How monthly website design subscriptions work?
A monthly website design service works the same way as your Netflix subscription.
You pay a monthly fee to enjoy your favourite shows and movies for as long as your account is active.
You don’t get to keep the movies or shows once you stop paying, but you can enjoy an ever-evolving library of entertainment as long as your subscription is active.
If you decide to cancel your subscription, you lose access to that content, but you’re not stuck with an unneeded asset.
Similarly, with a monthly website design service, you’re not purchasing a one-time product that you “own” in perpetuity.
Instead, you’re subscribing to a package that gives you the tools you need to create, host, and maintain a website for as long as you need it.
This includes everything: domain registration, website hosting, design, and the ability to create email accounts in your company’s name.
You also get ongoing website support whenever you need help, meaning you don’t have to fork out additional money every time something needs to be fixed or updated.
Is the monthly web design service worth the money?
It depends on how you see it.
One could look at the cost in the long-term and decide it will cost more than if they went with a once-off payment option.
But if you are looking for a solution that…
- Is budget-friendly
- Offers you ongoing support
- You don’t need technical expertise
Then this is exactly the kind of web design service you need.
Frequently asked questions
Can I Own My Website After 12 Months?
Just like you don’t own the movies you watch on Netflix after paying for a few months or years, you don’t get an option to own the website after a certain time.
Your subscription gives you access to a website, but its ownership and content resides with the service provider.
The key here is that your website is available as long as you keep paying the monthly fee.
Can I Transfer My Website to Another Provider?
Yes, but it’s not a matter of simply canceling the subscription after a few months and move it to another host.
With this service, you pay for hosting, domain and support.
If you want to move your website elsewhere, you would need to pay a design fee that was not charged initially.
What Happens If I Don’t Pay My Monthly Fee?
If you choose to cancel your monthly subscription or stop paying, you lose access to the website, hosting, domain and email accounts.
Can I Buy the Website After a Year?
Though the monthly subscription is designed to be a continuous service, some web design companies in South Africa do allow you to buyout the website and the price is subject to the size and complexity of the website. Also, note that the monthly premiums you pay will not lower the design fee you’re quoted.
Should You Choose a Once-Off or a Monthly Website Design Package?
Choose a once-off option if you…
- Have a budget.
- Don’t anticipate needing frequent updates.
- Are happy to pay for any updates or changes in the future.
- Already have a hosting plan and want to keep your current host.
But go with a monthly option if you want…
- Continuous support and regular website updates.
- To have the flexibility to adapt your website as your business grows without additional costs.
- To allocate some of the money you would have spent on a once-off package into Google Ads to market your website.
In the long run, paying monthly for website design offers ongoing value.
You get a fully supported website with technical expertise and the flexibility to adapt as your business grows without the worry of future costs or technical headaches.