why having a friend build your website is a bad idea
I get it, hiring a professional web designer can feel like a big investment, and when a friend offers to build your website for cheap (or even for free), it’s tempting to say yes. But before you do, consider the potential risks.
A website is more than just a digital business card, it’s the foundation of your online presence. When built incorrectly, it can cost you time, money, and even your brand’s reputation. Here’s why trusting a friend with this critical task may not be the best idea:
1. Lack of Professional Expertise
Professional web designers don’t just make websites look good, they build them to attract, engage, and convert visitors into customers.
SEO, mobile responsiveness, load speed, and user experience (UX) all matter. Your friend might not have the knowledge to optimize these elements.
If your website isn’t properly structured, you’ll lose potential customers before they even get to know your brand.
2. No Contracts = No Accountability
Friends usually don’t ask for contracts, but without one, there’s no guarantee of timelines, revisions, or project completion.
What happens if they get busy or lose interest? Your website could remain unfinished, leaving you in a tough spot.
Business and friendships don’t always mix. Disagreements over the project can strain relationships.
3. Limited Customization & Scalability
Many “friend-built” websites rely on basic templates with limited customization options.
Your business will grow — will your site be able to scale with you? A professional ensures that your website can evolve over time.
If your friend is using a platform they’re comfortable with rather than one suited for your business needs, you could end up with a site that’s difficult to manage.
4. Poor Support & Maintenance
A website isn’t a one-and-done project, it needs updates, security patches, and occasional troubleshooting.
Will your friend be available if something breaks? If not, you might end up hiring a professional later anyway, doubling your costs.
A professional agency provides ongoing support, hosting assistance, and updates, so you’re never left in the dark.
5. Missed Business Opportunities
A poorly designed site can drive away potential clients before they even contact you.
If your site isn’t optimized for search engines (SEO), people won’t find you online.
A professional ensures that your website is designed to convert visitors into paying customers, which means more revenue for your business.
What’s the Alternative?
Instead of taking the risk with a friend, invest in a professional web design agency that understands business goals, branding, and user experience.
✅ Contracts & clear expectations
✅ SEO-friendly, mobile-optimized designs
✅ Scalability for future growth
✅ Ongoing support & maintenance
✅ A website built to generate revenue, not just “look nice”
Your website is often the first impression potential customers get of your brand. Cutting corners with a “friend-built” website may save money upfront, but it can lead to lost opportunities, headaches, and extra costs down the road.
🚀 Ready to build a website that actually helps grow your business? Let’s chat!