What is a Custom Website Development

 Definition of “Custom Website”

When discussing the definition of a custom website, it’s important to note that the word custom, when used to describe something, only means that that thing is modified in some way.

Custom: made or done to order for a particular customer.

Customize: modify (something) to suit a particular individual or task.

What this means – and why it’s important – is because you may define “custom website” one way while your website design agency may define it as something else.

What Is a Custom Website Design?

When you ask, “What is a custom website design?” – the answer you get depends on who answers your question.

Some website design agencies consider a custom web design to be anything that’s been modified, including a template. Other website design agencies may heavily modify a template built on a platform and call that “custom website design.” On the other end of the spectrum are those agencies that consider “custom web design” to be completely unique and not built on a platform. Web Plus Era is a completely custom website design agency; we don’t use templates, themes, or platforms to build your website.

Does Your Web Agency Create Custom Designs?

“Unfortunately, what many people do not realize is that some companies who advertise custom web design are actually purchasing a series of pre-design[ed] templates from a repository and only customizing a bare minimum, such as inserting your logo, changing a background color, and moving a few links around. In reality, this is not truly “custom”. It is just slightly personalized – similar to having the same keychain everyone else has engraved with your initials.” – Jacqueline Sinex, Managing Director, WEBii

That’s right – your web agency may claim to build “custom websites” when they’re really only modifying WordPress templates. (WordPress websites are not completely custom; WordPress is a platform.)

WordPress and other similar platforms are simply little to no-cost websites anyone can set up. Don’t be fooled into paying for a custom website design when you’re really only getting a modified template.

Question Your Web Design Agency

We mention the definition of “custom” to show how vague it is. When you seek out custom website design services, be aware of what you’re asking for.

Be sure to question how the website is built – is it built on a platform/CMS or is the code completely unique to you? Is a template used for the design?

Custom Or DIY Website Design?

If you’re a business owner who wants a website, how do you choose between a custom website or a template website?

It may seem like an easy choice if you only consider up-front costs – a template website is cheaper than a true custom website design.

BUT.

Ah, yes, of course there’s a but! The up-front cost is not the only cost you need to worry about. In fact, it’s just a tiny piece of the puzzle.

Here are a few items to consider:

What’s my budget?

What’s my time frame?

How much time do I have to invest into the web design project?

How much competition do I face online?