11/08/2026
🚨SMALL BUSINESSES BEWARE🚨
Maybe it's the sun, but I'm seeing so many offers on social media and online forums recently along the lines of: “I’m building my portfolio and will create your website for free if you cover the domain and hosting costs.”
I CALL 🐃💩!!!
It sounds like a win-win deal, doesn’t it? But beneath the surface, these offers often hide pitfalls that could cost you dearly in the long run.
In many cases, these so-called “portfolio-building” projects are run by established companies or individuals masquerading as beginners. The promise of a free website is merely a hook to draw you in. What you typically receive is a low-quality, template-based website that looks generic and lacks any meaningful customisation.
While the initial offer might seem appealing, the real costs start piling up once you realise what’s missing. Common issues include:
Lack of Essential Features: Need SSL certification for security, a professional contact form, or additional pages for your growing business? Expect to pay hefty fees for these basic elements.
Non-Existent SEO: Your site may look functional but fail to rank on search engines, leaving you invisible to potential customers.
Additional Services Mark-Up: Business email accounts, analytics integration, or e-commerce functionality may not even be offered - or they’ll come at an inflated price.
Loss of Domain Control: Many providers register the domain under their own name. This isn't a problem with reputable providers, however, a less reputable one may make it difficult (or impossible) for you to transfer it elsewhere if needed.
Handing over your online presence to an unknown entity can jeopardise your business. A poorly designed or non-secure website reflects badly on your brand and could alienate potential clients. Worse, if you lose control of your domain or hosting, recovering it can be a costly and time-consuming process.
If it seems too good to be true, it normally is!
At Codeless Creations, I provide professional, bespoke websites tailored to meet your specific business needs. From SSL certification to SEO optimisation, custom forms, and scalable solutions, I ensure your online presence is secure, polished, and future-proof. Plus, you retain full control over your domain and hosting 👍
For a free, no obligation quotation, please contact me on 07967 750580 or email [email protected].
