Welcome back to the business ignite podcast, where we light the fire for business growth and marketing success. Your hosts, Ethan Walker, Samantha Reed, bring you the latest trends, expert insights, and actionable strategies to fuel your business journey. Let's ignite your potential.

Hey there, you know how everyone's always saying, just get your business online. Like any website is better than none. Well, today's deep dive is going to make you rethink that whole free website thing. And trust me, this isn't just about like, Oh, you get limited features. You know, we're going way deeper than that.

Yeah, it's easy to get caught up in that, that initial, Oh, it's free. But what we're really talking about is the foundation of your online presence. Okay. And that foundation, that has ripple effects on how easily customers can find you. What they think when they land on your site.

Right.

Even like how much Google trusts your content.

Okay. So no pressure on the website then.

Right.

I'm already seeing a theme in the articles and research you shared. It's like this hidden cost of going the free route that most people, they don't even realize it until it's too late.

Yeah, it's a classic case of you get what you pay for, but like in the digital world.

Right.

What's so fascinating is that a free website can actually work against you. Really? Especially with like how Google ranks websites.

Yeah, the Google factor. Right. Always gotta keep Google happy.

Always.

But I thought Google was all about, like, good content is king, you know? So how does a paid website factor into that?

So think of it this way. Google's ultimate goal is to connect searchers with the most relevant and trustworthy sources, right? A paid website, especially one that has its own, like, custom domain name. Right. That signals a level of commitment and investment that a free, generic website just doesn't.

Oh, okay. You know? So it's like saying, Hey Google, look, I'm serious about this business. I'm in it for the long haul. And Google's more likely to be like, okay, cool, I'll do it. Bump you up.

Yes, exactly. Yeah. And, and longer domain registrations, which are more common with those paid sites.

Okay.

Those actually indicate to Google that you're more likely to like stick around and invest in quality.

Gotcha.

And better search rankings, obviously that means more potential customers, clients finding their way to you.

Makes sense. Yeah.

Yeah.

But I mean, it's not just about Google, right? It's about how customers. How clients perceive your business to totally,

yeah,

like we all, I mean, we judge a book by its cover to some extent, right? And a website. I mean, that is the digital storefront.

Absolutely. Yeah, there's like almost a subconscious bias that comes into play. Imagine like you're searching for a product or service and you find two businesses and they seem pretty similar. One has this sleek, professional looking website, its own domain name. Right. The other one is this very basic, free site. You know, it's got the platform's name right there in the URL. Yeah. Which one just instinctively feels more credible, more trustworthy?

Yeah, I know which one I would click on.

Right.

It's like the free site makes me wonder, Hmm, are they just starting out?

Right, exactly. Are

they not taking this seriously? Yeah. And, I mean, honestly, First Impressions, That's everything online.

Huge! Yeah, absolutely. If

you don't capture someone's attention.

It all ties back to that perception of investment.

You

know, 95 Visual, one of the sources you shared, they actually found that statistic percent of consumers are more likely to trust a business with a professional looking website. They see it as a sign that you care about your brand, about your customers experience.

And isn't that what it's all about? It's like building that trust, that credibility. It's starting to feel like Even though a free website seems like, oh, this is an easy win in the beginning.

Right.

It could actually be holding you back in the long run.

A hundred percent. Yeah. It's like building a house on a weak foundation.

Oh, okay. You know,

it might stand for a while, but eventually you're going to run into problems. A paid website, it's about investing in a solid base that will actually support your business as it grows.

Okay. So we've talked about Google, we've talked about customer trust, it's got to be more to it than that. Right? What are like some of the other hidden costs that people should be aware of when they're even just considering a free website?

Oh, there's like a whole other layer of hidden costs that often people don't even realize until they hit a wall with their free site. Things like, um, limited functionality, design constraints, even potentially like revenue loss.

Okay, now you're talking my language, because when I hear Like, limited functionality. I'm thinking, is my website going to, like, crash if I get too many visitors? Right. And that's not a good look.

No, not at all. And that's a valid concern. Free websites, they often come with very limited bandwidth and storage space. Okay. Which, you know, that can lead to those slow loading times, maybe even site crashes. Yeah. And just generally a really frustrating user experience. Yeah. And remember, in the online world, speed is

king. Oh, 100%. We're all used to, like, lightning fast websites these days. I mean, if I click a link and it takes more than, like, two seconds to load, I'm out.

Exactly. And you're not alone, right? Studies have shown that even a one second delay in page load time can lead to a significant drop in conversion rates. Really? So not only can a slow website hurt your brand image, it can also directly impact your bottom line.

Oh, okay. So it's a double whammy. It is. I want to avoid that. Yes. Okay, but let's say, like, I'm willing to overlook the speed bumps. You know, I'm scrappy. I'm just starting out. Sure. I need to save money wherever I can. Yeah. What about the design limitations?

Yeah.

Aren't there like ways to make a free website look at least somewhat professional?

There definitely are. And, you know, a lot of these platforms have Decent templates, but you're often limited to like their preset design, right? Functionalities. Think about your own brand. Like you're unique, right? You have a story to tell. You have a vibe, right? You know that you want to convey a free website. It can be really tough to like truly stand out from the crowd and like really showcase It can be really tough. That personality,

right? Because it's not just about having a website. It's about creating an online experience. Yes. That really like represents your brand and resonates with your people.

A hundred percent. Yeah. And that's where those design limitations can really hold you back. Imagine like you want to add a really cool specific feature and maybe like an interactive quiz or, or like a custom booking form. A lot of these free website builders, they just don't offer those options. Or they make you pay extra, which kind of defeats the whole purpose, right? Right,

exactly. So, you might end up spending, like, just as much, if not more, trying to cobble together this

Frankenstein website. And even if you are Okay. With like the basic design and the layout.

Okay.

You're often like stuck with the platform's branding on a free website. Oh, right. So you might have like their logo in the footer. Right. Or it might say like, powered by, you know, whatever platform at the bottom.

Yeah.

Which, you know, can make you look not as established, not as professional. Yeah. It's like

you're trying to create this like high end fashion brand. But you're like. It's only allowed to use fabrics from the discount bin.

Yes, 100 percent It's

just not gonna, you know,

It's not gonna hit the same.

It's not gonna have that same impact. Speaking of impact,

Yes.

Let's talk about potential revenue loss.

Nah.

Cause, like, a free website, again, it seems like a good way to, you know, Like save money initially, right? It can actually limit your earning potential in the long run.

Yeah.

Okay. So that's something I think a lot of people don't even consider. How could a free website actually lead to me like losing money?

So for one, a lot of these free website builders, they don't even allow you to sell products or services directly through your site. You might be able to like. Right. List your products, but then your customers would have to go through a third party platform to like actually make the purchase

Right,

which can lead to like a really clunky checkout experience,

right? Because the user experience is like everything these days

every

if it's too much of a hassle to buy from me. I'm gone exactly I'm going to your competitor

a hundred percent And even if you're not selling, like, physical products, right?

Okay.

A free website, it can limit your ability to, like, monetize your content in other ways. Okay. For example, a lot of these free platforms, they don't allow you to run ads on your website.

Oh, interesting.

Or they require you to display their ads, which can be, like, super distracting to your visitors. Yeah. They can really detract from, like, your brand message.

So not only are you, like, missing out on potential revenue, From running your own ads. Right. But you're also potentially turning off customers.

Yeah.

With these irrelevant ads, it's like, I don't know, it's like you're trying to build this, like, really nice luxury hotel. Right. But then you plaster the lobby with, like, you know, discount airline posters.

Exactly. It's just,

like, it's not the vibe. It

clashes, yeah. And, and here's another, like, revenue related thing to think about. Email marketing. Okay. Building an email list is so crucial for any business. Right. That wants to, like, Nurture their leads, promote their products, drive those sales. A lot of these free website builders, they either don't offer email marketing integrations at all. Oh, wow. Or they like severely limit your subscriber count or like your sending capabilities. Right.

So you're kind of like handcuffed. When it comes to like actually growing your audience. Yeah. And, and connecting with them directly. Exactly. You're at the mercy of this like free platform. Yep.

Yep. Yep.

Okay.

And, and without that robust email marketing strategy, you know, you're missing out on one of the most effective ways to drive traffic to your site. Okay. To build customer loyalty.

Yeah.

And ultimately to increase those revenue streams.

Okay. So. This is all starting to paint a pretty clear picture here.

Yeah.

While a free website might seem appealing, you know, like, in the short term.

Right.

It can actually create some pretty significant roadblocks.

Yes.

To your long term growth and, and just your profitability as a business.

It's like the old saying goes, you have to spend money to make money.

Right.

But in this case, it's more about making, like, strategic investments. In your online presence, That will then pay dividends down the line.

Okay, so let's say I'm convinced, I'm ready to like ditch the free website.

Yeah.

Invest in a platform that's actually going to help me achieve my goals. Love

it.

What are like the practical steps involved in making that transition?

Yeah.

It seems kind of daunting to be honest.

Yeah, no, I get it. It can feel like a big leap, you know? But it doesn't have to be this like, painful, ripping off the band aid kind of thing. It's more like, um, like taking the scenic route. It might take a little longer, but, uh, the views are way better. I like that. Plus, like, remember all that amazing source material you shared? Yes. It's loaded with, like, practical tips for making this transition smooth.

Exactly. It's like having a roadmap.

Instead of just, like, wandering around hoping for the best.

Totally.

And the first, like, The landmark on that roadmap is figuring out your budget.

Okay.

How much can you actually invest in a platform that's going to help you achieve those goals?

Right. Because investing is the key word here. Yeah. This isn't just another expense. It's about putting resources into something.

Exactly. That's actually

going to help my business grow. Yeah. But how do you even begin to wrap your head around budgeting for a website?

Yeah. So start by thinking about it like, like you would any other important business decision. Okay. Right. What are your must haves versus your nice to haves? Right. What kind of return on investment are you really hoping to see? Right. And once you have that clear picture of your priorities, your expectation, then you can start researching different platforms.

Okay.

Compare pricing plans and, and see what fits.

So once you have like a budget in mind.

Then it's time to choose the right platform for your needs.

Okay.

And this is where things get really fun because there are so many options out there.

That's where it gets overwhelming.

Yeah.

It's like walking into a bakery with a million different cakes.

Right.

And being like, I'll take one.

Exactly. But, but think about it this way. What kind of cake are you craving?

Okay. Yeah.

Right. You looking for something simple, simple, simple. Elegant.

Right.

Or something super bold and decadent.

Yeah.

Choosing a website platform, it's kind of like that. It comes down to your taste.

Okay.

Your needs, the features you're looking for.

So are there, like, I don't know, any, any platforms that that stand out as like. Particularly good choices?

Absolutely, yeah. So, WordPress is a popular one. Okay. Known for its flexibility, its customization options. Yeah. It's kind of like the DIY option. Okay. You have a ton of control, but it might require, you know, a little bit more technical know how. Right, yeah. And you have platforms like Squarespace, Wix. Yeah. Super user friendly, you know.

Right.

Drag and drop interfaces. They're great for beginners.

Okay, so if WordPress is, like, baking a cake from scratch, Squarespace and Wix are kind of like using the cake mix.

Exactly. Still delicious, but, you know, a little less work involved.

Right,

right. And then, of course, if you're planning to sell products online, you'll want to look into platforms like Shopify, which are specifically designed for cake. Okay. They offer those integrated payment gateways.

Right.

Inventory management, you know, secure checkout processes, all that good stuff.

Okay, so once you've like chosen your platform, you're ready to start building, what are some like, I don't know, key things to like, Keep in mind to make sure that this new website is actually a success.

One thing that's like absolutely crucial is SEO.

Yes, SEO. Search

Engine Optimization. Right. Remember how we were talking about like Google sees those paid websites? Right. As like that signal of quality? Yeah. Well, SEO is how you make sure that Google not only sees your site, but understands what it's all about.

Right, because getting found by Google is like, Especially when you're a new website, you're trying to like, get your name out there, but SEO can feel like a whole other language.

It can be intimidating, but it's really about making your website easily digestible for search engines. Okay. So, start by thinking about like, what are the words and phrases that your target audience would actually use.

Right.

To search for a business like yours. Those are your keywords.

Okay. So, if If I was a customer and I was looking for your services, what would I type into Google?

Exactly. And once you have a good list of those keywords, you can incorporate them into your website's content, your headings, even your image descriptions. Oh, wow. This helps Google understand what your site is about, who it's for.

Right.

And then it's more likely to show up in those relevant search results.

So it's not just about creating great content.

Right.

It's about creating content that's also optimized.

Yes. A hundred percent. And then, on top of that, don't forget about the user experience.

Oh.

Google is paying attention to how long people are staying on your site.

Oh, wow.

Are they clicking on links? Right. Are they finding what they're looking for?

So it really is about creating that website that's, that's informative. It's engaging.

Yeah.

But it's also easy to, to use. It's enjoyable to be on.

Absolutely. And remember, building a successful website, it's ongoing. Right. It's not just a one time thing.

Yeah.

You got to stay up to date on those SEO best practices.

Okay.

Keep your content fresh. Make those adjustments as you go.

It's like tending a garden. You got to nurture it. You got to prune it. You got to like, you know, make adjustments along the way.

A hundred percent. And just like, A garden attracts bees with its, you know, colorful blooms, a well designed website that attracts visitors.

With its amazing content. Yes. Easy to use and it looks great.

Exactly.

Okay, so as we're like wrapping up this deep dive here.

Yes.

What's like the, the one key takeaway? Yeah. You want our listeners to remember about making this transition.

It's an investment worth making.

Okay.

It's about shifting your mindset from free to.

Okay. I like that.

A paid website gives you the freedom, the flexibility, the control to create a truly remarkable online presence.

It's about building that solid foundation for your online success. So if you've been on the fence about, about making that transition, I hope that this deep dive has given you, you know, the, the insights, maybe a little bit of inspiration.

And remember the online world is constantly evolving, right? So embrace that learning process, you know, experiment, don't be afraid to like ask for help.

That's such great advice.

Yeah.

Thanks for joining me on this deep dive. This has been, uh, really, really insightful.

The pleasure was all mine, honestly.

And to all our listeners, thanks for tuning in. Until next time, keep exploring, keep learning, and, uh, keep pushing the boundaries of what's possible in the digital world.

Thanks for tuning into the Business Ignite podcast, where we fuel your business growth and marketing success. If you enjoyed today's episode, be sure to rate and review us. It does help others find the show. Don't forget to follow us on social media at Business Ignite podcast and share this episode with a friend. Keep the fire burning and remember, your success is just one strategy away. Until next time, stay ignited.