Design Approach #1: CUSTOM WEB DESIGN
When you need a very bespoke design solution for your brand then a custom design service is the ideal option. Atilus says that custom-built websites involve a team behind your business. It starts with a research process to understand your target audience and the website’s potential UX and UI requirements. Custom websites require a significant amount of time and attention to detail that will afford you a website that is like no other.
The biggest advantage of getting custom web design services is that it will make your website stand out from the crowd and give you a competitive edge over your competitors, which is very important in today’s saturated web environment. These types of websites are also more search engine friendly than website templates, so they tend to rank higher on SERPs. Not only does a custom website adapt to your business needs in a better way but it also gives you the room for incorporating your company’s branding into it. There is a factor of scalability with custom websites and they grow as your business grows. Moreover, the additional benefit of a content management system (CMS) makes it easier for the business to keep the website updated from anywhere.
Every business has different needs. If you want a website that is scalable, SEO friendly and unique, then a custom web design is an ideal choice. The added benefit is that it saves you some money on keeping your website updated and well maintained. Although it might take longer and cost you more, you will get a website according to your business needs and will deliver an exceptional user experience to your website visitors.
Design Approach #2: pre-designed layouts
Boost Blog defines template websites as a pre-designed layout for a page or set of pages of a website. This results in a shorter development time, which is ideal for tighter deadlines. This is because all that is left to do is plug the content into the site’s framework without having to build the website from the ground up. This may sound ideal but remember that often these templates are openly available for purchase, which may result in the template being used by others as their website template as well.
Before picking this option, if customisation is something that matters to you – you may want to reconsider the pre-designed website template as customisation is limited. A template site does exactly what it says on the tin – it is purely a template for the user to change the text and images, but the layout remains fixed. Chances are there are plenty of other businesses like yours that have opted for the template route. Don’t you want to stand out from them and show your credibility?
Either of the web design approaches can be a very powerful tool when done correctly, but a poorly executed one will work against you. So instead of asking which option is best for you, rather ask yourself this question: Which option will align best with your business strategy for the next 12 months?