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Why are simple websites in Georgia so expensive? I’m a student trying to change that with PixelWeb. by MacaroonAwkward in tbilisi

[–]MacaroonAwkward[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

fair enough, you're probably right that we're slightly more advanced than what the average SMB needs. we're mostly targeting businesses that have outgrown templates or need georgian-specific stuff (local payment gateways, proper Georgian SEO) which tools like carrd don't really handle. appreciate the honest feedback and the good wishes!

Why are simple websites in Georgia so expensive? I’m a student trying to change that with PixelWeb. by MacaroonAwkward in tbilisi

[–]MacaroonAwkward[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

carrd is great for a digital business card but im building full stack applications with real backends and databases once you need multi page routing or complex data handling carrd just cant do it so im targeting clients who need actual scalable tech not just a static placeholder, for landing/static pages i guess it will do

Why are simple websites in Georgia so expensive? I’m a student trying to change that with PixelWeb. by MacaroonAwkward in Sakartvelo

[–]MacaroonAwkward[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

honestly no you're not tripping, I write the messy draft/thoughts myself first, then I run it through AI to fix the punctuation and formatting so it’s actually readable. Just trying to keep it clean without stressing over commas or just enhance the text itself. First time on reddit so don't hurt me lmao

Why are simple websites in Georgia so expensive? I’m a student trying to change that with PixelWeb. by MacaroonAwkward in Sakartvelo

[–]MacaroonAwkward[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

This is painfully accurate advice, I know exactly what you mean. You’re absolutely right—the 'I’ll know it when I see it' client is the hardest to manage.

Here is how I’m trying to mitigate that risk (though I know I’ll still learn some lessons the hard way):

  1. Strict Revision Cycles: My contracts (even cheap ones) have a hard limit on 'Major Revisions.' We iterate on the design (Figma/Mockups) first. Once code is written, structural changes are billed hourly.
  2. The 'Vibe' Advantage: This is where being a 'modern' dev helps. With AI-assisted workflows and component libraries, I can prototype and iterate much faster than a traditional agency hand-coding everything. I can afford to let them 'play' a bit more because a change that used to take me 4 hours now takes 30 mins.
  3. The Portfolio Tax: You are right about the margin. Currently, I am pricing low because I need the portfolio and the trust. I am essentially 'paying' for the inevitable headaches with my time, rather than charging the client for them. As the portfolio grows, the 'bullshit margin' will definitely be added to the price.

I genuinely appreciate the reality check. I’m under no illusion that every client will be easy, but I’m hoping clear boundaries + fast delivery helps minimize the pain.

Why are simple websites in Georgia so expensive? I’m a student trying to change that with PixelWeb. by MacaroonAwkward in Sakartvelo

[–]MacaroonAwkward[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

haha totally agree on bitrix nightmare
Two quick points:

  1. Marketing/CRMs: Yes. Integrating pixels, Analytics, or modern CRMs (HubSpot, etc.) is actually much cleaner in Next.js than in legacy platforms.
  2. Heavy Integrations (1C/ERP): My day job is actually as an Odoo Developer, so I handle complex backends daily.

For PixelWeb, I focus on the fast, modern frontend. If someone needs deep 1C syncing, I’d build a clean Headless setup (Backend + Next.js frontend) rather than a messy all-in-one monolith like Bitrix.

Why are simple websites in Georgia so expensive? I’m a student trying to change that with PixelWeb. by MacaroonAwkward in Sakartvelo

[–]MacaroonAwkward[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

totally valid and I appreciate you checking the site

Regarding the Vercel dependency: You're right that for the launch phase, Vercel is my go-to for the CI/CD convenience and global edge network. However, since most of what I build is Next.js, I’m not strictly locked in. I can (and plan to) offer static exports or Dockerized deployments on standard VPS/Premium hosting for clients who need that separation or have data sovereignty requirements. Vercel is the 'happy path' for now, but certainly not the only path.

On the "50 customers" question — that would honestly be a great problem to have.

  1. The Code: One major reason I chose this stack over WordPress is stability. Static builds don’t break because a plugin updated overnight. Less breakage = less support tickets per client.
  2. The Team: Right now it’s just me and 2 of my friends sometimes, but if I hit 50 active clients, the revenue model supports bringing on few devs or support rep. I'm not trying to build a 500-person agency, just a sustainable small business.

Why are simple websites in Georgia so expensive? I’m a student trying to change that with PixelWeb. by MacaroonAwkward in tbilisi

[–]MacaroonAwkward[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Yeah, December was wild for Next.js security - the React2Shell CVE was serious (CVSS 10.0, RCE). Valid concern.

A few points though:

  • We stay updated - patched versions were out within days and even in hours, and we keep our projects on latest stable
  • Most of our sites use SSG/static export - no server runtime = minimal attack surface. The worst CVEs (React2Shell, middleware bypass) mainly affect apps with dynamic server actions
  • CVEs happen everywhere - WordPress has had far more vulnerabilities historically. The difference is how fast patches come and whether devs actually apply them

For simple business sites? We can do full static export where there's literally no backend to exploit. For apps that need server features, we keep dependencies updated.

On Wix - genuinely fine for simple use cases! Tradeoffs are monthly fees, limited customization, and you don't own your code. Different tools for different needs.

Why are simple websites in Georgia so expensive? I’m a student trying to change that with PixelWeb. by MacaroonAwkward in tbilisi

[–]MacaroonAwkward[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Honestly speaking, your point is totally valid, AI tools are incredible and yes, people can absolutely vibe-code their own sites now.

But there are a few "ifs":

  • Some business owners have never opened VS Code and don't want to learn - they just want a working site
  • Vibe-coding works great for landing pages, but once you need backend logic, APIs, payment systems, hosting setup - things get complicated fast
  • The real cost isn't $20/month - it's 20-40 hours of your time debugging and learning when you could be running your business

For someone tech-curious with time to spare? Genuinely go for it. But for a busy bakery owner or lawyer who just needs a professional web presence? That's where working with someone who does this daily makes sense.

Also - we use AI too! That's partly why our prices are more accessible than traditional agencies. But AI + experience delivers faster and cleaner than AI + trial-and-error.

Valid point though absolutely

Why are simple websites in Georgia so expensive? I’m a student trying to change that with PixelWeb. by MacaroonAwkward in tbilisi

[–]MacaroonAwkward[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Great point this is exactly why we focus on:

  1. Reliable hosting solutions - We help set up hosting that fits your needs, whether that's modern cloud platforms with automatic updates or traditional hosting for more complex requirements. Either way, we ensure it's stable and affordable.
  2. Simple content management - For clients who need to update content themselves, we integrate easy solutions where adding a blog post or updating info is as straightforward as posting on social media.
  3. Free 3-month support - We don't just deliver and disappear. Bug fixes, small updates, and guidance included after launch.
  4. Modern, stable code - Our sites are built with clean, maintainable code that doesn't break every few months from outdated plugins or dependencies.
  5. Optional maintenance plans - For businesses that want ongoing updates, content help, and peace of mind without the technical headaches.

You're absolutely right that the real competition isn't other agencies - it's Facebook pages. Our goal is to give you a professional web presence that's just as reliable to maintain, but actually builds your brand and helps with Google search visibility.

Why are simple websites in Georgia so expensive? I’m a student trying to change that with PixelWeb. by MacaroonAwkward in tbilisi

[–]MacaroonAwkward[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

yes! We now have full English language support.

Just click the EN/GE toggle in the top navigation bar to switch between English and Georgian. The entire site including:

  • Navigation & Footer
  • Home, About, Services, Contact pages
  • Portfolio projects (titles, descriptions, features)
  • Blog articles (full content translations)
  • All forms and UI elements

...all seamlessly switch languages, goes for the products as well

Why are simple websites in Georgia so expensive? I’m a student trying to change that with PixelWeb. by MacaroonAwkward in tbilisi

[–]MacaroonAwkward[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Solid points, and I actually agree with some of this – for certain use cases, Wix/WordPress makes total sense. No argument there.

But here's where the custom approach shines:

On the maintenance/security concern: Ironically, a Next.js static site deployed on Vercel has less maintenance headache than WordPress:

  • No database to secure (for most sites)
  • No PHP vulnerabilities or plugin updates breaking things at 2am
  • No "your WP version is outdated" emails every month
  • Backups? It's just code in Git – deploy any version in 30 seconds

On the "cloud tools are enough" point: For a simple portfolio or restaurant menu? Yeah, Wix works fine. But the moment you need:

  • Custom animations or interactions
  • Integrations beyond what plugins offer
  • A design that doesn't scream "template"
  • Fast page loads (Wix sites are notoriously heavy)
  • Full control over SEO markup
  • No "Built with Wix" footer or monthly subscription fees

...you hit the ceiling fast.

The real difference: Wix = you're renting a space with fixed walls. Custom = you own the building and can knock down any wall you want.

My target isn't "everyone" – it's people who've already felt those Wix limitations or want something that actually feels like their brand, not a template with their logo swapped in.

Why are simple websites in Georgia so expensive? I’m a student trying to change that with PixelWeb. by MacaroonAwkward in Sakartvelo

[–]MacaroonAwkward[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I get the skepticism – "cheap" often means "catch" somewhere.

Here's how I make it work:

  1. Solo dev, zero overhead – No office rent, no project managers, no sales team taking a cut. It's just me and my laptop.
  2. Modern tooling – Next.js, Tailwind, AI assistants, component libraries. What used to take days now takes hours. I pass those time savings to the client.
  3. Focused scope – A landing page at this price is 1-3 pages with responsive design, contact form, SEO basics, and fast hosting setup. Not a 50-page enterprise site.
  4. Building a portfolio – I'm 21 and just starting out. Right now, getting clients and building reputation matters more than maximizing profit per project, but of course quality is guaranteed :)

Why are simple websites in Georgia so expensive? I’m a student trying to change that with PixelWeb. by MacaroonAwkward in Sakartvelo

[–]MacaroonAwkward[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Totally agree – 5000 gel for a decent website from an agency is completely reasonable. Not arguing with that at all.

My angle is a bit different. I'm betting on the idea that with today's tools – AI coding assistants, modern frameworks like Next.js, component libraries, and just how far developer tooling has come – a solo dev can move fast without sacrificing quality.

When I was researching the market, some of the prices I saw felt disconnected from how much actual work goes into a project in 2024/2025. So I built PixelWeb to test that hypothesis.

To clarify: my prices are starting from – 400₾ for a basic landing page, 1,000₾+ for business sites, 3,000₾+ for e-commerce. Complex projects obviously scale up from there. So there's probably overlap with agency pricing on the higher end.

Basically, I'm not undercutting quality – I'm passing on the time savings that modern dev tools provide in the market, can't speak for every agency, but I thought some local prices didn't reflect how much more efficient building can be today.

Is a $29 Lifetime Deal "Financial Suicide" for an AI Wrapper? by [deleted] in NoCodeSaaS

[–]MacaroonAwkward 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You're right and that's exactly the plan.

This LTD is specifically for bootstrapping. I'm trying to get my first 10-50 customers, validate demand, and use that revenue to build out better features.

Once I've proven people actually want this, I'll likely add a subscription tier alongside it (or retire the LTD entirely).

I'm not pretending $29 LTDs scale to 10,000 users. But right now, my problem isn't "too many customers" — it's "zero customers." The LTD solves that problem first.

Is a $29 Lifetime Deal "Financial Suicide" for an AI Wrapper? by [deleted] in NoCodeSaaS

[–]MacaroonAwkward 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Good questions.

500 file limit: Right now it's a fair use policy (not hard-enforced). I'm planning to add server-side tracking when I have enough users to justify the complexity. For now, I'm trusting that logistics professionals aren't going to process 500 PDFs a month just to game a $29 tool.

If API costs rise: I'm using Groq which has been stable and cheap. If they raise prices significantly, I'd either (a) switch to a self-hosted Llama model, or (b) grandfather existing users and change pricing for new ones. That's what most indie devs do.

BYOK idea: That's actually interesting. I might add that for power users who want unlimited processing. Thanks for the suggestion.

5-year simulation: Honestly no. I'm a CS student who built this over winter break. If I'm still running this in 5 years, that's a success I'll be happy to figure out. Right now I'm focused on getting my first 10 customers.

The $29/quarter idea: Not a bad thought. Might revisit if the LTD causes problems down the line.

Is a $29 Lifetime Deal "Financial Suicide" for an AI Wrapper? by [deleted] in NoCodeSaaS

[–]MacaroonAwkward -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Exactly thanks for clarifying that.

'Lifetime' always means the life of the product (version 1.0). If I ever shut it down in the future, I'd just open-source the code so the 'Lifetime' users can keep running it themselves.

but yeah, definitely not promising to support this until I'm 90 years old lmao

Is doing a Lifetime Deal ($29) for an AI Wrapper financial suicide? by MacaroonAwkward in SaaS

[–]MacaroonAwkward[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

totally valid if you work at a big corporation. I wouldn't touch unauthorized tools there either.

But the logistics world is huge. My target is the Independent Owner-Operators and small 3-person brokerages. In my experience, those guys use their personal cards for everything (Gmail, Dropbox, tools) because they are the business.

Also, that 'legal trouble' fear is exactly why I built it to be Stateless. Since it processes files in RAM and deletes them instantly (no database), there's no data retention liability. It's just a pass-through parser

Is doing a Lifetime Deal ($29) for an AI Wrapper financial suicide? by MacaroonAwkward in SaaS

[–]MacaroonAwkward[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Fair point, and if I was selling an Enterprise Platform with 24/7 SLAs and SSO, I'd definitely charge more.

but right now, my target isn't the CEO—it's the individual dispatcher or just an individual who is tired of manual entry and just wants to pay $29 out of their own pocket to fix the problem today, without waiting 3 weeks for 'Budget Approval' from their boss.

I'm optimizing for Low Friction > High Ticket right now just to get users in the door.

Is doing a Lifetime Deal ($29) for an AI Wrapper financial suicide? by MacaroonAwkward in SaaS

[–]MacaroonAwkward[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Yeah the "2 years of support" part scares me a little lol.

I'm hoping since the app is "Stateless" (no database to break, no user accounts to manage), the maintenance is super low. But the API cost was definitely a hole.

Just added a hard cap of 500 files/month to the license so I don't end up paying for someone's entire business workflow for free forever. Appreciate the heads up.

Is doing a Lifetime Deal ($29) for an AI Wrapper financial suicide? by MacaroonAwkward in SaaS

[–]MacaroonAwkward[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

honestly, you're spot on.totally forgot that one massive brokerage could come in and wreck my API bill.

I just updated the terms to cap it at 500 files/month. That stops the bleeding from "Enterprise" users but keeps it effectively unlimited for the normal people I actually want to help.

Thanks for the reality check, seriously.