After 17 years building websites for Cork businesses, I’ve seen it all. Here’s what nobody tells you about bargain web design.
We’ve all been there. You’re scrolling through Facebook and see an ad: “Professional Website – Only €199!” or “Build Your Dream Site – €99 Special Offer!” As a business owner watching every euro, it’s tempting. Really tempting.
But after nearly two decades helping Cork businesses establish their online presence, I need to share some uncomfortable truths about cheap website design. This isn’t a sales pitch – it’s a conversation I wish I could have with every business owner before they make a decision they’ll regret.

What “Cheap” Really Means

Here’s what budget website providers don’t advertise:

1. Template Prison

That €199 gets you a template used by thousands of other businesses. Want to change the layout? Add custom functionality? You’re stuck. Real customization costs extra – often more than a professional site would have cost initially.

2. SEO Nightmare

Cheap sites are built for speed, not search engines. Poor code structure, missing meta tags, and slow loading times mean Google ignores you. I’ve seen businesses pay €200 for a website, then spend €2,000+ on SEO fixes.

3. Mobile Disaster

Over 60% of your customers browse on mobile. Budget sites often look terrible on phones, with broken layouts and impossible navigation. Every frustrated mobile user is a lost customer.

4. Security Vulnerabilities

Cheap sites skip security essentials. No SSL certificates, outdated plugins, and poor hosting leave you vulnerable to hackers. One security breach can cost thousands in repairs and lost customer trust.

5. The Support Desert

When things go wrong (and they will), you’re on your own. No phone support, no emergency fixes, no guidance. Your website is down, customers can’t reach you, and you’re frantically Googling solutions at 2 AM.

The Real Cost of Downtime

Let’s talk numbers. If your website generates €1,000 monthly revenue and goes down for just one day, you’ve lost €33. A weekend outage? €67 gone.
I’ve seen Cork businesses lose:
  • €500+ in a single day from booking system failures
  • €2,000+ monthly from poor mobile experience driving customers away
  • €5,000+ annually from invisible SEO issues
That €199 “bargain” suddenly doesn’t look so cheap.

Why Professional Design Costs More (And Saves Money)

When you invest in professional web design, you’re not just buying a website – you’re buying:

Strategic Planning

We analyze your business goals, target audience, and competition before writing a single line of code. Your site becomes a marketing tool, not just a digital brochure.

Custom Development

Every element is built for your specific needs. Want a unique booking system? Custom product showcase? We build it properly the first time.

Future-Proof Foundation

Professional sites are built to grow with your business. Need to add e-commerce? Integrate with new software? The foundation supports expansion without rebuilding.

Ongoing Partnership

When you work with a professional, you get ongoing support, regular updates, and someone who understands your business. We’re invested in your success.

The Cork Advantage

Working with a local Cork web designer offers unique benefits:
  • Face-to-face meetings when needed
  • Understanding of local market and customer behavior
  • Same-day support when issues arise
  • Long-term relationship – we’re here for the journey

Making the Right Choice

I’m not saying every business needs a €5,000 website. But understand what you’re really buying:
Budget Option: Template site with basic functionality, minimal support, potential for costly problems.
Professional Option: Custom-built site designed for your goals, ongoing support, and strategic growth planning.

Questions to Ask Any Web Designer

Before choosing any web designer (including me), ask:
  1. “What happens when something goes wrong?”
  2. “How do you handle mobile optimization?”
  3. “What’s included in ongoing support?”
  4. “Can you show me examples of similar businesses you’ve helped?”
  5. “What’s your process for SEO and Google visibility?”

The Bottom Line

Cheap website design isn’t about the upfront cost – it’s about the total cost of ownership. A €199 website that needs constant fixes and generates no business isn’t a bargain. It’s an expensive mistake.
Your website is often the first impression customers have of your business. In Cork’s competitive market, you can’t afford to cut corners on something so crucial to your success.
The choice isn’t between cheap and expensive – it’s between short-term savings and long-term success.
Ready to discuss a website that actually works for your business?
I offer free consultations where we’ll review your current situation and discuss options that fit your budget and goals. No pressure, no sales pitch – just honest advice from someone who’s been helping Cork businesses succeed online since 2008.
Contact Imokilly Webs:
Based in Youghal, serving businesses throughout Cork and beyond.
What’s your experience been with website design? Have you fallen into the “cheap website” trap? I’d love to hear your story – the good, the bad, and the lessons learned.
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