In an age in which there seem to be so many advertisements for website platforms flying around – that supposedly let you put together the perfect website in under an hour – you may understandably be wondering where the catch is. Which is the right platform for you? Wix, Weebly, Squarespace, WordPress.com or self-hosted WordPress?
Maybe there isn’t really a catch
Or at least, there may not be much of a catch if your company is brand new and simply requires a not-too-embarrassing web presence quickly. There are plenty of template website sites out there that do enable you to throw a site together in minutes.
However, it’s important to recognise the very real differences between these DIY template sites and the more professional website design companies in the UK. It is, of course, the latter that are best placed to give ambitious brands a stylish, functional and intuitive website that can also be depended on for years to come.
Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide where your own brand needs to strike the balance between time and money when looking to have a website built. So, with that in mind, here are some other important considerations:
Eliminate restrictions that a template imposes
Yes, a template might make the website design process seem swift and easy, but if you want a truly polished web presence for a professional brand, it is likely to be a custom design that you especially desire. A template site can’t always provide all of the features and flexibility that you require when designing a site.
Realise the need to appeal to a particular target market
Even those things that you might have thought would be basically the same for sites across all major sectors (e.g. the best ways to enhance the user experience) can differ from one target market to another. Does a one-size-fits-all template site really enable you to attract and cultivate the interest of your own specific audience?
Recognise the crucial role of appropriate and in-depth research
An educational establishment doesn’t have the same priorities and needs as a business continuity and risk management specialist, or a mortgage broker and financial adviser. These are all factors that website template sites can’t take into account in what they offer to you. Only by contacting website design companies in the UK like PENNInk Productions can you expect research to be undertaken into the industry that your firm operates in and its competitors, so that consideration can be given to how this may impact the ideal web design for your needs.
Remember that you don’t have to choose between having an easy-to-update and straightforward web design and working with website design companies in the UK such as our own. That’s because whilst we take great pride in the truly bespoke design service that we can provide, we also offer a series of Sitemaker packages to make things easy and stress-free for you.
Alternatively, why not get in touch with our team for a more in-depth discussion, by calling 020 8144 7931 now?
Edward Solomon has over 30 years’ experience in project management, technical education, computer networking, web design and development and is a Digital Business Consultant for PENNInk Productions Ltd.
