Exposing 5 Common Unethical Web Design Practices

As a business owner looking to take your business online with the services of a web designer, you may not be aware of the unethical web design of fraudulent web designers.

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This article discusses some of the most common customer complaints from the most common service review platforms including Google Business Profiles and Trustpilot.

Unethical Web Design Practices

The online space, particularly in web design, has become essential for businesses and individuals, helping them establish their presence and engage with broader audiences.

Unfortunately, as in any industry, there are some bad actors whose practices can undermine the trust clients place in web designers.

Based on customer reviews from several web design companies, customers have reported some common, unethical practices, highlighting what clients should be aware of when selecting a web design service.

1. Non-Deliverables and Incomplete Projects

One of the most frequent complaints across multiple web design service review platforms is failure to deliver on promised projects.

Clients often report that web designers either do not complete their projects or, in some cases, do not start them at all after payment.

For instance, customers mentioned that companies would take payment upfront but then delay or avoid communication, resulting in incomplete projects.

This practice not only wastes clients’ time but also erodes their trust and can lead to significant financial loss.

2. Scams and Misrepresentation

Some customers reported outright scams, where web design companies misrepresented their services or portfolio. They often promise high-quality, custom websites or a particular level of service but fail to meet even basic expectations.

This misrepresentation can range from using fake portfolio images, showcasing work that isn’t their own, or outright lying about their capabilities.

Some review sites even reported that fraudulent companies tend to hide behind numerous aliases, often setting up multiple “companies” under different names to evade accountability. This is a common practice on Fiverr.

3. High-Pricing with Minimal Transparency

Another issue commonly reported is the pricing structure of these companies. Some clients highlighted that companies tend to charge exorbitant rates for basic services, often with little justification for the high costs.

For instance, some reviews noted that clients received generic templates or poorly optimized designs despite paying premium prices.

In other cases, companies refused to provide itemized billing, preventing clients from understanding what their money was going toward.

4. Aggressive Marketing and Misleading Tactics

Another negative practice involves misleading marketing tactics, such as aggressive follow-ups or pressure to choose specific “verified” companies through fake compliance checks.

For instance, reviews mentioned instances where clients would receive messages claiming they needed to avoid other designers due to “security concerns,” only for those messages to be a tactic to upsell services from the same network of companies.

Such manipulative practices not only mislead clients but also put them in a potentially costly, low-quality relationship with a provider they haven’t had the opportunity to research.

5. Poor Customer Support and Unresponsiveness

Many customers expressed frustration with customer service, citing long wait times for responses, unhelpful support staff, or being completely ignored after the initial sales pitch.

A good web design company should be responsive and offer ongoing support, especially as many clients may need additional assistance with maintenance or future updates.

How to Avoid Falling Victim to “Dark” Web Design Practices

1. Research the Company’s Background: Verify company details, such as location, registration, and business history. Be cautious if a company uses multiple aliases or has minimal online presence outside of its website.
2. Ask for Documentation and Contracts: Insist on a contract that outlines services, payment structure, and timeline. If a company is hesitant to provide written agreements, consider that a potential red flag.
3. Read Reviews on Reputable Sites: Look for consistent patterns in customer feedback on trusted review sites. If there are multiple accounts of similar negative experiences, proceed with caution.
4. Avoid Large Upfront Payments: If possible, negotiate for milestone-based payments instead of paying the full amount upfront. This way, you can assess the quality of work at different stages before committing fully.
5. Confirm a Clear Communication Channel: Make sure there’s a clear method for reaching the team working on your project. Reliable companies typically provide multiple ways to communicate and have a process for regular updates.

Web design is an essential aspect of establishing an online presence, but clients should be vigilant when choosing a provider. By doing due diligence, understanding potential red flags, and recognizing unethical practices, clients can better protect themselves from scams and subpar services.

Ethical web design companies prioritize quality, transparency, and customer satisfaction, providing their clients with the necessary resources and support to achieve their business goals.