You’ve probably seen the adverts. “Professional website – only £99!” Sounds like a great deal, right? Unfortunately, it’s often a case of “you get what you pay for.” While a £99 website might seem like a cost-effective solution at first glance, it can actually harm your business far more than it helps. In this article, the experts at Jamlis Web will break down what a £99 website really gets you – and why it might not be the smart move for your brand.
We understand the cynics out there might think we just want you to use our affordable web design services for a little more. Of course we do. But we think it is fair to explain why you actually should.
What Does a £99 Website Actually Include?
Let’s be honest, building a high-quality, SEO-optimised, content-rich site takes time, skill and attention to detail. So, what exactly do you get for a £99 website? Perhaps three hours of someone’s time?
A One-Size-Fits-All Template
Most £99 websites are built using generic templates. There’s little to no room for branding, personality or business-specific features. Your site might end up looking identical to dozens of others. That’s not a great way to stand out.
Limited Pages and Functionality
Typically, you’ll only get a handful of pages. Usually a home page, contact page, and maybe a services page. Anything beyond that? That’ll cost you extra.
No Real SEO Consideration
A website that isn’t optimised for search engines won’t be found online. And if your £99 website isn’t being found, what’s the point?
Why a £99 Website Could Cost You More in the Long Run
While £99 websites seem affordable, they can end up costing your business significantly more over time.
Lack of Professional Content
You’re unlikely to get professionally written copy for your £99 website. That means your site might be full of spelling errors, poor grammar, and unconvincing messaging that drives potential clients away. Or you’re likely to have to supply the copy yourself. Do you have time for that? More importantly, do you know how to write persuasive, SEO-friendly content that speaks to your ideal customer? If not, you could end up with a site that looks okay but fails to convert visitors into paying customers.
No Custom Features
Need an integrated booking form, secure payment system or newsletter signup? Don’t expect those in a £99 package. You’ll either be stuck with rigid, off-the-shelf functionality or have to pay extra to bolt on features that should’ve been part of the original build.
SEO? Probably Not
Without SEO-friendly coding and structure, your site won’t rank well on Google. And if your business websites don’t show up in search results, you’re missing out on potential customers. Cheap websites are rarely built with proper on-page SEO in mind—meaning you’ll have to pay someone later to fix what should have been done right from the start.
Time Is Money
Let’s not forget the time you’ll waste dealing with problems, chasing the original designer, or trying to piece together missing elements. That time could be better spent growing your business, not firefighting poor web design.
The Dangers of a Poor First Impression
Your website is often the first thing potential customers see when they come across your business. A £99 website can make you look amateurish, outdated, or worse, untrustworthy.
You Only Get One Chance
Visitors make snap judgments. If your site looks like it was built in a rush or on the cheap, you risk losing trust instantly. First impressions matter, especially online. People will quickly associate the look and feel of your site with the quality of your products or services. If your website looks sloppy or dated, potential customers may assume your business operates the same way. They might not even stick around long enough to read what you do.
On the flip side, a polished, professional site builds instant credibility, encourages people to explore more, and makes them feel confident about getting in touch. You can’t afford to lose that opportunity.
What a Proper Website Should Offer
When done right, your website should be a tool that works for your business, not against it.
Here’s what a professional, well-built website provides:
✅ A bespoke website design tailored to your brand
✅ SEO-optimised pages to help you get found online
✅ Clear, persuasive content written by professionals
✅ Fast loading speeds and mobile responsiveness
✅ Secure and reliable hosting
✅ Ongoing support and updates
All of the above simply can’t be included in a £99 website. It’s not realistic.
Why Custom-Coded Websites are Worth the Investment
A £99 website can’t match the flexibility, performance and long-term value of a professionally built bespoke website. Our team at Jamlis Web hand-codes each site, making sure it runs smoothly and works perfectly on all devices. That means better SEO, faster loading times and a better experience for your users.
It’s Not Just About the Website
Your website reflects your business. If you cut corners with your online presence, people might assume you cut corners elsewhere too. Cheap websites give off the wrong impression, especially when compared to polished, professional business websites.
If your competitors are investing in better websites and online marketing, that £99 website might be the reason you’re losing customers without even realising it.
If Something Is Too Good to Be True…
We’ve all heard the phrase before, and when it comes to websites, it couldn’t be more accurate. If someone’s offering you a fully built website for £99 or even “free”, there’s always a catch.
Hidden Costs Lurking in the Background
A super low price tag might cover a basic homepage, but what about everything else? Want to edit the content later? That’ll cost you. Need hosting, email setup, or a contact form that actually works? Yep, more money. Many £99 websites are designed to draw you in and then sting you with expensive add-ons, hosting fees or overpriced maintenance packages that quickly outweigh the initial savings.
Do You Even Own Your Site?
One of the biggest risks is you might not actually own your website. In some cases, you won’t have access to the files, the backend, or even the domain. That means if you want to move providers or make big changes, you’re stuck. Or worse, you lose everything and have to start from scratch.
Beware of “Free” Offers
The most dangerous offer? The one that claims it’s totally free. If you’re not paying with money, there’s a good chance you’re paying with your data. You may unknowingly agree to terms that allow your information to be shared or sold. It’s the oldest trick in the book: if the product is free, YOU are the product. And that’s not a gamble any business should take.
When it comes to your online presence, cutting corners can cost far more than you save.
Ready for a Website That Actually Works?
At Jamlis Web, we offer more than just good-looking websites. We offer custom-coded, SEO-optimised, professionally written and hosted websites that actually support your business goals. We’re based in Derby but work with startups, SMEs and growing businesses across the UK.
Ditch the £99 website idea. Visit our site, check out our affordable packages, and get in touch with our friendly team today. Let’s build you something better.