Beware the web design cowboys!

Ever been burnt by a so-called “expert” who promises the world, only to deliver a mess that leaves you out of pocket and starting from scratch? You’re not alone. Unfortunately, the world of web design and SEO is full of cowboys – people who sell big dreams but lack the skills to back them up.

With so many web designers and developers claiming to be experts, it’s easy for businesses to fall into the wrong hands. These so-called professionals often confuse clients with jargon, promise quick fixes while ignoring real problems or creating new ones. Key aspects like accessibility and mobile responsiveness are frequently overlooked, leaving the site difficult to use for many visitors. In the end, the final product is slow, clunky, and far from what the business needed.

Then there are the SEO agencies that lock you into expensive contracts, promising first-page Google rankings within months. Often, they rely on a one-size-fits-all approach, applying the same generic strategy to every client – “Have you thought about starting a blog?” Despite hefty fees, these agencies can be slow to respond, vague about their methods, and fail to deliver on their promises – leaving clients stuck in long contracts with nothing to show for it.

How to spot the cowboys

So, how do you identify these “experts” before they waste your time and money? Keep an eye out for these red flags:

Hidden costs of bargain development

Low prices often mask future expenses. Professional web development requires proper investment in planning, testing, and quality code. While budget developers might seem attractive at first, their rushed or substandard work typically leads to costly rebuilds, security fixes, and performance issues further down the line.

Empty technical jargon

Watch out for developers who throw around complex technical terms without clear explanations or context. True experts can break down technical concepts into plain language because they understand them deeply. If a developer can’t explain their process simply or avoids direct questions, that’s often a sign of limited expertise.

Accessibility as a core requirement

Professional developers recognize web accessibility isn’t just an add-on feature – it’s a fundamental aspect of good web design. Be wary of those who dismiss or downplay accessibility concerns as “extra work.” A site that excludes users with disabilities not only limits your reach but could expose you to legal risks and damage your brand’s reputation. Quality developers build accessibility into their process from day one.

Unrealistic promises and endless features

Be skeptical of developers who claim they can deliver every feature you imagine, especially within tight budgets or timelines. Experienced professionals are upfront about technical limitations, ongoing hosting costs, and potential challenges. They’ll help prioritise features that deliver real value rather than promising an endless wish list. A “yes” to everything often leads to a “no” on quality and reliability.

Recently I had a very disappointing experience with a local SEO agency. After chatting about this with Pixolomew, he agreed to take on this side of things for us. Despite it being a new area for them, Pixolomew managed far better results as he took a much more personal approach to the problem, rather than running everything through a cookie cutter type process. Hoby Allen
Cabin Fever Audio