Why Cheap Websites Hurt Your Business

A website called ageless-skin-care.com is displayed

In our line of work, we often get asked “How much does a website cost?” This question stinks because the answer is hardly ever straightforward. That would be like walking in to a Best Buy and asking someone with a blue shirt how much a TV costs. Well, what kind of TV are you looking for? What features do you want? Will you be using it for video games? How big do you need it? Do you have a limit on what you want to spend? Just like with most anything else, there are multiple “models” of websites as well, where many factors need to be taken into consideration before quoting.

We understand that sometimes you just need a general idea or ballpark estimate for your website design in Richmond Virginia. So typically, after spending a little time learning about your needs, wants and any specific bells and whistles you may want, we can provide a ballpark estimate – a guesstimate.

On many occasions, a potential client has turned around and said “But I can get a website done for $600 over at XYZ, Inc.” Sure you can, but let us explain why this doesn’t work, if you’re serious about your business.

Most people want to sell something with their website – whether it be a product, a service or an idea. If you go with a cheap website, it will only serve the utmost basic function that a website needs to fulfill: it will give viewers a place to look up information online. It will be lacking aesthetically, it will not be Search Engine Optimized, it may not be mobile responsive for smartphones and tablets and it will most likely not reflect your brand’s message.

A common goal is to have visitors, clients and customers to want to return to your site and spend more money or engage in more content. So, spend a little more on a professional, quality website design and hosting that is built by a professional or professional advertising agency in Richmond Virginia. The return you will see from a well designed website outweighs the little bit you would have saved – tenfold!

The better designed your website is, the better the chance an online visitor will not only return, but he or she will recommend you to others. In short, the better your company is presented, the more credible you look and the more money a client is willing to spend!

So, for anyone looking to build a website on the cheap, first consider the purpose of your website. Think about the impression it will leave visitors. Think about whether or not they will want to return to your website.

Click here to see if your site makes the cut.

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ADA Website Accessibility: What Businesses Need to Know in 2026

August 14, 2026

Website accessibility has been a conversation for years, but recent changes to federal accessibility requirements are putting an even bigger spotlight on how websites work for people with disabilities. And if your website hasn’t been reviewed for accessibility recently, now is a good time to take another look. At River City Advertising, we have the tools to add accessibility-focused features that are easier for everyone to use. What Changed With ADA Website Accessibility? In 2024, the U.S. Department of Justice issued a new rule under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act establishing a specific technical accessibility standard for websites and mobile apps provided by state and local governments. That standard is WCAG 2.1 Level AA —a widely recognized set of Web Content Accessibility Guidelines designed to make digital content more accessible to people with visual, auditory, physical, cognitive and other disabilities. In 2026, the DOJ extended the deadlines for these public entities: April 26, 2027: State and local government entities with populations of 50,000 or more April 26, 2028: Smaller public entities and special district governments While these particular deadlines apply to state and local governments, the changes reinforce something that affects organizations of all kinds: website accessibility is becoming increasingly important. Businesses should also remember that accessibility obligations can vary depending on the type of organization, services provided and applicable federal, state and local laws. What Does an Accessible Website Actually Mean? Accessibility isn't simply adding a button to your website. An accessible website is designed so people with disabilities can navigate, understand and interact with its content—including visitors who use screen readers, keyboard navigation or other assistive technologies. Some of the elements that can affect accessibility include: Alternative text for meaningful images Appropriate color contrast between text and backgrounds Clear heading structures Keyboard-friendly navigation Properly labeled buttons, links and form fields Readable text and logical page layouts Accessible forms Captions or alternatives for multimedia content Correct website language settings Content that works effectively with screen readers Many of these features also happen to make a website easier to use for everyone , not only visitors with disabilities. How Our Platform Helps Us Build More Accessible Websites At River City Advertising accessibility isn't treated as an afterthought. Our platform includes built-in functionality that can help developers create more accessible websites, including support for alternative text, keyboard navigation and automatic website language definition. Our platform also integrates with accessibility solutions such as UserWay and AudioEye for businesses and organizations that want additional accessibility tools, monitoring and remediation capabilities. However, there is an important distinction: No website platform, plugin or accessibility widget can automatically guarantee that a website is 100% ADA compliant. Accessibility depends on the platform and how the website is designed, written, maintained and updated. For example, adding an accessibility tool doesn't fix a poorly structured page, unclear link text, an inaccessible third-party application or every issue created when new content is added. That is why accessibility should be viewed as an ongoing website-management practice rather than a one-time checkbox. Why Businesses Should Pay Attention Now Even if the newest Title II deadlines don't apply directly to your business, there are several reasons to make website accessibility a priority. Reach more people. An accessible website makes it easier for more potential customers to interact with your business online. Create a better user experience. Clear navigation, readable content, properly labeled forms and thoughtful page structure benefit everyone. Support your SEO efforts. Several accessibility best practices—such as descriptive image text, organized headings and well-structured content—can also help search engines better understand your website. Reduce unnecessary risk. Digital accessibility continues to be an important legal and regulatory issue. Proactively improving accessibility is much better than waiting until someone identifies a problem. Prepare your website for the future. Accessibility standards and expectations continue to evolve. Building accessibility into your website now makes it easier to adapt as requirements change. Accessibility Isn't "Set It and Forget It" This may be the most important takeaway. Your website can become less accessible over time as new pages, images, videos, forms, integrations and other content are added. That's why website accessibility should be part of ongoing website management. At River City Advertising, we can help businesses evaluate their current websites, identify accessibility concerns and determine what tools or updates may make sense. Is It Time for an Accessibility Check? If you're unsure how your current website measures up, we can help you take a closer look. Contact River City Advertising to talk about your website, accessibility options and how we can help make your online presence easier for more people to use. This article is provided for general informational purposes and is not legal advice. ADA and digital accessibility requirements can vary depending on your organization and jurisdiction. Businesses with questions about their specific legal obligations should consult qualified legal counsel.