Imagine hiring a chef for your wedding who promises gourmet expertise but only knows how to make instant noodles. You end up with a visually appealing dish that ultimately disappoints guests due to poor quality. Choosing a web design company in NYC can be similar—some may deliver a beautiful site, but if it’s slow to load, nearly 89% of users will abandon it.

From broken functionalities to frustrating user experiences, picking the wrong web design partner in NYC can be costly and embarrassing. Opting for the “cheaper” option often leads to costly repairs that overshoot your budget in the long run.

And with 94% of first impressions being design-related, you only get one shot to impress. If your site is riddled with issues, it can drive away leads faster than you can say “404 error.”

Don’t fall into the same traps. Here are four major red flags to watch out for when selecting a web design company in NYC to find a balance between budget and quality results.

1. The Agency’s Price Is Surprisingly Low

As the saying goes, “You get what you pay for.” Choosing the cheapest agency is like buying a car with three wheels—sure, it’s a bargain, but don’t expect it to get you far.

Here’s what often happens when you opt for the lowest bid:

• Poor Design: The site might look outdated, with little regard for user experience (UX).
• Broken Features: Essential functions are missing or don’t work, frustrating users.
• Lack of Support: The agency may disappear when problems arise.

The money saved upfront often gets spent (and then some) fixing these issues later. Starting with a reputable agency like Rebrandery ensures your website is visually appealing and functional, helping you avoid costly repairs and ensuring reliable support.

2. The Agency Uses Accessibility Overlays

Under the Americans with Disabilities Act, websites must be accessible to people with disabilities, covering public-facing businesses and government sites. Using an accessibility overlay is a shortcut some agencies take, claiming it’ll make your site compliant with a single click. However, overlays only modify the front end of a website, leaving underlying issues unresolved.

Think of it as expecting a fancy pair of shoes to make you run a marathon without any training. True accessibility requires a strong foundation—no overlay can replace that. Here’s why overlays fall short:

• False Security: Gives the illusion of full accessibility when it’s not.
• User Frustration: Often makes navigating the site more difficult.
• Legal Vulnerabilities: Overlays don’t shield you from potential lawsuits.

Instead, select an agency that builds accessibility into the website design from the ground up. Rebrandery integrates accessibility from day one, helping you meet compliance standards and providing a seamless user experience.

3. They Don’t Account for Ongoing Maintenance

Building a website isn’t a “set it and forget it” task. Just like a car, it requires regular maintenance. Some agencies may neglect to mention maintenance costs to make their offer look more affordable, only to reveal them later once the project has begun.

Maintenance costs vary widely. For example:

• E-commerce Sites (1,000 items): Up to $30,000 annually
• Simple Small Business Sites (16 pages): Around $1,200 annually

Typical maintenance needs include:

• Security Updates: Protecting against hackers and malware.
• Performance Optimization: Ensuring quick load times.
• Content Updates: Keeping information fresh and relevant.
• ADA Compliance: Adapting to evolving accessibility standards.

Without regular maintenance, your site can quickly become outdated, slow, and vulnerable, driving clients to competitors. A professional agency like Rebrandery offers affordable, ongoing support to keep your site running smoothly.

4. They Choose the Wrong CMS Platform

Picking the wrong content management system (CMS) is like choosing a tricycle for a cross-country trip. It may look appealing initially, but it won’t take you very far. Each CMS has strengths and limitations, so matching it to your business needs is crucial.

Consider two popular options:

• Squarespace: Simple and user-friendly, but limited customization.
• WordPress: Versatile and highly customizable, ideal for scalable, feature-rich sites.

A less-experienced agency might suggest Squarespace for its ease of use, but it may lack the flexibility your business needs over time. WordPress, while requiring more setup and maintenance, is often the better choice for businesses seeking growth and advanced functionality.

At Rebrandery, we specialize in building robust, scalable WordPress sites tailored to your unique needs. We can also train your team to make updates within the platform, empowering you to take control.

Ready to find a web design company NYC that can build a website that’s visually appealing, fully functional, and built to last? Contact Rebrandery today and let us help bring your vision to life!