Let's Talk About That.

You've probably seen the adverts.

Free Website. No Upfront Cost. No Setup Fee.

It's an attractive offer, especially if you're a new business or trying to keep a close eye on cash flow.

But it does raise an interesting question.

How can a web design agency afford to design, build, host and support websites for free?

The answer is simple.

They can't.

And that's not a criticism.

In reality, "free websites" are usually just a different way of paying for a website.

Buying vs Leasing

Think of it like a car.

You can buy one outright.

Or you can lease one and spread the cost over monthly payments.

Neither option is right or wrong. They simply suit different circumstances.

Websites work much the same way.

Buying A Website

Traditionally, businesses have commissioned a website and paid for it upfront.

Once built, the website becomes a business asset. In most cases, the intellectual property, design and content belong to the client.

There will still be ongoing costs such as hosting, maintenance and support, but the website itself is owned by the business.

For many established businesses, this remains an attractive option because it offers greater control and often lower costs over the long term.

Paying Monthly For A Website

A growing number of agencies now offer websites on a subscription basis.

Rather than investing £2,000, £3,000 or more upfront, businesses pay a monthly fee instead.

The agency covers the initial build cost and recovers that investment through monthly payments over time.

Often, hosting, maintenance, support and updates are included too.

For start ups and businesses looking to preserve cash flow, this can be a very appealing model.

So How Do Free Website Providers Make Money?

The same way any other business does.

Let's imagine an agency has 1,000 customers paying £20 per month.

That's £20,000 per month in recurring revenue.

The website wasn't really free.

The agency simply financed the upfront cost and recovered it over time.

Again, there's absolutely nothing wrong with that.

In fact, it can be a win for both parties.

The agency benefits from predictable recurring income.

The customer benefits from avoiding a large upfront investment.

Everybody wins.

The Questions Worth Asking

Whether you're considering a traditional website or a monthly website package, here are a few important questions:

• Who owns the website?
• Who owns the domain name?
• Can I move the website elsewhere if I choose to?
• What happens if I cancel?
• Are updates included?
• Is support included?
• What will the total cost be over three years?

The answers to those questions will tell you far more than whether a website is described as "free".

Which Option Is Better?

The honest answer?

It depends.

Some businesses prefer to invest upfront, own the website and keep ongoing costs to a minimum.

Others would rather spread the cost and keep more cash in the bank.

Both approaches can work.

The important thing is understanding the model you're signing up to and choosing the option that best fits your business.

Because when somebody advertises a free website, what they usually mean is:

"We'll cover the upfront cost and recover it through monthly payments."

And that's perfectly reasonable.

As long as it's explained clearly.

Looking For Advice?

Whether you're considering a traditional website project or a monthly website package, we're always happy to explain the pros and cons of both.

No jargon. No pressure. Just honest advice.

Branding. Marketing. Websites.

Nettl of Fareham