For a brand or business today, their website is not just an online presence, rather a window to a customer who decides whether or not they should engage any further. Anyone can easily and quickly make a website today, but that is usually done through website templates or builders with limited functionality. On the other hand, investing in a custom website can help establish a unique brand identity and meet business objectives.
Then the question becomes: what makes custom web development better than a website template? In this article, we’ll answer this question and compare both approaches to see which road you should choose.
What is Custom Web Development?
Custom web development involves building a site from scratch, so it is more like an empty canvas that needs to be filled through a unique stroke. They are created using the power of code, enriching user experience and boosting your online presence.
Many across the globe believe in the power, scalability and opportunity that lies in a custom website. For instance, a custom web development company like Pixelette Technologies believes in curating the entire website around a business’ purpose, with a distinct look and feel, making it stand apart from the ordinary.
A custom website should be able to provide perfect flexibility of design, function, and user interaction. For example, e-commerce brands such as Nike use a customizable site with a smooth confirmation function that is impossible as a basic building of interactive products, personalized recommendations, and a basic builder of websites.
The Limitations of Website Templates
Website templates offered by Squarespace, WordPress, or Wix have pre-made designs which allow users to swiftly create a website. But they lack a lot of functionalities at times.
Below is an example of a website using templates, which are easily identifiable upon looking at their design and layout.
Let’s look at some reasons why website templates don’t work for businesses.
1. Generic Design
Templates are at the end of the day templates, which means they follow a one-size-fits-all approach, making it difficult for a brand to establish a unique identity of its own. For example, a fashion brand that uses the same template as a technology startup might struggle to stand apart.
2. Limited Scalability
As the business grows, the website should be able to evolve with it. Templates, however, have limitations when adding new features or processing traffic. For example, an e-commerce store with a default template may lack significantly in features related to filtering options or advanced filtering, or inventory management – making it difficult to scale.
3. Poor SEO
Template websites often come with an excessive amount of code, which can slow down site performance and lower search rankings for a site. For example, a local bakery that uses a builder website for its website might struggle to rank on Google due to limited customization options for SEO.
4. Limited Functionality
Website builders are more prone to limiting customization, which in turn forces businesses to depend on third-party plugins that may not always integrate well… or at all. A website template restricts the function so that companies rely on the third-party plug-in, which may not be integrated smoothly. For example, a fitness studio may require a custom reservation system, but a website template may only support basic planning options, which could limit the function of the site.
Why Custom Websites are the Better Choice
Custom web development almost always guarantees that a site is completely customized to a company's particular requirements. Custom websites, as opposed to rigid templates, offer smoother user experiences, customized branding and particular features that support organizational objectives.
Another significant benefit is scalability, which allows custom websites to expand when a company sees a rise in higher traffic by incorporating new features and integrating with developing technologies. They are therefore an investment that is both long-term and future-proof.
Custom development also greatly improves site performance and SEO. Search engine rankings and loading times are enhanced by the clear optimized code found on custom-built websites. Faster performance and increased visibility are advantageous for companies that depend on organic traffic, such as an online clothes store.
Custom web development services give businesses more control over their data and security protocols, resulting in increased security and dependability. Strong security that is suited to business requirements can be implemented on custom sites in contrast to website builders that depend on common security protocols.
Last but not least, workflows are guaranteed through integration with business tools like marketing automation, inventory management, and CRM systems. For instance, a legal practice can enhance client interactions by incorporating appointment scheduling straight into its website.
Addressing the Common Concerns
- Cost-considerations: Despite their initial apparent cost-effectiveness, website templates frequently need pricey redesigns and add-ons. Custom websites offer a better return on investment over the long run by lowering scaling and rebranding costs despite requiring a larger initial investment.
- Time to develop: Though they have long-term drawbacks, templates enable faster website launches. Although it takes longer to create a custom website, they give businesses more flexibility and eliminate the need to switch platforms later.
- Ease of maintenance and use: Custom websites are often thought to be difficult to maintain. Nevertheless, they can be created with easy-to-use CMS platforms giving companies total control over functionality and design while enabling them to update content with ease.
Conclusion
Custom web development offers enhanced performance, customized security and long-term scalability. Companies should invest in custom software development solutions if they want to grow and stand out.
To assist companies in building strong, effective websites, reputable and reliable companies like Pixelette Technologies provide professional custom web development services. They have thousands of hours worth of work in development and have built for some of the best and biggest names across various industries in the Americas and Europe.