I’m a big believer that a business should have a custom website. This is not an entirely popular position considering the plethora of “do it yourself” web design and “cheap” designers out there that just customize templates. So, with so many cheap, template based options, why would a company choose a custom website instead? Here are a few thoughts:

1. As with many areas of life, you really do get what you pay for. A cheap website is cheap for a reason, because it doesn’t take a lot of work and experience, and likely because the ongoing support just isn’t there. When you get a custom website from a reputable firm you are getting more than just a site. You are getting a site that meets certain business needs, and seeks to accomplish a purpose; a site that is an extension of your business rather than merely an online brochure about your business.
2. When you get a custom site from a good firm you are also buying the firm’s support and expertise to guide you in the process of developing your online presence. That level of knowledge carries with it a lot of value as your site will be far more capable of serving your customers’ needs as a direct result of that knowledge.
3. A custom website will suit a company’s personality and branding. With a template site you don’t have a lot of control over the look of the site, what you see is what you get. With a custom site you will keep all of your branding intact, the site will reflect your logo, brochure, signage, etc. This is very important for brand recognition and for building consumer confidence in your business.
4. More often than not a cheap, template site looks… like a cheap, template site. And, your tech savvy customers are likely to notice. If your website is the front porch for your business (and I believe it is), you want to put your best foot forward and make a great first impression.

So, when thinking about whether or not to spend the money on a custom site, let me ask you one question. How much is a customer’s first impression of your business worth to you? Let the answer to that question guide your decision making.