Why Aren’t You Cheaper?

Aug 25

Fair question.

I mean, technically, you could build your own website. You could choose a template. Upload some photos. Write some words. Add a contact form. Cross your fingers.

So why would you pay someone like me?

Allow me to answer that question with 10 other questions I hear … or questions I imagine people are thinking while looking at my pricing menu. And between us … I’m not even that expensive, all things considered …

1. “WHY AREN’T YOU CHEAPER?”

Because you’re not paying me to put some pretty things on the internet.

You’re paying for years of experience knowing what should go where, what needs to be said, what needs to disappear, what makes someone click, and what makes someone leave.

The website is the finished product.

The experience is what you’re actually paying for.

2. “DO THE IMAGES REALLY MATTER THAT MUCH?”

Only if you care whether people want what you're selling.

People see your website before they read it. Your images immediately communicate your level of service, your price point, your style, and whether someone can picture themselves working with you.

So yes.

They matter that much.

3. “ARE PEOPLE REALLY LOOKING AT MY WEBSITE ON THEIR PHONES?”

Are people really on their phones?

I’ll let you answer that one. 😂

A beautiful desktop website that turns into chaos on a phone isn't a beautiful website.

Mobile design isn't the backup version anymore. For a huge percentage of your potential clients, it’s the version.

4. “BUT I HAVE INSTAGRAM. WHY DO I EVEN NEED A WEBSITE?”

Because Instagram owns your Instagram account.

You own your website.

Instagram is incredible for getting someone's attention. Your website is where you get to control what happens next.

No algorithm. No competing reels. No suggested accounts.

Just your business, your work, your reviews, your expertise and a very strategically placed INQUIRE button.

5. “CAN’T I JUST USE A TEMPLATE?”

Absolutely.

You can also buy a box of hair color at Target.

Some people should.

Some people absolutely should not.

A template gives you a starting point. A designer takes your actual business, clientele, brand, content and goals and builds an experience around them.

Those aren't quite the same thing.

6. “DOES ANYONE ACTUALLY READ WEBSITES?”

Yes.

But not necessarily in the way you think.

People skim. They scroll. They look for reassurance. They hunt for pricing. They scan headlines. They look at photos. They read reviews. They try to figure out … in a surprisingly short amount of time … “Is this business for someone like me?”

Good website copy built into a phenomenal layout understands that.

7. “WHY CAN’T I JUST MAKE IT LOOK PRETTY?”

Because pretty doesn't automatically sell.

I love a gorgeous website. Obviously.

But every beautiful element should be helping your visitor understand something:

Who are you?
What do you do?
Why should I care?
Why should I trust you?
What should I do next?

Pretty gets their attention.

Strategy gets the inquiry.

8. “DOES MY WEBSITE REALLY AFFECT WHAT I CAN CHARGE?”

Put a $15,000 service inside a website that looks like the business charges $1,500 and see what happens.

Your website creates expectations before you ever speak to someone.

If you want to move into a higher-end market, your online presence needs to make that price point feel believable before the potential client ever reaches your inquiry form.

9. “CAN’T AI JUST BUILD MY WEBSITE NOW?”

Sure.

AI can also write your copy, choose your colors, suggest your SEO strategy, and tell you that your About page should say you're “passionate about creating unforgettable experiences.”

Which is exactly why human taste, experience, and discernment are becoming more valuable … not less.

AI can generate options.

Knowing which options are actually good is the expensive part.