How to Avoid Hidden Fees in “Free” Website Builder Plans
“Free” Doesn’t Always Mean Free
When you hear “free website builder,” it sounds like a no-brainer. But most business owners find out quickly that free plans come with unexpected costs. The truth is, these platforms are designed to upsell you — and they do it well.
Where the Hidden Fees Usually Show Up
Custom domain connection: Want to use your own .com address instead of a generic subdomain like “yourbiz.wixsite.com”? That’ll cost you. Most platforms don’t allow this without a paid upgrade.Ad removal: Free sites often display the builder’s ads on every page. Removing them typically requires a monthly fee.
Mobile optimization: Some builders don’t include proper mobile responsiveness in their free plans — a big problem since Google uses mobile-first indexing.
SSL security: Secure HTTPS encryption is essential for SEO and customer trust, but often only comes with premium tiers.
Basic features like forms, analytics, and eCommerce: These are commonly restricted behind paywalls, turning a “free” project into an unexpected $20–$50/month expense.
The Real Cost of a “Free” Website
It’s easy to get lured in by a free builder only to realize you’re paying for every basic necessity. When you add it all up over time, these tools often cost more than a professional custom website.Even worse? You’re still stuck doing it all yourself, with limited design, support, and zero marketing strategy behind it.
There’s a Better Way: A Custom Website Demo at No Cost
At Orbital Marketing Agency, we offer a Free Custom Website Demonstration — not a generic DIY platform. You get a real homepage designed to fit your business, optimized for performance, and guided by actual experts.You won’t be asked to upgrade to unlock basic features. Everything we show you in the demo is included:
- Fast loading and mobile responsive
- SEO-ready and branded to your business
- Secure with SSL
- No ads, no catch
No Surprises. No Upsells. Just Results.
With us, what you see is what you get — a smart, growth-focused website that doesn’t rely on bait-and-switch pricing. We’ll even walk you through how your new site can help increase visibility, conversions, and customer trust.👉 Schedule Your Free Custom Website