What a $100 Website
Actually Gets You
You know a $20 site won't work. But $100? That feels reasonable. Here's what that money actually delivers - nothing more, nothing less.
Try It Yourself
I built both so you can see exactly what you're getting. Open them on your phone. Browse the menu or products. Try the checkout.
What You Actually Get
Here's the fair assessment: a $100 website works. It's not broken. It just doesn't do much.
What Works
- Products or menu items display correctly
- Basic navigation functions
- Phone number and address are visible
- Looks professional enough at first glance
- Works on desktop, mostly works on mobile
For a side hustle or business just starting out, this isn't terrible. You have something to show people.
The WhatsApp Model Is Real
Many small businesses operate this way. Browse the catalog, message on WhatsApp, negotiate price and payment. It's legitimate for low-volume sales.
But here's the thing - that model works because it's intentional. A $100 website forces you into it whether you want it or not.
Where It Breaks Down
A $100 site isn't broken. It's just limited. And those limits become problems fast.
No Automation
Orders through WhatsApp. Manual inventory in spreadsheets. Every customer requires your direct involvement.
No Scaling
One viral post and you're drowning in messages. Twenty orders means twenty separate conversations.
The Template Problem
Same colors, same layout as dozens of other sites. Customers won't remember your site an hour later.
Performance Issues
5-8-second page loads. 4-second images. On mobile data, it's worse. Most visitors won't wait.
The Honest Verdict
A $100 website is a placeholder. It's "something online" - not an investment in your business.
- You're testing a business idea before committing
- You sell low volume and don't mind manual work
- You need something today and have zero budget
- You genuinely prefer the WhatsApp ordering model
- You're trying to look established
- You want customers to find you through Google
- You're competing with businesses that have real websites
- You expect the website to actually do anything
Don't expect ROI from a $100 website. It won't bring you customers. It won't save you time. At best, it's a digital business card.
The Upgrade Moment
How do you know when you've outgrown a $100 site?
When you're spending more than 2 hours a week managing orders through WhatsApp.
That's the signal. If customer messages are eating into your actual business - making products, serving customers, growing - then the money you "saved" is costing you time.
Other signals:
- 1Customers complain about slow loading
- 2You're losing track of orders
- 3You're spending hours manually following up
- 4You're embarrassed to share your website link
What Comes Next
$500 Tier
This is where websites start working for you. Fast loading, proper mobile experience, actual checkout. The website becomes an employee, not just a poster.
Full Case Studies
I built every tier from $20 to $10,000 so you can see exactly what each budget delivers.
The Bottom Line
A $100 website gives you exactly what you pay for: something online. It's not terrible. It's not great. It just exists.
A $100 website is a cost.
A $500+ website is an investment.
Know the difference before you spend.
Ready for Something That Actually Works?
If you've realized a $100 site won't cut it, let's talk about what will.