As a web developer who's worked with countless small businesses and contractors, I've seen firsthand the frustrations that come with establishing an online presence. While everyone knows they need a website, few realize the true complexities and costs involved until they're knee-deep in the process.
Let's break down the real challenges small businesses face with their websites - and discuss why the traditional solutions might be causing more problems than they solve.
Many small business owners start their journey with DIY website builders, attracted by promises of $20/month websites that "anyone can build." The reality? Hidden costs stack up quickly:
Meanwhile, hiring a freelance developer for a custom site often requires a significant upfront investment of $3,000-$10,000, plus ongoing maintenance costs that aren't always clear at the outset.
Consider an all-inclusive approach where your monthly investment covers everything - professional development, hosting, maintenance, and updates. For example, our clients pay $175/month for a completely managed solution, eliminating unexpected costs and providing budget certainty.
One of the most common stories we hear goes like this: A business owner starts with a DIY website builder, spending countless evenings trying to make their site look professional. Six months later, they're still tweaking layouts instead of focusing on their core business.
Studies show small business owners spend an average of 20 hours building their initial website - time that could be spent generating revenue in their actual business.
Working with a dedicated web design agency means you can focus on what you do best - running your business. Your only time investment should be providing initial input and occasional content updates, not wrestling with technical details or design decisions.
Today's websites require attention to:
Each of these aspects requires specific technical knowledge, and getting any one wrong can impact your business's online presence.
With a managed service, these technical aspects are handled proactively. Our clients never worry about security updates, backups, or technical maintenance - it's all included in their monthly service.
Many business owners struggle with website content, facing challenges like:
Look for a web partner who provides content support and guidance. While you're the expert in your business, your web team should help translate that expertise into effective online content. This includes:
Your website doesn't exist in isolation. It needs to work seamlessly with:
A managed website service should help ensure all these pieces work together effectively. Your web partner should provide guidance on integrating your website with other digital marketing efforts.
With mobile traffic now dominating online searches, businesses can't afford to have websites that don't work perfectly on all devices. Yet achieving and maintaining mobile optimization requires ongoing attention and expertise.
Professional development and ongoing management ensures your site stays optimized for all devices and keeps pace with web standards. This includes regular testing and updates to maintain mobile performance.
Consider the real value of your time and the importance of your online presence. A professionally managed website service at $175/month typically includes:
When compared to the true costs of DIY solutions or traditional web development, this approach often proves more cost-effective while delivering better results.
If you're struggling with your business website, ask yourself:
Stop struggling with website challenges that take you away from your core business. Professional, managed website services provide a predictable monthly investment while ensuring your online presence truly serves your business goals.
Ready to learn more about how a managed website service could work for your business? Contact us to discuss your specific needs and how we can help create and maintain a website that works as hard as you do, and check out our packages here!