And we get it. Websites are a big investment, and it’s tempting to go with what looks like the cheaper or easier option. But what often feels like a shortcut ends up being the long, expensive way around.

Here are just a few real-life client examples of how things can go wrong and how to avoid becoming the next cautionary tale.

1. The Mate-of-a-Mate Web Developer

The Setup: A client was sold into a “good deal” from a friend’s cousin who builds websites on the side while working in IT.

What Went Wrong:

• The site was built with outdated tech and minimal skill.
• There was no training, no documentation, and no way to make updates.
• The developer went MIA, and the client was stuck.
• Eventually, they had to rebuild from scratch.
  
  

The Lesson:
Just because someone “works in IT” doesn’t mean they’re qualified to build a business website, and rarely does it mean they’ll provide the ongoing support required. Websites need to be functional, secure, and flexible, not just “done.”

2. The Swanky Sales Pitch That Fell Flat

The Setup: Another client signed on with a big-name agency after being wowed by a polished sales presentation.

What Went Wrong:

• The work was outsourced overseas with little oversight.
• Pages were slow, broken, or riddled with errors.
• Mobile responsiveness was not part of the package.
• The design was clunky and unusable.
• The client needed to bring in multiple external specialists just to fix the mess.
  
  

The Lesson:
Don’t confuse a big agency name with better outcomes. Ask who’s actually doing the work and what happens after the site goes live.

3. DIY Disappointment

The Setup: Trying to save money, the client built their own site using a cheap web builder.

What Went Wrong:

• No user journey mapping, no design structure, no clear navigation.
• Inconsistent pages and clunky formatting led to high bounce rates.
• It looked cheap, and felt worse.
• Eventually, we were brought in to rebuild it properly.
  
  

The Lesson:
DIY tools are great in theory. But without design and UX knowledge, you’re likely building a site that confuses customers instead of converting them.

What These Stories Have in Common

• No strategic guidance.
• No long-term support.
• No accountability when things go wrong.

These stories aren’t rare. They’re very common. And they’re avoidable.

What You Get When You Work With Us

We’re a small, experienced team that builds websites with:

• Long-term usability in mind.
• Modern tech and industry best practices.
• Transparent communication and support that doesn’t vanish after launch.
• A focus on strategy, not just aesthetics.

We’ve rebuilt too many broken sites to count. We’d rather get it right the first time.

Thinking of a new website or fed up with your current one?  Let’s chat.
It doesn’t need to be complicated, it just needs to be done properly.