Web Design
The True Cost of a Cheap Website
Written by Cassie Wright
Jul 01, 25
For many small businesses in Perth, a “cheap website” seems like a smart move — especially when starting out. Why spend thousands when someone on Gumtree or overseas can do it for a few hundred? But here’s the truth: while a cheap website might save you money upfront, it often costs you far more in the long run — in lost customers, wasted time, poor performance, and damage to your brand. At ist Digital, we’ve seen countless Perth businesses come to us after their budget website let them down. Here’s why cutting corners on your online presence rarely pays off.
1. You’re Paying for It Again — Sooner Than You Think
One of the most common stories we hear is this: a business hires a low-cost developer, launches their website, and then… nothing. No traffic. No leads. No support. Eventually, they pay again to rebuild the site properly.
A cheap website often becomes an expensive do-over.
2. Poor SEO = No Visibility
Many budget web builders skip basic SEO essentials like:
- Page titles and meta descriptions
- Heading structure
- Image optimisation
- Mobile responsiveness
Without proper SEO foundations, Google won’t rank your site — and customers simply won’t find you.
At ist Digital, every website we build is SEO-ready and tailored to Perth’s competitive search market.
3. Slow Sites Turn Customers Away
Slow load times are a conversion killer. If your site takes more than a few seconds to load, most users will leave — especially on mobile.
Cheap websites often use bloated templates, shared hosting, or uncompressed media that make your site lag.
Speed matters — for SEO and for sales.
4. You Don’t Own or Control Your Website
Many budget developers use closed platforms, generic templates or don’t give you access to the backend. If you want to update content, add a new service, or move your hosting — you're stuck.
You should own your digital assets, not rent them.
At ist Digital, we build on open, scalable platforms like WordPress or our own custom systems, ensuring full access and flexibility.
5. Design Matters More Than You Think
Your website is often the first impression customers have of your business. If it looks outdated, hard to navigate or cheap, people will assume your service is too.
Good design builds trust. Poor design creates doubt.
Our in-house Perth designers create custom, conversion-focused websites that reflect your brand and values — not someone else’s recycled template.
6. No Support, No Strategy, No Results
Cheap developers typically don’t offer post-launch support, performance tracking or marketing strategy. That means you’re left with a website that does nothing — and no one to help.
A website should be more than an online brochure.
It should drive enquiries, sales and growth.
At ist Digital, we work with you on ongoing marketing, SEO, and updates to help your website deliver real value.
Final Thoughts: You Get What You Pay For
A cheap website might look like a win… until it starts costing you leads, credibility, and growth. If you want your business to be taken seriously — by customers and Google — your website needs to reflect that.
📞 Ready for a Website That Works?
Whether you’re starting fresh or ready to rebuild, our Perth-based team is here to help. We create affordable, high-performing websites that grow with your business. And we are with you every step of the way for any queries or concerns along they way.
👉 Get in touch for a free consultation or request a website audit today.
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