in it for the long haul, you've spent nearly $2,800. And that's on the low end. Many businesses end up paying far more once they add premium features, apps, and storage upgrades. And for what? A site you don't even own. Meanwhile, a custom-built website, designed to your specifications and fully owned by you, might have a higher upfront cost but no recurring fees. Plus, it's yours for life.
I've seen small business owners get tangled in these subscription traps, thinking they're saving money. But in the long run, you're often paying more without any real equity in what you've built. A custom site is an investment in your business, not a recurring liability.
Consider the hidden costs too. If you decide to switch platforms later, you might be looking at migration fees. Or worse, the design and content you've paid for might not be transferable. This is something a lot of people don't realize until it's too late. You're essentially starting from scratch, costing you time and money that could be better spent growing your business.
The Wilmington Contractor Who Lost His Website Overnight
I had a client here in Wilmington who learned this the hard way. He was paying over $2,000 a month for his website and advertising. When he decided to cut back on advertising expenses, he found out the website wasn't his. The company he'd been working with owned everything, and when he stopped paying, his site and blog were gone!
This isn't uncommon. Many companies offer to bundle web design with advertising. Sounds convenient, right? But if you ever want to stop their services, you're left with nothing but a domain name. When I work with clients, I make sure they know from day one: every line of code I write is theirs. The site belongs to them 100% and they can take it anywhere they want.
Key Takeaway: If you're not owning your website, you're at the mercy of someone else's business model.
Imagine the impact on his local business. Clients trying to reach him online were met with a blank page. Potential new customers were lost to competitors. His online reputation took a hit just because he didn't own his site. This could happen to anyone who doesn't prioritize ownership.
Why Template-Based Websites Can Hurt Your Business
A cookie-cutter website can make your business blend in, not stand out. Templates from Wix or GoDaddy might seem like an easy solution, but they're often too generic. They lack the customization needed to truly represent your brand.
I've seen businesses struggle to differentiate themselves because their site looks just like their competitor's. When you're trying to attract new customers, you need to leave a memorable impression. Templates limit your ability to fully express your brand's personality and values. Instead, a custom site can be tailored exactly to what your business needs.
Real-World Impacts of Generic Sites
The SEO and Mobile-Friendly Myth of DIY Platforms
Wix and GoDaddy tout themselves as SEO-friendly and mobile-ready. But in practice, they often fall short. Their SEO capabilities are basic, leaving you at a disadvantage when trying to rank higher on Google.
A site built from scratch can be optimized from the ground up. It considers the unique needs of your business and location, crucial if you want to capture local traffic in places like Wilmington or the Brandywine Valley. Moreover, mobile optimization is not just about fitting the screen. It's about ensuring a seamless user experience across devices. DIY platforms often miss these nuances.
SEO and Mobile Optimization: What Really Matters
The Real Benefits of Owning Your Website
Owning a custom-built website gives you control. You decide how it looks, how it functions, and how it's optimized for search engines. It's scalable, as your business grows, your website can evolve with you. Plus, it offers unique branding opportunities that template sites simply can't match.
Owning your website also means you can implement the latest technologies and trends without being held back by platform limitations. You have the flexibility to innovate and improve the user experience continually.
How Kevin's Design Services Keep Your Costs Low
As a web designer in Wilmington, I keep things simple and transparent. My focus is on delivering high-quality, custom websites without the high overhead. You own the site completely, and I’m here to assist you as needed.
I don't push unnecessary features that inflate costs. Instead, I focus on what truly benefits your business. By understanding your needs and goals, I ensure that your website is a tailored tool for growth.
If you're looking to hire a web designer in Wilmington who values your ownership and growth, reach out. I'll make sure your website is an asset, not a liability. Contact me today to discuss how we can build a site that truly represents your business.