I Can Just Pay £200 for a Developer Overseas or Use AI to Build My Website. We Don’t Need You.

In today’s digital world, every business wants a high-quality website — but no one wants the headache or the huge price tag.
So it’s no surprise that many business owners think:

• “I can hire a developer overseas for £200.”

• “I’ll just use AI to build my website — it’s cheaper and faster.”

And yes, on the surface, both options seem smart.
But in reality?
These choices often lead to hidden costs, long-term problems, and unreliable results.

This article breaks down the real cost of cheap web development, the truth about AI-built websites, and why working with a UK-based, accountable, responsive web agency like Marketing Balloon provides long-term value, security, and peace of mind.

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Why That £200 Website Ends Up Costing Much More

Hiring an overseas developer for a low price seems like a bargain — until the problems start showing.

Common issues we see from “cheap builds”:

1. Poor code quality and broken features

Pages break, buttons don’t work, and layouts look inconsistent.
This happens because rushed, low-cost builds rely on shortcuts and templates — not professional development.

2. Major security vulnerabilities

A poorly built site can expose your business to:

• hacking

• spam attacks

• malware

• compromised customer data

Fixing security issues can cost thousands — and damage your brand.

3. No ongoing support

One of the biggest frustrations business owners express:

“My overseas developer isn’t responding. Can you fix this?”

With time-zone delays, language barriers, or developers simply disappearing, support becomes unreliable or impossible.

4. Rebuild costs

Most businesses eventually come to a UK agency to fix or completely rebuild their site, turning the initial £200 into a £2,000+ expense.

In web development, cheap nearly always becomes expensive later.

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Why Working With a UK Agency Actually Saves You Money

A website is not a “one-off item.”
It needs updates, improvements, changes, and maintenance as your business grows.

Here’s the advantage of choosing a UK-based agency:

✔ You can reach us whenever you need help

No more waiting 12–24 hours for replies.
No disappearing developers.
No uncertainty.

✔ You can visit our actual office

If you want in-person help or guidance, our door is open.

✔ We’re legally accountable and long-term focused

We don’t run off or disappear.
Your project, your data, your business — it's all protected.

✔ We offer structured payment plans

High-quality websites become affordable with monthly payment options.
Plus:

• We host and maintain your website for free while you're on your payment plan.

• When you finish paying, you can:

  • Move to your own hosting

  • Or stay with us on a low-cost subscription

This is why so many businesses trust us for long-term stability.

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AI Website Builders: Powerful, But Limited

AI has changed the industry.
Builders like Wix AI, ChatGPT website tools, and automated design systems are impressive — but they come with limitations business owners should understand.

AI creates generic designs

AI builds based on patterns and templates, not brand identity or strategy.

AI can’t plan your site structure effectively

It doesn’t understand:

• your business goals

• your target audience

• your unique value

• your SEO strategy

• your industry requirements

This leads to websites that look “nice” but don’t convert customers.

AI doesn't guarantee security

Without human review, AI-generated code can include:

• vulnerabilities

• outdated functions

• performance issues

• accessibility problems

AI guesses — humans analyse

Business owners often give AI one vague prompt:
“Build me a website.”

AI guesses the rest.
And guesswork rarely leads to quality.

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How Marketing Balloon Uses AI Properly

Here’s the part most agencies won’t tell you: we use AI too — but in a strategic, controlled, secure way.

Our hybrid method gives you the best of both worlds:

1. We understand your business first

Your goals, your brand, your customers, your conversions.

2. We design and build the website manually

This ensures:

• custom branding

• SEO-friendly structure

• clean and secure code

• unique layouts

• professional UX/UI

3. THEN we use AI to optimise the build

We use AI for:

• code optimisation

• bug detection

• faster performance

• improved security

• reducing unnecessary code

• accessibility checks

This is how AI should be used — not as a replacement for professionals, but as a tool to enhance professional work.

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The Real Question: Do You Want “A Website” or “The Right Website”?

Anyone can build “a website.”
But a website that:

• converts customers

• represents your brand

• stays secure

• is easy to update

• loads fast

• works long-term

• has support behind it

• grows with your business

…that takes expertise, not shortcuts.

Your website is your digital storefront.
It’s the first impression customers see.
It’s your credibility.

So yes — you can pay £200 or let AI build it for you.
But when problems appear, when business grows, and when quality matters, you’ll wish you invested in a proper foundation.

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Final Thoughts: Why Professional Web Design Still Matters

AI is incredible.
Cheap developers exist.
Templates are everywhere.

But none of those replace:

• personalised service

• reliable support

• secure development

• long-term planning

• real communication

• UK accountability

• brand-focused design

• professional strategy

At Marketing Balloon, we don’t just “build websites.”
We build digital assets that last, perform, and protect your business.

And yes… we use AI too — properly, responsibly, and only to enhance the quality of your website.

That’s the difference.

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Want a website that’s secure, professional and built for growth?

Contact us here at Marketing Balloon and discover how our committed, responsive, and innovative approach delivers real value — not quick fixes.