The Real Cost of a Cheap Website for Georgia Small Businesses
"We'll build you a website for $500!"
Sounds tempting, doesn't it? When you're running a small business in McDonough or anywhere in Henry County, every dollar counts. Why spend thousands on a website when you can get one for a fraction of the price?
Here's the truth: cheap websites are expensive. They cost you in ways you might not see immediately — but you'll feel them eventually.
The Hidden Costs of "Affordable" Websites
Lost Customers
A cheap website looks... cheap. And your customers notice.
What turns visitors away:
If your $500 website causes you to lose just 2 customers per month, and each customer is worth $200 in lifetime value, that's $4,800 in lost revenue in the first year alone. Your 'cheap' website just cost you 10x what you paid.
Poor SEO Performance
Many budget websites are built with no consideration for search engines.
What turns visitors away:
The result: Your competitors show up on Google. You don't. In Henry County, where local search drives business, being invisible on Google isn't just frustrating — it's expensive.
Security Vulnerabilities
Cheap websites often cut corners on security.
What turns visitors away:
The cost of a hack: Downtime while your site is broken, customer data exposure (legal liability), blacklisting by Google, reputation damage, emergency repair costs ($500-2,000+).
You Don't Actually Own It
Many low-cost web services use proprietary platforms.
What turns visitors away:
Always ask: 'Can I host this anywhere I want, or am I locked into your platform?'
No Support When You Need It
Budget web designers often disappear after launch.
What turns visitors away:
The reality: Many cheap web providers offer no ongoing support, or charge exorbitant fees for simple changes.
The Template Trap
DIY website builders advertise "professional sites for $15/month." Here's what they don't tell you:
1. You look like everyone else
Your competitor down the street might use the same template
2. Limited customization
You can only change what they allow
3. Generic SEO
Not optimized for your specific business or location
4. Platform lock-in
You can't take your site with you
5. Hidden costs add up
Premium features, custom domains, email, and support all cost extra
The Bottom Line: A template site is better than no site. But it's not a business asset — it's a subscription to someone else's platform.
A Real Cost Comparison
Let's compare the true cost of different approaches over 3 years:
Cheap Freelancer ($1,500 initial)
DIY Builder ($25/month)
Professional Agency ($6,000 initial)
The professional website actually makes you money.
What You're Actually Paying For
When you invest in professional web design, you're not just paying for a website. You're paying for:
Expertise
Strategy
Quality
Support
Signs You've Outgrown Your Cheap Website
If you're experiencing any of these, it's time to upgrade:
Investing Wisely in Your Website
A website isn't an expense — it's an investment. Here's how to get the most value:
Prioritize:
Avoid:
EJM Services: Quality That Pays for Itself
We're not the cheapest option in McDonough. And that's intentional.
What we offer:
The result:
A website that generates leads, builds credibility, and grows your business.
FAQ: Website Costs
How much should a small business website cost?
For a professional website that generates leads, expect to invest $3,000-$15,000. While this seems high, it's actually cheaper than cheap options when you factor in lost customers and necessary fixes.
Are DIY website builders worth it?
They're better than no site, but they're not business assets. You're renting someone else's platform with limited customization and poor SEO. Good for hobbies, not for serious businesses.
Why do cheap websites fail?
Poor mobile experience, slow loading, bad SEO, security issues, and generic design. They don't build trust or convert visitors into customers.
Can I upgrade from a cheap website later?
Yes, but you'll often need a complete rebuild. The money spent on the cheap site is wasted. It's usually better to invest properly from the start.
What's the biggest hidden cost of cheap websites?
Lost customers. If your $500 website causes you to lose just 2 customers per month worth $200 each, that's $4,800 in lost revenue in the first year alone.
Stop Throwing Money Away
True Cost Calculator
Calculate your real costs:
Annual lost revenue: $4,800
That's more than a professional website costs!
Ready for a Website That Works?
🌐 ejm.services
📍 McDonough, GA — Serving all of Henry County