June 2nd, 2025

Let’s be honest. Everyone wants a website (even a cheap website) that looks sharp, works perfectly on mobile, ranks on Google, converts leads, loads fast, tells their brand story, and even makes money while they sleep.

And yet… people still ask if it can be done for three grand or less.

Spoiler alert: No. It can’t.
Not if you want it to actually work. And certainly not if you want to grow.

So let’s unpack what really goes into a website build—and why a cheap website might cost you more in the long run.

image with a cardboard computer and text saying if your website sucks it won't convert

1. Strategy Isn’t Just “Having a Meeting”

A proper website starts well before the design phase. That means:

  • Discovery sessions
  • Audience and persona research
  • SEO and analytics audits
  • Mapping business goals to user needs

This isn’t fluff—it’s the foundation. Skip it, and you’re building a house with no real objectives, or plans.

2. Design That Converts (Not Just a “Looks Nice” Cheap website)

Sure, your mate’s cousin can throw something together in Canva. But real web design involves, and takes into account:

It’s not just about making it look good—we make it perform. Because at least 4 of those things above also directly or indirectly affect SEO too.

3. Development: More Than “Pushing It Live”

Behind every good website is a lot of hidden technical work, like:

  • CMS setup (WordPress, Silverstripe, etc.)
  • Template or custom development
  • Building and populating pages
  • Setting up forms, bookings, e-commerce
  • Security, speed, and integrations

All of that takes time—even for pros. Especially if you want it done right the first time.

4. SEO, Compliance, and the Fine Print

If nobody can find your website, what’s the point?

We’re talking:

  • On-page SEO (titles, headings, metadata)
  • Redirects and crawlability (Website Migration)
  • Sitemap and robots.txt setup
  • Analytics tracking
  • Cookie and privacy policy compliance

Google’s picky. We make sure your site is ready for indexing… And ranking.

5. Testing, Launch, and Hand-Holding

Launching isn’t just pressing a button. It involves:

  • Browser and device testing
  • DNS and domain configuration
  • A thorough pre-launch checklist
  • Admin training or walkthroughs
  • Post-launch support

We’re with you through the lot—from the first click to going live and beyond.

6. Ongoing Optimisation (This Is Where a Cheap Websites Falls Over)

This is where budget websites start collecting digital dust. Real websites need:

  • Regular updates and security checks
  • SEO improvements: Onpage, Content, Usability, Backlinks, Site health and performance
  • Analytics reviews
  • A/B testing and conversion tracking
  • Ongoing strategy

Otherwise, they just sit there. Static, stale, and underperforming. What would you do if you had a staff member like that?

7. What About the Extras?

  • Copywriting and Content that actually converts
  • Branded photography or videos
  • CRM integrations
  • Multilingual content
  • International SEO
  • Advanced booking or quoting tools (Self-selection tools)

All of these make a massive difference—and none are included in a barebones quote.

So, What Does a Proper Website Cost?

It depends, but to give you a ballpark:

  • Launchpad websites (lean, strategic, and scalable): From $6,000–$10,000+
  • Growth-Driven Design retainers: From $1000–$10,000/month

If you’re thinking about a full custom build with all the trimmings, launched in one big bang and never touched again?

Save your money. Honestly.

That “perfect website” doesn’t exist, and chasing it is a fast way to blow your budget and end up with a site that’s outdated the day it goes live.

We don’t do bloated, traditional builds.
We do smart, strategic websites that evolve over time, fuelled by real data and real user behaviour.

You’re not just buying a website.
You’re investing in a digital asset designed to grow with your business.

The $3K (or less) Cheap Website Trap

Let’s be real. If someone’s quoting:

  • $3K or under
  • No research or strategy
  • A templated theme
  • No plan for growth

You’re not getting a business tool. You’re getting a digital pamphlet with an expiry date. Probably even pre-launch, if you’re taken too long to go live. Don’t let your website become outdated! Especially before you even launch it.

What You Should Expect from a Quote

A proper proposal should include:

  • Strategy and discovery
  • Design and user experience
  • Development and content population
  • SEO setup and analytics
  • Testing and launch support
  • Ongoing, Continuous improvements and support (where you can set the budget)

And it should align with your business goals—not just a list of pages.

CTA-image-for-a-free-instant-website-audit-for-growth-driven-web-design

Final Thought: Cheap Websites Cost More Over Time

Whether you’re launching a new business or refreshing your brand, here’s the deal:

If you want a website that delivers real results, you can’t treat it like a one-off cost.

Before you go hunting for the cheapest deal, ask yourself:

Do I want a cheap website, or do I want one that works?

Now, in the interest of fairness:
There is one exception to the “$3K won’t cut it” rule…

The Only Smart Way to Launch on a Lean Budget?

A Growth-Driven Design (GDD) Launchpad Website.

This isn’t a full-scale, every-bell-and-whistle build. It’s a strategically slimmed-down site focused on launching quickly with just the essentials to start collecting data, testing what works, and building from there. And there is a chance you may be able to launch something basic for around 3k…

But there’s a catch (a good one):

You need to commit to ongoing improvements.

That means:

  • Monthly optimisation
  • SEO and content growth
  • UX testing and refinements (Continuous Improvements)
  • New pages and features based on actual performance

It’s not a “set-and-forget” website. It’s a launch-and-learn platform.

So yes, a Launchpad site might get you off the ground for a lower upfront investment, but it only works if you keep improving it.

Otherwise, it’s just a half-built plane you never finish.

Ready to Build Something Worthwhile?

At Back9, we don’t do cheap websites, or cookie-cutter. We do strategy, creativity, and Growth-Driven Design… Backed by data and focused on results.

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