Why Cheap Websites Are No Longer Possible in a Professional Context
In today’s digital landscape, where nearly every business needs a strong online presence, it may seem tempting to look for cost-effective solutions for website creation. Platforms like Wix, Squarespace, or inexpensive WordPress templates often promise quick and affordable creation of an attractive website. But the truth is that cheap websites are no longer possible in a professional context.
There are numerous factors that must be considered when designing a successful, professional website – and these factors make it simply impossible to create a website “quickly” and “cheaply” if you aim for a sustainable and successful solution. Below, we discuss the most important points that must be considered when building a modern and competitive website.
1. Responsive Design for Mobile Devices
In a world where more and more people are browsing on smartphones and tablets, it is essential that websites are designed to be responsive. This means they must adapt to the screen size and resolution of the device. Responsive design requires more than just an attractive layout – it must be functional and user-friendly.
Implementing responsive design takes additional time and effort. It is not enough for the website to just look good on desktop computers. Different screen sizes must be tested, and optimizations must be made to ensure that content is displayed well on all devices. This increases the complexity and therefore the costs.
2. Security and Data Protection
With the GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) and other data protection regulations, the requirements for website security have increased significantly. It is no longer sufficient to simply install an SSL certificate. Website operators must ensure that all data entered by users is processed and stored securely. Additionally, detailed data protection and legal notice (Impressum) information must be provided.
Security measures such as regular backups, protection against hacking attacks, and managing user rights are essential to protect a website from potential risks. These measures require ongoing maintenance and updates, often beyond the capabilities of amateurs and demanding professional expertise.
3. Accessibility
The accessibility of a website is another crucial aspect that cannot be overlooked. The Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI) has developed standards to ensure that websites are accessible to people with disabilities. This means that websites must be usable by people with visual impairments, motor disabilities, or cognitive difficulties.
Creating an accessible website requires special adjustments, such as the use of content compatible with screen readers, the correct semantic structure of HTML, and clear, understandable navigation. These factors increase the effort and make a "cheap" website simply impossible if professionalism and legal requirements are to be considered.
4. Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
Without search engine optimization, a website can hardly be successful. It is not enough to create a website and put it online. Without SEO, the site will disappear into the depths of the internet and will be difficult to find by potential customers. A good SEO strategy requires continuous analysis and adjustment.
On-page optimization, keyword research, meta tags, fast loading times, and mobile optimization are just some of the many factors that make up a professional SEO strategy. These are all aspects that cannot be covered by a "quick-build" site and require an investment of time and money.
5. Content Management and User Experience (UX)
Another key element of a professional website is user experience. How easily can visitors find the information they are looking for? How intuitive is the navigation? Professional web design goes far beyond just appearance – it’s about providing a seamless and satisfying user experience.
A solid content management system (CMS) like Joomla or WordPress makes it easier to manage and maintain content. However, it requires professional structure and implementation to create a user-friendly and effective website. A poor user experience leads to high bounce rates and thus potentially lost customers.
6. Scalability and Maintenance
The requirements for a website do not end once it goes online. A website must be regularly updated and maintained to remain up-to-date. This applies not only to security updates but also to content and the technology behind it.
Additionally, a website should be scalable. This means it must be able to keep up with the growth of the business. Whether through the integration of a shop system, additional features, or a growing number of users – a website must be built from the outset so that it can be expanded flexibly. A cheap solution can rarely offer this.
7. Technical Search Engine Requirements
In addition to classic SEO, there are also technical aspects that must be considered, such as loading speed, structured data, indexing, HTTPS, mobile usability, and more. Google and other search engines place increasing value on these technical aspects, which means that a deep understanding of web technologies and their correct implementation is necessary.
Technical optimizations, such as minimizing load times through image compression, using content delivery networks (CDNs), or correctly implementing structured data, are crucial for ranking well in search engines. Simple website builders or cheap solutions usually do not offer the possibility to meet these requirements.
8. Ongoing Adjustments to New Standards and Technologies
The internet is constantly evolving. Technologies and standards change, and to stay competitive, websites must be continuously adjusted to these developments. A website that functions well today could be technically outdated in a few years.
This means that companies need to develop a long-term strategy for their online presence, which considers not only the current version of their website but also future developments. Cheap solutions often cannot offer the flexibility needed to meet these requirements.
9. Ongoing Adaptation to Current Law
Another aspect that cannot be overlooked with professional websites is the ongoing adaptation to applicable law. Especially in the European Union, there are constant changes in the areas of data protection, cookies, and e-commerce. The GDPR was just the beginning; new regulations like the ePrivacy Regulation are already in the pipeline. These legal changes have a direct impact on how websites must be designed and operated.
Businesses must ensure that their websites always comply with the current legal requirements to avoid costly fines. This requires regular reviews and adjustments to privacy policies, cookie banners, contact forms, and more. A one-time adjustment is often not enough – websites must be continuously updated to meet the latest legal requirements.
10. Costs Over a Defined Period
Creating and maintaining a professional website is not just a one-time expense. Over a period of three, four, or five years, the costs for modernizations, security updates, legal adjustments, and occasional relaunches accumulate. Many companies underestimate these ongoing costs, which are necessary to remain competitive and legally compliant.
Modernizations not only involve fixing technical problems but also adapting to new design trends, improving user-friendliness, or integrating new functionalities. It is advisable to carry out a relaunch at regular intervals to keep the website technologically up to date and meet the changing needs of the target audience.
The long-term costs can be substantial, depending on the scope of the adjustments and modernizations, but they should be accounted for from the start to avoid unpleasant surprises. Investing in continuous maintenance and occasional overhauls ensures that the website remains up to date and avoids both technical and legal risks.
Conclusion
Creating a professional website is a complex process that takes numerous aspects into account, from responsive design and security to SEO and user experience. A website that meets all these requirements simply cannot be cheap, as it requires ongoing expertise, maintenance, and adjustments. Companies that want to be successful online must be willing to invest in a solid and professional solution.
Cheap websites may seem tempting at first glance, but they can lead to significant problems in the long run and negatively impact business results. Anyone looking for a website that professionally represents their company and remains competitive in the future should not opt for a "cheap solution." Investments in quality, professionalism, and sustainability pay off in the long term.