7 Ways Your Web Design Company is Robbing You Blind
Most web designers are honest professionals. But like any industry, there are bad apples who exploit clients' lack of technical knowledge. Here are the 7 red flags that indicate you are being taken for a ride.
Key Takeaways
- Ownership: You must own your domain and hosting accounts.
- CMS Lock-in: Avoid proprietary platforms that tie you to one agency.
- Hidden Fees: Watch out for vague "maintenance" charges.
- Upsells: Don't pay for SEO or hosting you don't need or understand.
1. They Register the Domain in Their Name
The Scam: They buy your "www.yourbusiness.com" but register it under their account. Legally, they own it. The Fix: Always register your own domain (GoDaddy, Namecheap) and give the designer access. Never let them own your digital address.
2. Proprietary CMS Lock-In
The Scam: They build your site on their own "custom platform" instead of a standard like WordPress. If you fire them, your website breaks because no other developer can work on it. The Fix: Insist on an open-source or widely used platform (WordPress, Webflow, Shopify). You need portability.
3. Holding Your Site Hostage
The Scam: When you try to leave, they refuse to give you the login credentials or backup files, claiming you "leased" the site rather than bought it. The Fix: Read the contract. Ensure it states that upon final payment, you own all copyright and files.
4. Overpriced Hosting
The Scam: They charge you $50/month for hosting that costs them $5/month, without adding any value (like backups or security). The Fix: Ask what is included in the hosting fee. If it's just server space, buy it yourself directly.
5. The "SEO" Package that Does Nothing
The Scam: They charge a monthly fee for "SEO maintenance" but never produce a report or improve your rankings. They are just cashing the check. The Fix: Demand monthly reports showing traffic growth, keyword rankings, and work performed.
6. Charging for "Premium" Plugins
The Scam: They charge you full price for plugins (like forms or sliders) that they have a developer license for (meaning they get them for free or cheap). The Fix: Ask for an itemized list of software costs.
7. Hourly Billing for Minor Edits
The Scam: They charge a one-hour minimum ($150) to change a comma or swap a photo, which takes 2 minutes. The Fix: Get a CMS that allows you to make basic text and image edits yourself.
Conclusion
Knowledge is your defense. By understanding these tactics, you can ask the right questions and ensure you are partnering with an ethical agency that wants to help you grow, not just drain your bank account.
