Last Update: 18 days ago
Website Builders
When starting a new website, it’s tempting to go with a cheap and easy website builder. After all, who doesn’t love a good deal? But sometimes, what seems like a simple, affordable solution can end up costing more than you expect in the long run. Let me share a recent experience with a client that highlights this perfectly.
Not long ago, a client reached out to me wanting to add some unique, custom functionalities to their existing website. They had spent months building their site and were ready to take it to the next level. But when I dug into the project, I discovered their website was built using GoDaddy’s website builder.
Now, to be clear, this isn’t meant as a criticism of website builders like GoDaddy. They serve a great purpose for getting a site online quickly and affordably. But every tool has its limitations. In this case, the platform’s structure simply didn’t support the advanced features the client wanted to add.
The client had invested heavily in their website, with over 50 pages and nearly 400 images. They had worked hard to create something they were proud of. Unfortunately, their choice of a website builder didn’t offer the flexibility needed for further customization.
The only way to move forward was to rebuild the site from scratch using a more flexible platform. This meant moving all the content, making sure SEO rankings stayed intact, and investing more time and money—far more than the client had anticipated when they initially chose a budget-friendly option.
The goal here isn’t to say anything bad about website builders. Tools like GoDaddy, Wix, and Squarespace are great for getting started quickly and with minimal cost. However, it’s important to consider your long-term needs. If you envision your website growing or requiring custom features in the future, a more flexible platform may be the better choice from the beginning.
By considering your long-term goals now, you can avoid needing to rebuild your site or face unexpected costs down the road. Platforms like Next.js, WordPress, or custom-built solutions may require more investment upfront, but they offer the scalability and flexibility that might save you time, money, and effort later on.
Choosing a cheap website builder might seem like the easiest option, but it can end up costing you more in the end. The key is to think twice before deciding which platform to use. Make sure it aligns with both your current needs and future goals, so you don’t find yourself having to start over.
Need help choosing the right platform for your website? Contact us to find out how to plan for long-term success.
