A dentist collects three quotes and picks the cheapest. Two months later the site goes live, but the text runs off the screen on a phone, and the "about us" page holds a paragraph that belongs to another clinic. A hotel owner falls out with the person who built the site and then learns the domain name is registered in that person's name. These are not rare; I have seen versions of them for years.
Most mistakes when getting a website built are not technical. They are about timing, communication and ownership. In this article I go through the six mistakes business owners fall into most often and how to avoid each. None of this is meant to blame you; all of it is easy to prevent once you know.
Mistake 1: Looking only at the price
You have three quotes and there is a clear gap between them. Choosing the cheapest seems sensible. But a price on its own says nothing. The real question is what that price includes.
In the quotes, look for:
- How many pages will be built, and who prepares the text and photos?
- Is a proper display on phones part of the job?
- Are small fixes after launch charged or free?
- Who is responsible for the domain name and hosting (the place where the site is stored), and in whose name are they?
- How many rounds of revisions do you get?
When comparing two quotes, make sure you are comparing the same things. One quote may cover only the design, while another includes launch and what comes after. A cheap quote can end up expensive and an expensive one can be wasted; scope decides, not price.
Mistake 2: Leaving the content until last
Many owners wait for the design to be finished, then hand over text and photos. But the site is the frame for the content. If the design is made before the text arrives, the designer works with placeholder text. When the real text comes, it does not fit, it overflows, or the page has to be rebuilt.
This is the biggest cause of delays. The designer is ready, you are not, and the project waits for months. The fix is simple: when design begins, hand over at least your service list, your about text and a few photos. It need not be perfect; you finish the rest together.
Mistake 3: Registering the domain in someone else's name
A domain name is your site's address, and like the deed to a shop it is registered to someone. "The person who built the site bought it, they'll handle it" is easy to say. But if the record is in their name, when you part ways the address is not yours. The address on your business card, your sign and Google belongs to somebody else.
Do this:
- Make sure the registered owner is you or your company.
- Keep a copy of the login details somewhere safe.
- Note the renewal date; an address that expires can be taken by someone else.
This is not about distrusting anyone; it is the nature of the thing. An honest designer will not mind the request and will usually welcome it. The same logic applies to the site itself: check in the quote who holds the rights to the text, the photos and the design files.
Mistake 4: Not checking on a phone
Most visitors today look at a site from a phone. Even so, many owners review the draft on a computer, like it and approve it. Then a customer opens the site in their pocket and finds tiny text, buttons that are hard to tap and a phone number that cannot be called.
Before approving, try these on your own phone:
- Does the page open easily, and is the text readable?
- Does tapping the phone number start a call?
- Are directions, booking and the contact form easy to find?
- Do the photos slow the page down?
Hand it to a relative too; someone else notices what you miss.
Mistake 5: Delaying approval
The draft reaches you, work is busy, and you do not answer for a week. Then another week. When you finally say "let me look", the designer has moved on to other work and your turn is pushed back. The launch date slips and the season or campaign is missed.
Partners add to this. Three partners means three opinions and everyone replying in their own time. Name one person to decide and let the others give their views to that person. Send your feedback in one batch, too. A separate message every day saying "let's change this color" tires both you and the designer.
Mistake 6: Ignoring the site after launch
The site is live and everyone breathes out. Six months later a phone number has changed, a service was dropped and the opening hours are wrong. Customers call the old number. Sites that are never updated for years can also carry security weaknesses.
A site is a living tool that needs care now and then. Before launch, ask: who makes small changes, and how quickly? Who handles backups and security updates? Will you be able to update the site yourself, or will you write to the designer each time? Getting these answers in writing prevents arguments later.
Frequently asked questions
What matters most when getting a website built?
That scope and responsibilities are written down and clear from the start. If who does what, and by when, is settled, most other problems become manageable.
Is the domain name registered in my name? How can I tell?
Log in to your account at the company where it was bought, or ask the designer for the details. If you are not sure, ask openly; be careful if you get no straight answer.
Will I keep paying after the site goes live?
There may be items that renew regularly, such as the domain name and hosting. Find out at the start which item renews when and who pays.
Conclusion
Almost all of these mistakes can be avoided by asking a few questions before the work begins. What matters is not only that the site looks good, but that it keeps working for your business and stays yours. If you would like to build your site on solid ground, you can reach me through my website design page.