For those just starting out, you likely realise that you need a competitive online presence, and so you’ll be looking at creating a website.
There are two real options to consider, cookie-cutter template or tailored design?
Many small businesses start with a website template, particularly when you’re first going out on your own or you really need to keep your business lean in the first few years. They get the job done. But at some point, you’ll want to ensure that your website truly speaks to your audience and represents your brand’s uniqueness. So, when is it time to double down on your web presence and have a website made from scratch? And, when you are ready to up your game, how do you get it right?
Let’s start with the basics.
When a template is appropriate.
The greatest advantages of a templated website lie in saving time and money, which is often a significant concern for a newborn business finding its feet.
It can get you up and on your feet fast, and if you don’t need to do anything crazy with it, it’ll serve a purpose for you through the early stages. And as we know, timing is everything, so the sooner you get your voice out there, the better.
There are some great services out there like Wix and Squarespace that provide you with the tools to build your own website. While they aren’t always free, they can save you from a lot of extra expenses, leaving you more money to grow your business. It can take time to go through the motions with a template, but that’s a lot less work than starting from scratch.
Working with a professional to get a tailor-made website is a great way to push your business to the next level, but it can be expensive. I’ve been there when I’ve only had $50 in my business bank account and still had to find the money to afford rent. A template website can be a streamlined, straightforward option to keep your business going. And, if you’ve got a good design eye and the DIY skills to match, even better!
But, if you’re looking to further your business, brand, and online presence, a tailored website brings a lot more to the table that a template website just can’t offer.
What does a tailored website offer?
Done right, a tailored website will tie all your branding, messaging, and vision into a neat hub and make a strong case for potential clients or customers to choose to work with you.
Compared to the many templated pages competing for viewers’ eyes around the world, a tailor-made website stands out. You can paint outside the lines and make a visual impact that you just can’t do with a generic setup. It enables you to take a broader creative direction and really wow people.
Alongside standing out, you appear more credible. Taking creative freedom to a new level lets you express your expertise and show your website visitors that you have a deep understanding of your field and industry through high impact visuals.
This lends itself well to Search Engine Optimisation. Being found on the web is a big deal, and a tailored page has a huge leg-up when it comes to popping up in search engines over a template page, which really struggles with the behind-the-curtain tweaking that SEO relies on. Search engines favour fresh, authoritative, and exciting content, and a tailored website lets you optimise for that.
Do you ever get frustrated when you’re trying to view a webpage on your mobile, but it just won’t load right? Tailored websites (if done right) have functionality over multiple platforms and ongoing support from the developer to boot. If your template website bugs up somewhere down the line, it can be a much bigger pain getting help.
But the greatest advantage to a tailored website? Branding and design.
Your business’s website should be your online hub, the place you direct any advertisement, where you find new clients, and how you align yourself with the people you love working with most.
And that’s how you’ll know when you find the right web designer for you.
Finding the designer for you.
So, you’re spending a lot of money to have your website upgraded from an old template that’s served its purposes. It’s a big deal. You need the right developer to get the most out of it.
A good track record in making beautiful, engaging, and converting websites is a great start. Someone who understands your business and asks the right questions is good too.
But it’s missing a key ingredient. It’s important that you work with someone value-aligned who understands your dream clients and ensures that you’re involved in the process.
If you can work with a good designer who can do all the above, they can create a tailor-made website that is entirely custom to your business values, philosophies, and aesthetic.
Let your website tell your story!
We find nothing to be sadder than a dry, emotionless website. It’s our biggest joy to help people connect with their dream clients, and discovering their stories to share with the world is the best way to make that happen.
If you’ve got a great story to share, we’d love to hear it. And if you have any questions or tips, drop us a line!
