Am I Being Overcharged for My Website Management?
Running a one-person professional business comes with myriad responsibilities, one of which is maintaining a robust online presence. Recently, I’ve been questioning the value I receive from my website management company, especially given the $250 monthly fee.
Despite my consistent payments, I often find myself doing the heavy lifting. While I appreciate the aesthetic of my website, I can’t help but notice several recurring issues each time I send them updates or new blog posts. Unfortunately, these updates frequently result in errors that require me to step in and ask for corrections. This has led me to wonder: Is this level of service typical for a monthly fee of $250?
I can’t help but consider if I might be better off switching to a DIY approach, perhaps with a platform like GoDaddy, where I could manage the website updates myself. After all, I’ve been in business for around seven years and have already switched website providers twice. Each time I did, I noticed a decline in phone inquiries, prompting me to revert to my current provider.
So, the question remains: Am I getting what I pay for, or is there a more efficient solution out there for managing my online presence? It’s a tough decision that many small business owners face, weighing cost against effectiveness and looking for the best way to connect with clients. If you’ve been through a similar experience or have insights, I’d love to hear your thoughts!
2 responses to “Am I being cheated?”
It’s understandable to feel frustrated when you’re investing a significant amount in website management and not receiving the service you expect. A few key points can help you assess your situation and decide on the best course of action.
Understanding Website Management Costs
Firstly, $250 per month for website management can vary significantly in what it covers. In general, this fee can include hosting, security, updates, SEO services, and hands-on work like content updates. However, the level of service and support can differ greatly among providers, so it’s essential to understand what exactly your current service includes. Make sure to review your service agreement or contract; it should outline what you are paying for and what response times and issue resolutions you can expect.
Evaluate Their Performance
It sounds like you’re experiencing frequent issues with their updates, which is concerning. It’s crucial to assess if these are isolated incidents or part of a larger pattern over time. Here are some questions to consider:
Consider Readiness for Self-Management
Thinking of switching to a platform like GoDaddy and managing your website yourself could be beneficial, especially if you feel comfortable using online tools. Here are some practical considerations:
Impact of Changing Providers
You mentioned that switching providers previously led to a decrease in phone inquiries. This is a crucial factor to consider if you think about switching again. The impact on your business in terms of leads and conversion must be weighed against the current challenges. Here are some tips if you decide to move:
Potential Alternatives
Before making drastic changes, consider:
Closing Thoughts
Ultimately, whether you stick with your current provider, attempt to manage the site yourself, or explore other companies, weigh your decisions against your business goals. A professional and well-maintained website is critical for attracting clients, so any solution should prioritize minimizing any disruption to your business flow. Assessing cost, efficiency, and effectiveness will guide you to the right choice for your website management needs.
I can definitely relate to your concerns about website management and the feeling of being overcharged for the service provided. It’s crucial to assess whether you’re getting the value you deserve, especially when you’re investing a significant amount each month.
One thing to consider is the specific services that come with that $250 fee. Are you receiving regular backups, security updates, Search Engine Optimization (SEO) support, or analytics insights? Sometimes, service providers may charge a premium for maintenance that may not significantly impact your site’s performance. If you find that the basic updates and corrections are falling on your shoulders, it might be worth breaking down the contract and evaluating each component.
It might also be beneficial to explore alternative solutions, such as hiring a freelancer for specific tasks or utilizing DIY platforms that offer user-friendly interfaces. Many small business owners find platforms like WordPress or Wix to be user-centric, allowing them to retain control while still maintaining a professional look.
Before making a switch, try discussing your concerns with your current provider. A well-established company should be open to feedback and might be willing to improve their service offerings to retain you as a client. In any case, keeping track of your website’s performance alongside your inquiries can provide you with tangible data to back your decisions, regardless of which route you choose.
Good luck, and I hope you find a solution that works for your business needs!