A plain-English guide for business owners who want a reliable website—without hidden costs.
Have you seen ads on Facebook offering a “FREE website build” with no hidden fees and wondered if it’s a genuine opportunity?
Could this be a smart way to save money, or will it cost you more in the long run?
This article gives you the straight answer. We’ll explore the hidden catches behind free website offers, how to spot red flags, and what a professional build actually delivers.
By the end, you’ll know:
- The 5 most common risks of “free” websites
- How to protect yourself from scams and lock-ins
- Why investing upfront often saves you money later
- A simple ROI comparison between free vs. professional websites
What Exactly Are Free Website Builds on Facebook?
These offers usually appear as Facebook ads or Marketplace posts. They promise to build you a website at no cost. The pitch often sounds simple: “Give us your details and we’ll do the rest.”
While this can seem tempting—especially for small businesses with tight budgets—the reality is that “free” often comes with strings attached. Hidden charges, lack of ownership, or low-quality builds can cost you far more than a transparent, professional service.
5 Red Flags to Watch Out For
1. Hidden Monthly Fees
The build may be free, but hosting, support, or even basic features like forms often come with recurring charges. Over 12–24 months, you may pay more than a professional build.
2. Lack of Ownership
Some providers retain ownership of the website, domain, or hosting. If you leave, you lose your site. This makes it impossible to scale or migrate later.
3. Poor Quality Designs
Free sites are usually based on generic templates. Many are outdated, not mobile-friendly, and lack SEO optimisation. This means you’ll look unprofessional and won’t attract organic traffic.
4. Minimal or Expensive Support
Initial builds are free, but any updates or fixes often carry hidden fees. Without support, you risk downtime or compliance problems.
5. Risk of Scams
Unfortunately, some “free website” providers are not legitimate. They may collect sensitive details or lock you into long contracts. Always check reviews and credentials before signing up.
ROI: Free vs Professional Website
| Option | What You Get | ROI Impact |
| Free Website Build | Basic template, hidden fees, no ownership, minimal support | Low – may cost more in hidden charges, poor SEO, and lost enquiries |
| Professional Website Build | Full ownership, custom design, SEO-ready, ongoing support | High – consistent enquiries, brand credibility, pays back investment fast |
A free build may save you upfront, but the lost enquiries and ongoing costs can make it the most expensive option.
Proof in Practice
Fountain Solicitors — Their first “budget” site looked fine but generated almost no enquiries. After rebuilding with a system-first approach, they now average 60+ enquiries per month and expanded from 1 to 5 offices.
Hair by Imad — Started with a free template site but saw no bookings. After a rebuild with SEO and conversion systems, online bookings increased by 700%.
The takeaway: investing in a professional system produces measurable ROI.
How to Protect Yourself from Free Website Scams
- Research the company – Check reviews, business registrations, and portfolios.
- Read the fine print – Look for ownership terms, hidden costs, and contract clauses.
- Ask direct questions – Who owns the domain? What’s included in support? What’s the exit process?
- Compare against professional builds – Often, the gap in cost is less than the hidden expenses you’ll face later.
Final Thought
“Free” websites on Facebook often come with hidden costs—financial, technical, and reputational. If you want a website that builds trust and generates enquiries, investing in professional design is the smarter long-term choice.
Want a diagnostic, not a sales pitch? Book a More Clients From Your Website Call, or review transparent packages on our Pricing Page.
