Looking for a cheap web designer? Checking reviews is smart, but some on Fiverr and Google are straight-up fake.
Testimonials for cheap web design services can be genuine or fabricated to lure you. Trusting fakes could mean paying for a website that’s a total bust.
Let’s dive into spotting the scams.
Why Fake Reviews Exist
Reviews are a trust signal. A freelancer with a wall of five-star comments seems like a bargain, especially at low prices. But some sellers cheat. They buy reviews, trade them, or fake them with dummy accounts. On Google, some hire firms to “boost” their reputation.
It’s shady, but it’s out there.
Warning Signs to Spot
1. Overblown Language
Real people don’t sound like hype machines.
Fake: “This cheap web design service was incredible! Perfect results, lightning-fast, total pros!!!”
Real: “They built a site for my pet shop. It’s functional and looks decent.”
Too much enthusiasm or exclamation points? That’s a red flag.
2. Bland Praise
Good reviews mention specifics — project details, business type, or problems solved.
Fake: “Awesome job. Fast delivery. Highly recommend.”
Real: “Designed a landing page for my gym. Fixed a color issue quickly.”
Vague feedback that could apply to anything is suspect.
3. Sketchy Reviewers
Look at the reviewer’s profile.
On Google: Only one review? Posted alongside others same day?
On Fiverr: No profile picture, no activity, no other reviews?
Accounts that only exist to drop one review are fishy.
4. Copy-Paste Wording
Seeing the same phrases across reviews?
Example: “Amazing cheap web designer, best choice!”
If reviews feel like they’re from a template, they likely are. Some sellers even reuse usernames across gigs.
5. Too Many, Too Fast
A fresh account with 60 five-star reviews in days? Unlikely.
Most satisfied clients don’t review. A quick pile-up of perfect scores often points to paid feedback. On Fiverr, new sellers do this to rank up fast.
Google Reviews: Different Vibe, Same Fakes
Freelancers with sites lean on Google reviews for trust. Look out for:
- One-off reviews from empty accounts
- All five-star ratings, no mix
- Generic names (“Tom P.,” “Lisa M.”) with no pics
- Reviews dropping in a short window
- Awkward or repeated phrasing
Trust your gut if something seems off.
What Real Reviews Look Like
Honest feedback stands out:
- Simple Words: “They made my restaurant’s site. Clean design, works fine.”
- Some Critique: “Took a bit to get the layout right, but the site’s solid.”
- Specifics: “Used Shopify for my boutique. Product pages are great.”
- Human Tone: Like a real person, not a scripted ad.
Bonus Trick: Contact Reviewers
On Fiverr, you might be able to message past clients. Ask:
“Hey, saw your review. How’s the website now?”
Few may reply, but those who do can give you the unfiltered truth.
Avoid the “Too Good, Too Cheap” Hype
A designer with dirt-cheap prices, flawless reviews, and promises of elite work? Be skeptical. Most cheap web design services are basic or shaky. That’s okay if you want simple. But fake reviews can make you think you’re getting a premium deal for pennies. You won’t.
Closing Thoughts
Real reviews are raw, specific, and human. When picking a cheap web designer, don’t just count stars. Read the text, check for repeats, and ask around.
Catching fake reviews keeps your wallet and your website safe.
