When you’re starting a business, it’s tempting to grab the cheapest website option you can find. But after 20 years in the industry, I’ve seen the “cheap” route turn into a long-term financial headache.
Here is the truth about what it actually costs to run a professional website, and why a flat-fee package or custom quote build is the smartest investment you can make.
The “Subscription Trap”
Many DIY builders lure you in with a low monthly price. However, once you add necessary plugins for SEO, contact forms, security or e-commerce, that “low” price can explode. With my WordPress Website Packages, I include the premium tools and licenses up front. You own the site: it doesn’t own you.
WordPress vs. The “Walled Gardens” (Wix, Shopify, etc.)
| Feature | Vortex Design (WordPress) | Wix / Shopify |
| Ownership | 100% Ownership of your files/data. | Renting: If you leave, you lose the site. |
| Monthly Fees | $0 for Year 1 (Included in packages and quotes). Pay only hosting and domain registration later. | $29 – $300+ per month indefinitely. |
| Transaction Fees | 0% to Vortex Design or WooCommerce (Only what your payment processor charges). | Up to 2% extra on every sale. |
| Portability | Move to any compatible host, anytime. | Locked in: You cannot move elsewhere. |
The “Hidden” Cost of Easy Builders
- The Exit Tax: You cannot simply “export” a Wix or Shopify site. If you want to leave their platform, you usually have to start over from scratch.
- App Fatigue: Simple features often require extra monthly subscriptions ($10 – $50/mo each), whereas I use one-time or open-source solutions whenever possible.
- Forced Upgrades: As your traffic grows, these platforms often “throttle” your site or force you into a higher-tier monthly plans. The only time you might need to upgrade your hosting with a WordPress website, is if you start getting massive amounts of traffic and it’s usually just a few more dollars per month.
The Value of “Made in the USA”
When something goes wrong, you don’t want to be stuck in a support ticket loop with someone halfway across the world. My clients work directly with me: Tabitha Bingham. You get 20 years of experience and a local 330 area code. No outsourcing, no offshoring and no issues with time zones or communication, just results. We even help with emergency and after hours repairs if needed!
The Bottom Line:
Don’t just buy a website: buy a partner for your business. If you’re ready to launch a site you can actually be proud of – without the hidden fees or proprietary traps – check out my Design & Development Shoppe or my Custom Web Design Services page, or you can email me or text me at 330-299-8732 to chat about your project.
