Custom vs. Template Websites

The Internet. It’s a sign of the times. In fact, it’s in its prime and Google is its partner in crime. We don’t mean to rhyme but hey, it just worked out that way.

So it’s obvious that websites are evolving and continuing to pop up faster than a teenager’s acne. Everybody who’s anybody is on the web and according to Netcraft (netcraft.com) there’s close to 500 million websites on the Internet (as of August 2011). The question is no longer whether or not you should have a website… now it is what kind of website should you have?

When building a website, it’s important to know that you have choices: The do-it-yourself way or the hire-a-professional way (keeping in mind you get what you pay for). The situation is analogous to doing your own home repairs. If you’re as knowledgeable about the project as a professional would be (let’s be honest with ourselves), then by all means proceed in the DIY fashion. When it comes to building a website, most DIY-ers will download a “ready-made” template to construct their site with. It’s true that template sites will suffice in establishing web-presence, but with almost half a billion websites out there you’ll want to consider the originality you’ll get with a custom, made from scratch website.

In addition to originality by choosing a custom-built site, it will also function exactly the way you want it to. There are no restrictions to a custom site so you won’t have to put certain functions or aspects in certain places like the cookie-cutter templates would have you do. If done correctly by professionals, your website will easily attract and grab the user’s attention. It will also be easily maintainable via a content management system (CMS) such as WordPress or Drupal, as opposed to restricted or no management options.

When all is said and done, your website is an important investment to your business and it should be done correctly, look sharp and function smoothly. Custom designs can incorporate the identity of the company and showcase its uniqueness. In many ways, your website is your only chance at the first impression of yourself and/or your company, so why wouldn’t you want it to be the best it can be? If you don’t have a website for your business, you can bet your competitor does.

Categorized in: Articles, Web