Website Type Depends on Skill, Need, Budget

You can have your best friend’s cousin’s brother build your business website.

Your sister-in-law’s 12-year-old middle school student can create one too.

Or don’t forget the free website product that advertises at 3 a.m. on Nick@Nite.

Before going there, though, ask yourself these questions: Can a middle schooler accurately capture your brand and message? Who do you call if the Midnight Special site doesn’t work? And who solves the mystery when cousin Eddy throws away your site's administration access password with his candy wrappers?

Business owners make lots of important decisions every day. One of them should be how best to tell their story on the web.

A well-functioning website gives your business a presence 24/7; it provides the research customers need when considering your products or services, and it is the most cost-effective way to advertise.

That is why it’s best to leave website projects to professionals, just like the ones you hire to take care of your legal and accounting work. A digital marketing firm can help you through the process and make your investment worthwhile.

For example, when making a commitment to a new website or revamping your existing one, you have two options – Custom or Theme. While the differences might seem obvious, here are a few factors to help you decide which is best:

Theme

These sites have designs and features that are pre-programmed.

You should consider a theme site if:

You need a simpler website, maybe just a few pages.
You need or want a web presence very quickly – usually in a matter of weeks.
You are okay with a design that might look similar to other websites. There are some creative themes, though, to help your site stand out.
You need your website to be portable. If the person or company that built your site is no longer in business, you still have access to your site. The files also can be transferred to another host.
You or someone in your company knows how to customize a theme.
You or someone in your company can provide the majority of technical support.
You don’t need lots of features – like e-commerce on your website.
You know how to take care of software updates – especially ones that involve security and feature software compatibility.
You or someone in your company knows how to write web-search-friendly content.
You are willing to invest between $4,000 and $10,000 for website and content development.

Enterprise

These are created with lots of customization by a digital marketing company or agency. They reflect your unique business brand and serve as the Mother Ship of your company’s marketing program.

You should consider an enterprise site if:

You see your website is as important as your storefront.
You are an absolutely customer-centric company.
You have specific expectations for your brand presentation. Your “look” and “message” are critical to your success.
You have more advanced needs for integration – such as e-commerce and database searches.
You don’t want your website design or function to be limited.
You are willing to take the time to go through a more involved decision-making and site-building process.
You want search-engine optimized content created by professionals.
You are willing to invest between $10,000 and $25,000 (and up).

No matter which route you choose, the decision should be thoughtful – and in the best interest of your business. In other words, you get what you pay for when it comes to your digital marketing.

Clever Dogs Media can accommodate either approach to your website needs.