The cost of cheap websites: what you save upfront could cost you later

When budgets are tight, it is tempting to go for the cheapest website option. A quick build, a low price — job done. But while a cheap website might save money upfront, it can often cost you far more in the long run.

Here is why paying less for your website can end up meaning more stress, more fixes, and missed opportunities down the line.

Why cheap does not always mean good value

There is a big difference between affordable and risky. A well-built, simple website can be excellent value. But if something is cheap because corners have been cut, you are likely to run into problems sooner than you think.

Common problems with cut-price websites

• Poor user experience: Confusing navigation, slow load times, awkward mobile layouts
• Bad SEO foundations: Missing meta tags, poor heading structure, unoptimised images — all of which make it harder for people to find you
• No flexibility to grow: Cheap builds often come with rigid templates or limited functionality, making future updates difficult or impossible
• Security issues: Lack of updates, weak hosting, or bad code can leave your site vulnerable to hacks or downtime

How to spot the difference between affordable and risky

• Check whether the site is being fully custom-built or simply slapped together from a basic template
• Ask what happens if you need changes later — will you be able to update things yourself?
• Find out whether SEO and accessibility have been considered or if they are missing entirely

Investing in something that works for you

A good website is an investment. It helps people find you, understand what you do, and take action — whether that is getting in touch, signing up, or making a donation.

When your site works well, it saves time, reduces frustration, and supports your wider marketing efforts.

Photo: Negative Space