Is My Webmaster Ripping Me Off? How to Make Sure You’re Getting the Best Deal

If you’ve ever stared at a monthly invoice from your webmaster and thought, “Wait, what exactly am I paying for?” you’re not alone. We’ve had more than a few conversations lately with business owners who are shelling out thousands each month for website design services that barely move the needle. And the kicker? Most of the work could be automated or handled for a fraction of the cost.

When “Maintenance” Becomes a Money Pit

Take this recent call from a non-profit director. She’d been working with the same webmaster for over a decade. Solid relationship, right? Except she was paying $4,000 a month—yes, every month—for “keeping the website software up to date” and making a few minor changes here and there. The site was built on WordPress, which, if you didn’t know, can automatically update plugins with a few clicks. When we told her our hosting was $25 a month and included plugin updates, plus hourly billing for actual work done, she nearly fell out of her chair.

And she’s not the only one.

A gentleman called us a couple of weeks ago, frustrated and confused. He was paying $600 a month just for hosting his small ecommerce site. No updates. No support. Just hosting. We explained our hosting rate—again, $25 a month—and copied his site that same day. He’s never looked back.

Now, don’t get us wrong. Some websites require more horsepower. If you’re running something like Walmart.com or Netflix, sure, you’re in a different league. But for most small to mid-sized businesses, hosting should never cross the $350 mark. Ever.

The Myth of the “Invisible Work”

Here’s the thing: many website designers and web developers are fantastic at what they do. But some have built a business model around vague deliverables—“monitoring,” “support,” “updates”—without showing tangible results. It’s like paying a mechanic $1,000 a month just to keep your car parked in their garage “in case something breaks.”

If your website programmer or webmaster can’t clearly explain what they’re doing for that monthly retainer, it’s time to ask questions. Real ones. Like:

• What exactly are you updating?
• How often are you making changes?
• Are you tracking performance or just keeping the lights on?

Fast Servers, Fair Prices, and Real Support

At SayItOnTheWeb, based right here in Roanoke, Virginia, we’ve built our reputation on transparency, speed, and creativity. Our clients often tell us their websites load faster than ever—and that’s not just a happy accident. We’ve invested in high-performance servers and streamlined our web development process to make sure your site isn’t just online—it’s thriving.

We don’t believe in bloated retainers. We believe in fair hourly rates, clear communication, and helping you grow. Whether you need a full website redesign or just a few tweaks, our team of seasoned website designers and developers is here to support your vision.

So, Is Your Webmaster Worth It?

To be honest, there are many web development teams that are honest and ethical; but, more and more we are hearing about the other side.

Let’s break it down. If your website design company is charging you thousands each month and you’re not seeing new content, improved performance, or strategic growth, something’s off. Website designing should be collaborative, not mysterious. Your web developer should feel like a partner, not a gatekeeper.

And if you’re still unsure, ask yourself:

• Do I know what I’m paying for?
• Is my site improving month over month?
• Could I get the same (or better) service for less?

If the answer to any of those is “no,” it’s time to reevaluate.

Your Website Should Work as Hard as You Do

Your online presence isn’t just a digital business card—it’s your storefront, your voice, your handshake. And it deserves more than overpriced hosting and vague promises. Whether you’re launching a new brand, refreshing your web design, or just trying to make sense of your current setup, SayItOnTheWeb is here to help.

We’ve been building websites, writing code, and crafting emotionally resonant content for over 30 years. From small businesses to nonprofits, we’ve seen it all—and we’ve helped hundreds of clients cut costs, boost performance, and finally feel good about their website.

So if you’re wondering whether your webmaster is ripping you off, maybe it’s time for a second opinion.

Contact SayItOnTheWeb Today! Let’s talk about what your website could be—and how we can help you get there without breaking the bank.