Look, if you’ve ever screamed into the void because your website guy ghosted you again… you’re not alone. You’re also not crazy, high maintenance, or expecting too much.

You’re just expecting basic professionalism. And sadly, that’s rarer than it should be in the land of freelance developers.

The Pain Is Real (And You’re Not Wrong)

Here’s what most small business owners deal with:

  • You ask for a simple Google Analytics tag to be added. Crickets.
  • You want two more pages quoted. Nothing.
  • You follow up. You get a “sure thing!” reply. Then… radio silence.
  • You’re not asking for a redesign of NASA’s control panel. You just want your site to work — and maybe help grow your business instead of sitting there like a digital paperweight.

Sound familiar?

Now you’re stuck in limbo: do you chase the flaky dev again? Do you start over and risk getting burned twice? Or do you DIY it and pray you don’t blow up your homepage?

Let’s break it down.

Why This Keeps Happening (And How to Avoid It)

1. You Don’t Own the Keys

If you don’t have access to your site, your domain, or your hosting — congratulations, you don’t own your website. Your developer does. That’s digital hostage-taking, and it’s more common than you think.

Fix it: Always make sure you own the hosting account, the domain, and the CMS admin login. Don’t let someone “host it for you” without transparency.

2. Cheap = Slow, Disinterested Service

You paid $2,500 for a basic 3-page site and $30/month for hosting. That’s not bad… but it’s also not enough to be anyone’s priority. Especially if there’s no ongoing service agreement in place.

Fix it: Pay for ongoing support or get someone who builds that into their package. Or be crystal clear that you’re hiring for one-off work — and get it in writing.

3. No Plan = No Progress

You’re sending scattered emails asking for updates and getting vague promises. There’s no timeline. No scope. No accountability.

Fix it: Treat your website updates like a project. Write a bullet-point list of what you want. Ask for a quote with a deadline. Sign off on it. Set expectations clearly.

What Are Your Options?

Here’s the no-fluff rundown:

✅ Option A: Learn Just Enough to Not Get Screwed

If your site’s on WordPress, Wix, Squarespace, etc. — you can learn how to make basic updates in a weekend with ChatGPT and YouTube. Just make sure you have full access.

✅ Option B: Rebuild With Someone Reliable

Yes, it sucks to “start over.” But sometimes that’s cheaper (and less rage-inducing) than waiting 3 weeks for a Google Tag.

Look for a freelance website developer who:

  • Communicates like a grown-up.
  • Offers custom WordPress development if you need flexibility.
  • Actually cares that your business succeeds (not just that the code works).

✅ Option C: Go DIY With a Builder

If your site is just a few pages of info + a contact form? Tools like Webflow, Wix, or Squarespace will get the job done. Use AI to generate copy. Use templates that don’t suck. Done.

Real Talk: Don’t Settle for a Developer Who’s Bad at Business

Speed matters. Communication matters. If you respond to your clients promptly and do great work, you deserve the same in return.

Your website isn’t just a “tech thing.” It’s your storefront, your credibility, your 24/7 sales rep.

So yeah — it should actually work.

Need a New Website Guy? I Volunteer as Tribute.

I’m Maksym Marko. I build websites that book clients — not just sit there collecting dust. If you’re tired of being ghosted and ready to work with someone who actually gives a damn?

No pitch. No pressure. Just smart advice and clear next steps.

👉 Book a Free 15-Minute Chat With Me

Before you go hire (or fire) your next “website guy,” here’s a curveball: what if you didn’t need one at all? AI has gotten scary good — like build-a-site-in-an-afternoon good. If you’re curious (or just tired of waiting on flaky developers), check out my next article: You Don’t Need a Web Developer. Use GPT. (Yes, Really.)

It might just save you time, money, and a few grey hairs.