Why You Need a Custom Website (Versus Out-Of-Box Web Solutions.)

To custom design, or to use an an out-of-box web solution? That is the question every small business must ask themselves. The answer is clear: A custom website is much more beneficial to your company than a website template. Here’s why: An obvious benefit of out-of-box web solutions such as Posterous or Active Rain is […]

To custom design, or to use an an out-of-box web solution? That is the question every small business must ask themselves.

The answer is clear: A custom website is much more beneficial to your company than a website template.

Here’s why:

An obvious benefit of out-of-box web solutions such as Posterous or Active Rain is its price: cheap or free. This may be a valid argument for those thinking of short-term goals only- but in the long run, how much will it affect the growth, or lack thereof, of your business? While web templates are easy to use, it will not be your own website. The host website will have final say over your webpage, no questions asked. Just ask this guy, who started his free Active Rain account in 2006 before his “free membership for life” expired without warning in 2010.

Having control over your own website is important for reasons other than being managed by a big, scary host site. The fact is, there are hundreds of small businesses on the web trying to make it big. A business’s website is critical to get its name out in cyberspace, and a personalized and professional website is crucial for potential customers to take a company seriously. Complete control over your own website is key to having a successful internet presence.

Essentially, a custom website is an investment. Not only is custom web design more pliable to the needs of a company, but it’s also inexpensive in the long run. While you may have to pay now to present yourself to the world, one must think of how much money will be made back in the years to come.

This is not to say you should delete your Posterous account. It’s never harmful to have multiple sources of internet presence. Still, all sources should lead back to a main website that is tailored to the needs of an individual business. A free web template is nice to have (after all, why not?) but a custom website is important to have.

A tailored website greets its customers personally and allows a company to actively use the site as an extension of their headquarters. For example, if your business is a dry cleaner, its website can tell customers when their clothes are ready to pick up. Out-of-box web solutions won’t allow for such essential customer-to-business interaction.

Here’s a final suggestion: keep your free web template, and invest in a much-needed custom website. An independent website can make all the difference in the success of your business through building brand recognition, gaining revenue, and most importantly, increasing customer satisfaction.

by | Mar 7, 2012 | Blog, Staten Island Web Design

About NBT

NB Technologies is an award winning Staten Island web design firm that focuses on the clients needs to deliver a tailor-fit solution for any budget. Our expertise in open-source technology and social media will help your message reach the largest possible audience.

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Phone: (718) 554-0315

Address: 400C Victory Boulevard
Staten Island, NY 10301

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"Chris and Tavis just upgraded a number of my websites to responsive, mobile-friendly versions in a timely fashion and they look great. I have been working with NB Technologies for several years and their work is always effective, on time, and their customer service is unsurpassed."

- Ettore M.

"NB Technologies has been helping me Internet better for nearly a decade. One day I came to the realization that at least 5 other businesses were operating under the same name as my business within North America. When I realized I needed to 'Highlander' my competition... NB Technologies devised a comprehensive SEO strategy and integrated system to help me succeed over all my competitors in organic Google Search results."

- Mike S.

"Tavis and Chris are incredibly talented and designed [a new] website that is perfect. They waited patiently as we sent content and photos and responded immediately to any of our inquiries. Definitely topnotch in their field. I look forward to working with them for our future needs, including preparing us for starting our blog."

- Claudia T.

"NB Technologies has been helping us service and manage our real estate website. Great guys to work with. Very knowledgeable and personal service is bar-none!"

- Laird K.