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The Massive Don’ts When Choosing a Website Agency

January 28, 2025

When it comes to building your business website, choosing the right website agency is crucial. A poor decision could lead to unnecessary costs, a subpar website, or even getting blacklisted on Google. At The Digital Media Guys, we’ve seen it all – and we’re here to share the massive don’ts to help you avoid these costly mistakes.

1. Avoid Block Builder Programmes Like Squarespace or White-Labelled GoDaddy Websites

    While tools like Squarespace and GoDaddy seem appealing for their ease of use, they come with significant drawbacks. These block builders may allow you to create a website quickly, but they often sacrifice performance and flexibility.

    • Poor Performance: Block builders create bloated code, slowing down your site, which negatively impacts both user experience and your SEO rankings. We hear weekly that a website isn’t appearing on Google and the culprit being a GoDaddy built site.
    • Limited Customisation: Unlike websites built with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, these platforms restrict your ability to create truly bespoke designs and functionality.
    • Lack of Scalability: As your business grows, a block-built website might not keep up with your requirements.

    Choose an agency like The Digital Media Guys that uses proper coding practices—HTML, CSS, and JavaScript – ensuring your website is lightweight, fast, and future-proof.

    2. Don’t Rely Entirely on AI for Content Creation

      AI tools like ChatGPT are powerful and efficient, but over-reliance on AI-generated content can backfire. Google’s algorithms are increasingly downgrading websites that rely solely on AI for content, prioritising well-written, bespoke copy created by professional copywriters.

      • Avoid Generic Content: AI can’t fully capture the nuances of your business and audience like a human copywriter can.
      • Be Strategic: Use AI as a tool to assist, but ensure your content is written or heavily edited by professionals for quality, originality, and alignment with your brand voice.

      At The Digital Media Guys, we employ skilled in-house copywriters who craft engaging and authentic content to elevate your site.

      3. Don’t Assume You Know Best

        It’s tempting to think you know what’s best for your website, but this mindset can often lead to mistakes. As an agency with years of experience and countless websites under our belt, we’ve seen clients who insisted on their approach only to have their websites penalised by Google.

        • “First Page Guaranteed” Claims: Some agencies promise first-page results on Google but use black-hat SEO techniques that can lead to your website being blacklisted.
        • Stay Open to Expert Advice: Trust an experienced agency to guide you with proven strategies and up-to-date knowledge of web development trends.

        4. Don’t Overpay for Hosting

          Hosting is a necessary expense, but it’s important to know what you’re paying for. Some agencies overcharge for hosting to pad their profits.

          • What You Should Pay: For reliable, fast, and secure hosting, expect costs between £15–£40 per month.
          • Watch Out for Hidden Fees: Be wary of agencies charging much more unless you’re running a global e-commerce site like Amazon.

          At The Digital Media Guys, we provide transparent hosting options that fit your needs without hidden costs.

          5. Make Sure You Get Full Website Login Details on Completion

            If your website agency doesn’t provide you with login details once the project is complete, it’s a red flag. Without access, you’ll be locked into expensive updates or edits.

            • Always Get the Keys: Any reputable agency will hand over full login credentials so you have control over your website.
            • Avoid Future Costs: If you’re missing login details for your current website, demand them immediately to prevent future exploitation.

            6. Don’t Be Rushed into Decision-Making

              Beware of agencies offering discounts like “20% off if you sign today” or “50% off if you commit immediately.” This pressure tactic is a red flag.

              • Take Your Time: Building a website is an important investment. You should have the time to thoroughly evaluate your options.
              • Make Sure It’s Right for You: Choose an agency that prioritises your needs, not their sales goals.

              Why Choose The Digital Media Guys?

              At The Digital Media Guys, we’ve built hundreds of websites for clients in Liverpool, Southport, and beyond—and we’ve NEVER lost a client since they joined us. Why? Because we’re committed to transparency, quality, and customer satisfaction.

              • We build bespoke websites using clean, professional code (HTML, CSS, and JavaScript).
              • Our in-house team includes skilled copywriters to ensure your content is original, engaging, and SEO-friendly.
              • We provide affordable hosting options and always hand over login credentials after completion.

              Take the Next Step with Confidence

              Don’t fall into the traps of inexperienced or unscrupulous agencies. Choose The Digital Media Guys—a trusted, experienced website agency committed to your success.

              Contact us today to discuss your website needs and discover how we can help you build a fast, functional, and future-proof website that truly represents your business.