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Most small business owners don’t shop for a web designer.
They panic-buy one.
In this episode of the Wicked Title Folk podcast, Cheryl breaks down why so many entrepreneurs end up paying twice for their website—and how to avoid the most common (and costly) mistakes when hiring a web designer.
This isn’t a technical deep dive. It’s a reality check.
Drawing from decades of experience—and real-world stories from businesses like Carmichael Tree and Salted Herb Co—this episode exposes what cheap and “free” websites actually cost in lost time, stalled momentum, and missed revenue.
If you’ve ever felt confused, burned, or quietly resentful about a website you paid for, this episode is for you.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
Why “cheap” websites often end up being the most expensive option
The difference between a website that looks fine and one that actually works
When SEO matters—and when it’s a waste of money
Why platform choice matters more than most designers admit
The truth about “just email me for updates” promises
How monthly maintenance fees really work (and when they don’t make sense)
What to clarify before you hire a web designer—so you don’t have to rebuild later
Mentioned in This Episode
Carmichael Tree Specialists – a real-world example of a website that looked fine but failed to convert
Salted Herb Co – a cautionary tale about “free” web design and hidden technical risks
Etsy – a smart interim solution when momentum matters more than perfection
Companion Resources
This episode is designed to be paired with the companion guide:
“How to Shop for a Web Designer Without Getting Burned”
A quick-reference, no-fluff guide that breaks down exactly what to look for, what to avoid, and how to make smart decisions before you sign a contract.
👉 Members Access the Guide in the Knowledge Base Here: How to Shop for a Web Designer Without Getting Burned
👉 Not a Member? Buy the Guide here
Listen for the stories.
Use the article for the checklist.
Together, they’ll save you time, money, and regret.
You might also be interested in: Is SEO Worth It for Small Businesses? Here’s What to Consider
If you found this article helpful, get more business and marketing tips at my other publication here. And keep an eye out for 🪄🎙️Stop Wasting Money on Design Revisions: A Small Business Owner’s Guide to Working With Designers💸 coming to that publication in February!
A good website isn’t cheap.
A cheap website isn’t good value.
And the most expensive website is the one you have to build twice.
The magic isn’t in the pixels.
It’s in the thinking behind them.
Wicked Title Forum is a reader & sponsor-supported publication. This post is free for you to read thanks to their generous support and belief in our mission. If you enjoyed this article and want to ensure we continue to create valuable content for the title insurance industry, please consider supporting us…
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Brought to you by: Talos Title AI, Brickhouse Consulting, Closinglock, Dotted Line Signings, Foreign Tax CPA, Razi Exchange & Our Paying Readers
Stay Wicked,
Cheryl
🔮 Work With Me
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