Why We Still Believe in Custom Websites

One in eight people has a website, but that doesn’t mean all websites are created equal. As AI makes cookie-cutter designs more accessible, it’s easy to get drawn into quick and cheap options. But just as a Canva subscription doesn’t make you a graphic designer, launching a site in an afternoon doesn’t make you a web developer. And worse, scrimping on your website is doing your business a disservice.

The rise of cheap and cheerful web design

From AI site builders, to pre-formed templates with drag and drop elements, and ‘developers-for-hire’ on sites like Fiverr, there are a lot of cheap solutions out there. However, it’s like having a microwave instant meal instead of a gourmet meal prepared by a private chef to your exact requirements. One microwave meal is indistinguishable from another, and instantly forgettable. A gourmet meal stays with you, and you’ll probably tell your friends about it.

An AI or drag and drop website can’t share years of expertise with you, tell you you what you actually need (vs what you think you need), or come up with fantastic features specific to your business needs.

The real cost of cookie-cutter sites

One of the most frustrating issues we’ve encountered with these sites is poor SEO performance and functionality. One well known out-the-box website provider makes it very difficult to access the fields to enter in meta descriptions, a core tenet of on-page SEO.

That same provider also makes it difficult to scale up, capping collection and gallery style pages at a maximum of 60 entries, which is one of the main complaints of one of our recent clients who came to us for a custom build!

The generic UX and messaging of the building itself also doesn’t help you if you are a complete novice to the world of website building. Once we have designed and built your site, we provide full training so you understand how it works. (and we also offer support packages so you don’t have to worry about things like software and security updates.)

What a custom website actually gives you

A custom website gives you access to a team of experts who know about long term brand and marketing strategy. The nuggets of wisdom this team will drop will expand your abilities and understanding tenfold. They won’t just be thinking about what your business needs for a website now, but also in 3 years and 6 years time.

A custom website helps you future proof from needing to build a new one from scratch if you rebrand or adjust your offering or proposition. It will give you confidence that you have the best possible site for where your business is on its roadmap no, and the ability for it to grow with you.

Custom builds aren’t always the right fit for every business. If you’re a brand new startup or still in early stages, a simpler approach might be more suitable while you test and grow. Likewise, drop shipping businesses or MVP models can benefit from quicker, more flexible options.

Who should get a custom web build

• Stable businesses who have been functioning for over 2 years
• Businesses who have outgrown their AI or drag and drop site 👀
• Brands who operate in more than one country
• Complex service providers that require data from customers (for example financial service providers, comparison sites)

Who shouldn’t get a custom web build

• Unfunded start up companies
• Businesses less than 2 years old
• Drop shipping e-commerce brands
• Businesses with only one MVP

The Takeaway

We know that custom isn’t for everyone- and that’s ok. The above lists aren’t an absolute set of rules, but by broad strokes they are a good place to start. Obviously there’s nuance in everything. Ultimately, a custom build is a level up from where you are.

Ready to level up? If your business is ready for a website that supports long-term growth and success, we’re here to make it happen. Let’s talk about cooking something that does your business justice.