Why Having a Free Business Website is a Bad Idea and very unprofessional

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As the saying goes, “The best things in life are free..” however there are a few exceptions to this rule, and one of them is definitely using a so called “Free Website” to promote your business.

Dordogne Design - free

Would you give a potential client a ripped piece of paper with your details written on it, and call it a business card? – If so, continue using a Free Website.

Let’s be honest, if it was a good idea, everyone would be using one. If you are serious about your business, then don’t use a Free Website service.

Remember any professional website can and should at least pay for itself, which means it’s free, and if you spend time on it, it can even make you money.

Here are quite a few reasons why you should never use a Free Website to promote your business.

  • Unprofessional web address
    Believe it or not, but the name of a business website is very important, and can either attract customers, or turn them away.
    If you are looking for a business online, which one of these are you more likely to contact – www.mybusiness.com OR www.mybusiness.freewebsiteforever.com –

 

  • Terrible for search engines
    Search engines do NOT like mass produced Free Websites, so you are already losing potential customers, costing you money, now suddenly your Free Website is not so Free anymore..
    You will very rarely, if ever see a Free Website with a half decent ranking.

 

  • You can’t run advertisements or make money
    The money they are making from using your site as an advertising platform, is money you could be making yourself with more professional and relevant advertising.  EVERY [paid] website can easily pay for itself.. making it in theory free as well.

 

  • Irrelevant advertisements on your website
    Just ask yourself, is there anything more annoying than getting bombarded with completely irrelevant advertising? If I am looking for a plumber or electrician, I do not expect or want to be offered Russian Brides or Viagra 

 

  • They can sell your information
    Remember that these services need to make money somehow to remain in the business. A good rule of thumb is if you are not paying for it, then you are the product.
    These companies find other ways to make money such as selling your email address, personal information, and your website address to other companies. Their terms and conditions which no one really reads provide them total legal immunity.

 

  • Low credibility among your users
    When your site is hosted on a free service, your users will feel less inclined to trust it. If users are not comfortable sharing their information, then it will kill the whole purpose of you creating a website.

 

  • You will be targeted with email offers
    Your details will be sold to third parties, that is how they make their money.. expect more.. lots more Spam

 

  • No branded email
    Bob@hotmail.com is not the same as info@yourbusiness.com – using a free email address is not very professional. By all means use a Free email address, we actually recommend it, however  use a domain email to give to your customers, and have the emails forwarded to the Free service for backups.

Theses are just a few reasons why you should never use a “Free Website” to promote your business, for a lot more reasons check out 36 Reasons Why Having a “Free Website” is a Bad Idea

Remember, EVERY website should be able to at least pay for itself [ hosting, domain names etc. ]  and if taken seriously can make you a nice bit of pocket money, all while improving your website, reputation or business.

Contact us for more info about getting the most out of your site.