Building your business is hard enough. In today’s business world, the need for a fully integrated web presence is as necessary as the fax machine or photocopier in the 80s. However, if you are not already web-savvy, this can become a confusing world rather quickly.
Many websites will quickly offer you the digital speedy resolution with a template that works with one of the popular content management systems like WordPress, Joomla, or Drupal. A modern “custom” approach is the click and drag service. These “build in your browser” sites might tout themselves as unique and individual but with results that look very similar to every other site they produce. Plus, they may look simple from the “How to” video, but if you do not have the right graphic elements when you use those systems, your site might come across as amateurish and ultimately hurt your business.
The other option is to buy a fully created template and upload it to your server (they will do this for you for a fee, of course). While these are great turnkey ideas, you have similar problems as you would have with the click and drag online site builders; you also run the risk of having your site look like hundreds of other sites. There are also security issues with these templates as “holes” are made to make some of these templates work which can cause problems down the line.
While having your site look the same might not present itself as a problem, you have to remember that having a high Google standing is just as important as a functioning site. Individuality will help you stand out and search higher.
The solution? Custom web design and development. Professionals who have dedicated their careers to ensuring that your vision comes to digital life and helps drive business to your door. They can make the site look exactly how you want it to work, make it do the things that you need it to do, and ensure that you feel supported every step of the way.
The initial investment may be higher but consider that if you work with templates, you are using up your own time, potentially buying more plugins and services to make the template work. That time is better invested in running your business, and you are better off investing in the peace of mind that someone has your back in building an innovative and exciting web presence for your business. It is a no-brainer.