Custom Website Designs
What are custom websites and how are they different from theme-based websites?
Custom websites are for clients who want to have websites that are customized around their brand and their business strategies. These sites are for people who would prefer to have sites laid out in a specific way, and have the flexibility to place information and graphics exactly where they want. Custom sites are also for people who want to be guided through the process of determining how to most effectively market themselves online, and who don’t want to be confined by predefined layouts. The main difference between custom websites and theme-based websites is that custom sites are designed and then built rather than pre-built and then populated with content that fits into the pre-built space. Having this flexibility costs about $1,000 – $1,500 more than a theme-based site because there is extra programming work that has to happen to build a website using a unique design.How much do custom sites cost?
Custom sites start at $3,000, and depending on the functionality and features required, can go up from this point.What is the value of building a custom site?
Not only can a client get exactly what they when they build a custom site, but they can experience a process that is gratifying and enriching to for the client’s business or organization. From the client’s perspective, following a well-defined and cohesive process can make the experience of building a website fun and enjoyable rather than disjointed and frustrating. Building a website is much like building a house. If you have a great plans and all the right materials, the home-building process goes much more smoothly than it does if you are working with poor plans and missing materials. When the client is willing to take the time to put thought into the strategy of the website, write great content for it, and gather inviting imagery, the final product is impressive and can be instrumental in the future successes of the client’s business.How do I know if I should build a custom site or theme-based site?
Theme-based sites serve a purpose, and there are times they are exactly what a client needs. If you find a theme that matches what you have in mind, then using a theme makes good sense. Themes are also very helpful for situations when you need to launch a site very quickly. If your budget is less than $3,000, then you should probably look into a theme-based site.What process do you follow when building a custom site?
Below is a description of the process we follow when building a custom site.PHASE 1
Layout and Content Planning
At the outset of the project, we work with the client to get answers to these questions –- Who is the target audience of the website?
- What is the overall purpose of the website?
- Is a logo needed?
- What pages are needed on the website?
- Who will write the content for the website – the client or HLJ Creative?
- What kind of imagery is needed for the website? Can we use stock photography, or do we need to hire our photographer to take specific photos?
- What features and functionality are needed on the website? This can include a photo gallery, an embedded calendar, forms that can be completed and submitted, online payments, a webmercial, membership listings, etc.
- Is organic, on-page search engine optimization needed?
- Does the client want to be able to update the site him or herself?
- Will help be needed with social media management, local listings, ongoing blog articles, and other forms of online marketing?