Is a Free Website Worth It? What Small Business Owners Need to Know

As a small business owner, seeing offers like “Free website for my portfolio!” might feel tempting, especially if you’re just starting out and working on a tight budget. While many new designers are genuinely trying to build their portfolios, accepting a “free” website can sometimes backfire, turning into a costly mistake for your business in the long run. Your website isn’t just a digital placeholder, it’s your most important marketing tool, a representation of your brand and often your first impression with potential customers. The Hidden Risks of “Free” Web Design Working with a free or low-cost portfolio designer might seem harmless, but there are several risks that small business owners need to be aware of: 1. Ownership Traps If the designer registers your domain or hosting under their own name, they technically own your online presence. If they disappear or decide not to support you anymore, you could lose access to your website entirely. Your domain, your hosting and all the work you’ve put into your site could vanish overnight. 2. Hidden Fees Many “free” offers come with hidden costs. Some designers charge inflated rates for hosting, maintenance, or extra features that are essential for your website to run properly. What started as “free” can quickly end up costing several times more than hiring a professional from the start. 3. SEO & Security Issues A quick, free build often skips essential technical foundations. Without proper SEO setup, your website may remain invisible on Google searches, making it hard for local customers to find your business. Likewise, poor security practices can leave your site vulnerable to hacking, malware, or data breaches, risks that small business owners cannot afford. How to Protect Your Small Business When Working With Portfolio Builders If you still want to work with emerging designers or portfolio builders, there are ways to safeguard your business: 1. Register your own domain and hosting: Keep control of your digital assets. This ensures that you are the legal owner of your website and can move it or update it as needed. 2. Get a written agreement: Even if you’re not paying, confirm in writing that you own the final website files, content and any design assets. 3. Check technical basics: Ensure that SEO, security and performance best practices are part of the build. A professional website should not compromise on these essentials. Your Website is an Asset, Not Just a Freebie! For small business owners, your website is often your most important “employee.” It works 24/7 to represent your brand, attract customers and generate leads. Treat it as an investment, not a temporary solution. A properly built website is secure, professional and fully owned by you, something that a free, rushed project rarely delivers. At Regma, we believe in doing things right the first time. If you’ve been offered a “free” site and something feels off, it’s worth getting a second opinion. A small upfront investment can save your business from headaches, hidden costs, and potential loss of digital identity in the future.