Deciding between a custom-built website and a templated one can feel like standing at a crossroads, unsure of which path to take. Your decision will significantly impact your brand's digital presence and user experience. In this blog, we aim to shed light on the pros and cons of each approach, helping you make an informed decision based on factors like budget, timeframe, functionality, and uniqueness.
The pitfalls of DIY websites
As businesses try to save a buck, they often fall into the trap of trying to do their own websites. They quickly realise that their cost-cutting measures have backfired, costing them more time and money in the long run.
We've seen cautionary tales of those who opted for the DIY route or hired inexperienced developers, resulting in subpar websites that needed complete overhauls. It's vital to understand your current and future website needs to avoid the costly and time-consuming process of a second website overhaul. What’s more, when you work with the right web design and development agency, budget-friendly is still an option.
The custom vs templated comparison
You can get a clearer picture of what each can offer by understanding the fundamental differences between custom-designed websites and generic template-based ones (both of which are an option with Umbraco, our platform of choice).
Custom websites
Customised websites are designed and built from scratch. They offer a high degree of flexibility and can be tailored to meet your specific needs and preferences. Custom websites can have unique functionalities and a distinctive appearance that is wholly aligned with your brand identity, helping you stand out and deliver a more memorable customer experience. They can also be built around your SEO strategy and allow for endless scalability.
This level of customisation requires a skilled developer well-versed in Umbraco 12, which means they take longer to build and cost more. Additionally, ongoing site maintenance and updates require more technical expertise.
Templated websites
For quicker and more cost-effective website deployment, uSkinned offers a collection of pre-designed themes and layouts for Umbraco. These templates come with user-friendly interfaces and various design options, making them a good choice for those with limited resources or tight deadlines.
While uSkinned themes offer ease of use and speed, they may lack the customisation depth that a fully bespoke Umbraco 12 site offers. They are fully scalable but may have limitations in terms of functionality. And while uSkinned themes are SEO-friendly, a custom-built Umbraco 12 site could gain an edge in more advanced SEO strategies.
Carefully consider your options and requirements
Whether you opt for a custom-built website on Umbraco 12 or choose the speed and convenience of uSkinned themes, one thing remains consistent – the robustness and reliability of the Umbraco platform.
Both paths offer distinct advantages: Umbraco 12 provides unrivalled customisation and advanced SEO capabilities, while uSkinned offers quick deployment and cost-effectiveness. As a web development agency comprising a team of highly experienced Umbraco specialists, we understand how to leverage these benefits to their fullest. We encourage you to choose the option that aligns with your business needs, resources and long-term plans – we’ll ensure you get the most out of it. So, chat to us and let’s get started.
