There are only two ways to make a new website: one is to start from scratch and build a custom website, and the other is to change an existing website design. Like everything else in life, both choices have advantages and disadvantages. One is better depending on how far along your dental practice is. We’ll go over the benefits and drawbacks of each website choice in this blog post to determine which is the best option for you.
Website Templates
Benefits of Using a Template
It’s cheaper. Custom sites are far more costly than template sites. When you use a prototype, the bulk of the website’s coding is already in place, so the creator doesn’t have to do anything.
They’re easier to set up. This is because much of the coding has already been completed. If the content is almost ready to go (which is often not the case — and is often a significant obstacle to having a site launched), and the developer’s schedule is straightforward, a template site will generally be launched in weeks.
Templates are becoming more customizable. The best templates are well-designed, well-built, and allow for a fair amount of customization.
Disadvantages of a Template
Lacks personality: Your website would likely look the same as anyone else’s.
Plenty of bad templates out there: The site is only as good as the template it is built on.
Security an issue: Template websites are particularly appealing to people who enjoy writing malicious code because they provide the ability to hack several sites at once.
Need to be updated regularly: WordPress and other template website builders update their templates regularly to address security issues, but not all template developers do so. If you don’t update your prototype regularly, it will break when you or your developer install a WordPress update.
Fewer features: In template sites, incorporating e-commerce and other custom applications is difficult or impossible.
Custom Design – the Gold Standard
While web development website templates are simple to use, they are limited in terms of true customization. Let’s take a look at the benefits of custom web design for your dental practice.
A unique design: One of the most significant benefits of custom web design is the opportunity to build one-of-a-kind websites. You can basically make your site look like you want it to, and you won’t have to deal with the drawbacks of working with a pre-made design. Indeed, you can go so far as to build a custom template specific to your needs. The benefit of custom web design is that you have complete control.
You’re working with people who know their stuff: Finding a good web design company will provide you with access to a team of experienced developers who will help you troubleshoot issues and get your site up and running quickly.
It is easily updated and scaled: You can keep adding to your website as much as you like to create it from the ground up. Nothing is stopping you from contacting your web developer every month and asking them to add new features.
Things to Consider with Custom Design
It’s an investment: Custom design does cost considerably more than DIY templates found on websites. You’re paying for labor and experience in design and production, and those things aren’t cheap when done well.
Because it is personalized to your practice, it will take a little longer: A custom design is challenging to accomplish quickly. Custom designers and developers must first learn about your brand and target audience before creating something, which takes time. So if you’re looking for a quick turnaround, it’s probably best to
At Dr. Websites, we understand what you’re looking for: a website that accurately represents your dental practice brand while also helping you develop your company. Contact us today if you’re ready to take control of your online presence with a custom website design, SEO, online ads, or just about anything else.