Custom Website Design | Is Your Web Designer Ripping You Off

March 15, 2025 by

[ad_1] Warning! If you want to hire a web designer, read this article before you take the next step. It may just save your life. Okay, not your life, but it could keep you from getting burned by a dirty little trick used by many web design firms. Don’t let them pass off a cheap […]

[lwptoc]

[ad_1]

Warning! If you want to hire a web designer, read this article before you take the next step. It may just save your life. Okay, not your life, but it could keep you from getting burned by a dirty little trick used by many web design firms. Don’t let them pass off a cheap template as a custom website design.

Don’t Get Ripped Off By Web Designers

Yesterday, I received a LinkedIn invite from a name that seemed familiar, but I wasn’t 100% sure who they were. After some research, I realized that it was from a lead who had contacted me about a year ago looking to redesign their website. We did a Free Mockup for them, but ultimately they decided to go with another firm. Sometimes it happens for one reason or another.

Of course, I was curious to see what their new custom website looked like and quickly clicked on her company’s URL. Wow, was I ever disappointed. The site looked pretty generic to me; especially considering the company’s sizable budget. The more I thought about it, the more convinced I became that something wasn’t right.

I checked the site’s source code which can tell you everything you want to know about a website. Sure enough! The website was using a pre-made template for design. In other words, their “custom” website was a duplicate of thousands of others. It was not custom-made for them.

This was a +$20,000 project and the “website agency” they hired used a $58 template sold to the general public on themeforest.net.

I messaged my contact for the project and asked if she knew her new custom website featured a pre-made template.

She did not. She was horrified and understandably upset.

So was I.

I wasn’t upset because I didn’t get the project, but because these type of tricks give the entire web design industry a bad reputation.

Know What You are Getting

Unfortunately, many so-called “web design firms” are just in the business of selling cheap templates.

Listen, if you’re looking to save some money and want to hire a designer to help populate or modify a pre-made template, that’s fine. No problem. As long as there is full disclosure and you know what you are buying.

But if you think you’re buying a ‘custom’ website and end up getting a template, that is just bad news all around.

So before you hire a design firm, check them out!

Check to see if the company’s website or any of the websites on their portfolio are using a pre-made template.

How do you do this?

Watch this brief tutorial video or follow the instructions below:

Instructions on How to Check for Templates

Get on Chrome or Firefox
Check out the web designer’s portfolio. Pick a website that they designed and developed.
Pull up that website and right click on their homepage. Select View Source Code.
Select ‘Find.’ On a Mac, this is Command + F, and on a PC it is Ctrl+F.
Find ‘theme.’ You should see code that says wp-content/theme/name-of-theme
Check the name after the /theme. If it’s a custom WordPress theme, then it should be the name of the website. There are ways to fake this, but that is harder to spot. If the theme isn’t the name of the site, then copy that name.
Go to Google and type in ‘Wordpress theme ‘ plus the name of copied theme and hit enter. If it is a template, then one of the first results will be that theme name.

Other Signs You Aren’t Getting a Custom Website Design

You do not get photoshop mockups of the site before development.
The designer says ‘they can’t’ change that. Usually, you have to stay within a strict framework when working with templates.
The word ‘Custom’ doesn’t appear anywhere on the website of the design firm.
All the websites in their portfolio look the same. They use the same layout and the same framework.
Their contract mentions ‘custom header graphic’ or only certain graphic elements as custom.

Wrapping It Up

So there you have it. A dirty little secret revealed that most web design firms don’t want you to know about.

So, if you want to make sure your new website isn’t a built on a cheap pre-made template, do your homework and investigate the portfolio of the companies you want to hire.

Or better still, let me make you an offer you can’t refuse. We’ll design a completely Custom Designed Mockup of your new website before you sign or pay for anything.

Want to learn more? Click this link to check out our offer. It is 100% risk-free.

[ad_2]

Web Design

Your Dream Website Is Just One Click Away

At Ericks Webs Design, we believe every business deserves a stunning online presence — without the stress. We offer flexible payment options, a friendly team that truly cares, and expert support every step of the way.

Whether you’re a small business owner, a church, or a growing brand, we’re here to bring your vision to life.

✨ Let’s build something amazing together.

👉 Get Started Now

— no pressure, just possibilities.

Latest News & Website Design Tips

Stay up-to-date with the latest insights, trends, and tips in business website design. Explore our newest articles to discover strategies that can help you elevate your online presence and grow your business.

Should You Maintain Your Own Website or Hire Someone?

The article “Should You Maintain Your Own Website or Hire Someone?” discusses the importance of a strong online presence for small businesses in South Texas. It highlights the necessity of assessing your business needs, goals, and target audience before deciding on DIY website management or hiring a professional, like Ericks Webs Design. Maintaining your own website can save costs and provide control but may require significant time and effort. Conversely, hiring a professional offers expertise, stress relief, and customized solutions to enhance your site’s effectiveness. Ultimately, the choice depends on your skills, budget, and the level of professionalism you seek for your online presence.

Not Collecting Leads or Contact Info Efficiently

Many construction business owners in South Texas struggle with generating leads due to inadequate online visibility. Relying on word-of-mouth is no longer sufficient, as potential clients increasingly search for contractors online. A custom website acts as an essential tool, showcasing your work and streamlining client communication. By enhancing your online presence, you can effectively attract and convert prospects into clients. In a competitive market, it’s crucial to stand out, and a strong online identity can significantly impact your credibility and lead generation. Embracing robust digital strategies will ensure you capture the opportunities necessary for growth and success.

Mobile Shopping Is Here—Is Your Store Ready?

The article “Mobile Shopping Is Here—Is Your Store Ready?” emphasizes the importance of adapting to the growing trend of mobile shopping. With 72% of consumers expected to make purchases via smartphones, businesses must ensure their websites are mobile-friendly and easy to navigate. Key strategies include simplifying the checkout process, optimizing for search engines, leveraging social media for engagement, and providing effective customer service. By recognizing the significance of mobile shopping, business owners can enhance customer experience and capture a larger audience. The message is clear: those who don’t adapt risk losing out to their competitors.

How to Check if Your Website Is Down

In “How to Check if Your Website Is Down,” the article emphasizes the importance of maintaining a reliable online presence for small businesses in South Texas. It outlines steps to determine if your website is down, including using online tools like IsItDownRightNow, checking your internet connection, and clearing your browser cache. The article also highlights common causes of downtime, like server issues and traffic overload. By regularly monitoring website health with tools such as Google Search Console, businesses can ensure functionality, maintain customer trust, and avoid missing sales opportunities. Overall, understanding how to check if your website is down is crucial for success in a competitive market.

Difficulty Standing Out from Other Contractors

In a competitive market, many construction businesses struggle to gain visibility, often losing potential clients to competitors. A robust online presence is essential; without it, even the best craftsmanship can go unnoticed. To combat this, a custom website can effectively showcase projects, manage leads, and enhance search visibility, transforming challenges into opportunities. Such a website conveys professionalism, builds trust, and ensures that clients can easily find and engage with your services. By prioritizing a strong digital footprint, construction firms can attract more job opportunities and ultimately increase revenue. Embracing these strategies can significantly differentiate your business from the rest in a crowded market.

Boost Your Product Sales with Better Product Pages

The article “Boost Your Product Sales with Better Product Pages” emphasizes the importance of well-designed product pages in driving sales for small and medium businesses. It underscores the need for high-quality visuals, compelling descriptions that tell a story, and a clear, user-friendly layout. Incorporating authentic customer reviews and ensuring mobile optimization are also crucial. The article encourages businesses to track their performance through analytics and highlights the significance of strong branding in creating emotional connections with customers. Overall, improving product pages not only enhances aesthetics but also helps convert casual visitors into loyal buyers.

Unprofessional or Outdated Website (or None at All)

In today’s digital landscape, an effective online presence is crucial for construction businesses. Relying on traditional marketing methods can lead to missed opportunities and stagnant growth. Potential clients often search for companies online, and without a professional website, you’re invisible in a competitive market. A custom website not only showcases your work but also streamlines client interactions, offering easy access to quotes and information. This engagement can significantly increase lead generation and conversion rates. By investing in tailored web solutions, construction companies can enhance their visibility on search engines, solidifying their status as industry leaders and ultimately boosting client trust and business success.

What to Do If Your Website Gets Hacked

If your website gets hacked, remain calm and assess the damage. Change all passwords and restore your site from a backup if available. Scan for malware and notify your users if their data may be compromised. To prevent future hacks, regularly update your CMS and plugins, use HTTPS, implement firewalls and security plugins, and conduct regular security audits. By taking these steps, you can enhance your website security and build a trustworthy online presence. Seeking professional help, like Ericks Webs Design, can also ensure robust protection tailored to your business needs.

No Clear Way for Clients to Request a Quote Online

Many construction business owners in South Texas struggle with losing potential clients due to ineffective online visibility. Without an easy way for clients to request quotes, companies miss valuable leads. In today’s competitive environment, convenience is crucial; complicated quote processes drive potential clients away. A custom website simplifies this by allowing clients to swiftly request quotes while showcasing past projects. This not only builds trust but also enhances credibility, vital for standing out in the market. Investing in a tailored online presence can dramatically improve lead generation and help overcome the challenges of lost inquiries and no-show clients. It’s time for construction businesses to adapt and thrive.

How a Website Can Help You Sell More Products

A website can significantly boost your sales by providing 24/7 visibility and accessibility for potential customers. It serves as your digital storefront, making it easier for customers to find and connect with your brand. A professional website builds trust and credibility, which is vital for attracting buyers. Using SEO strategies enhances discoverability, positioning your products in front of interested shoppers. Engaging content, like blogs, fosters customer relationships and encourages repeat business. Additionally, a website enables you to reach broader markets beyond your local area. Regular updates and maintenance ensure smooth operation. Embrace this opportunity to sell more products and grow your business in the digital landscape.