Freelance Web Design Clients to Avoid: Why I Said No to an Illuminati Website
Let me tell you about the strangest project offer I’ve ever received.
A guy messaged me out of nowhere:
“Bro, I need an Illuminati website. Fast.”
At first, I laughed. I thought it was a prank.
But it wasn’t. He wanted a professional-looking website to attract new “members” into some mysterious online cult. It sounded shady from every angle.
So, I said no.
Not because I couldn’t build it.
But because not every client is worth the project and this was one of those freelance web design clients to avoid at all costs.
Some Projects Look Good But Smell Bad
Since then, I’ve had similar offers. Gambling websites.
Fake investment platforms.
Get-rich-quick scheme pages. Many of them came with big budgets.
But here’s the hard truth nobody tells beginner freelancers:
Some money is not worth the stress, risk, or regret.
Especially in Cameroon, where some industries live in legal gray zones.
If things go south, your name is sitting there in the site footer—“Designed by you.”
And trust me, no one is going to care that you “were just the designer.”
What I Ask Before Starting Any Project
Before I start any website, I ask just two simple questions:
What type of business do you run?
Why do you need a website right now?
If the answers feel off, I don’t move forward.
-Some people get upset.
-Some try to convince me.
-Some even offer double the price.
But I’ve learned something over time:
The money you turn down to protect your peace is never a loss.
This Is Bigger Than Just Web Design
You see, this is not just about writing code or making things look good online.
This is about values.
About work you can look back at and say, “Yeah, I built that and I’m proud of it.”
Because at the end of the day, I don’t just want to be known as a “web guy.”
I want to be known as someone who builds with intention, not just for cash.
Also Read: How to Get Web Design Clients in Cameroon
Some Projects Are Poison in Disguise
If you’re a designer, developer, or creative of any kind learn this early:
Not all money is good money.
Some clients come with energy that drains you.
Some industries are one legal problem away from destroying your reputation.
Some “opportunities” will make you lose sleep.
It’s okay to walk away.
Over to You
What’s one project you turned down and never regretted?
Drop it in the comments or message me directly—I’d love to hear your story.