Why Most Small Business Websites Fail — And How to Avoid It
Why Most Small Business Websites Fail — And How to Avoid It
If you’re a small business owner in Western Australia, having a website is essential. But many businesses launch a site only to see it underperform, break, or become outdated within months. The truth is, most small business websites fail — not because of poor design, but because of a lack of ongoing support and maintenance.
Here’s how to avoid the common pitfalls.
1. Choosing the Wrong Provider
You have two options: an expensive agency or a one-off freelancer.
- Agencies charge thousands upfront and often include services you don’t need. They may take weeks to respond to small changes.
- Freelancers are cheaper, but once the site is built, you’re usually on your own. Updates, fixes, or security issues become your responsibility.
The result? Many sites stagnate or break, costing you leads and credibility.
2. Failing to Maintain Your Website
Websites aren’t “set and forget.” Without regular updates:
- Pages become outdated
- Technical issues accumulate
- Google rankings drop
- Users lose trust
Even minor edits, like changing text or updating an image, can fall by the wayside if there’s no support structure.
3. Overlooking Hosting and Security
Many small businesses underestimate the importance of reliable hosting and security. A website can go offline or get hacked if:
- Hosting isn’t monitored
- Security updates aren’t applied
- Performance issues aren’t addressed
Downtime or slow pages can mean lost customers and frustration.
4. The Hidden Costs of “Cheap” Solutions
DIY builders and cheap freelancers may seem appealing, but hidden costs add up:
- Time spent learning tools
- Plugins or add-ons for missing features
- Paying again for fixes or optimizations
- SEO and speed issues that hurt visibility
These costs can quickly outweigh the initial savings.
How West Coast Web Designs Solves These Problems
At West Coast Web Designs, we take a different approach. We combine a one-time $500 setup with a $49/month support fee to provide small businesses with a website that works today and tomorrow.
What You Get
- Complete website build: Custom design, mobile-friendly layout, and everything your business needs.
- Ongoing edits to existing content: Update text, images, or pages anytime at no extra cost.
- Reliable hosting and security: We keep your site online, secure, and performing.
- Technical maintenance and monitoring: Any issues are fixed quickly, so your site never stalls.
- Optimized for speed and SEO: Fast-loading, search-engine-friendly pages that help customers find you.
Why It Works
- Predictable costs: One upfront setup fee and a low monthly support fee.
- Long-term support: No disappearing freelancers or forgotten sites.
- Peace of mind: Focus on your business while we handle the technical side.
- Scalable: Your website evolves with your business without surprises.
Final Thoughts
Most small business websites fail because they’re left without ongoing care and support. By investing in a predictable, affordable model, you get more than just a site — you get a partner who ensures it stays live, accurate, and effective.
At West Coast Web Designs, our $500 + $49/month model is simple, stress-free, and built for small business success.
