Creating a New Dental Website: Part 3 - Template Websites
Template Websites vs Custom Websites
There are a number of website types available- custom, template, blogs, forums, social networking, video, and more. Most of those categories can become sub-categories of websites as well so for now we’re going to keep it simple and concentrate on “template websites” vs “custom websites”.
Both options have their advantages so I’ve decided to make a quick top five list for both. This post will cover template websites.
Template Websites
- Low Upfront investment
Perhaps the biggest advantage of template websites is that you do not need to make a large initial investment. So many dentists have been burned by companies who charge $10,000, that soon turns into 6 months and $20,000, for a website that doesn’t turn out how they envisioned.
Template websites usually run in the neighborhood of $39 to $599 per month with a setup fee. Setup fees can run anywhere from $200 to $2,000 so be careful. Additionally, the $39 template websites can be very lacking and cookie cutter with little to no support so be sure the extra $100 or $200 a month you save isn’t costing you hundreds of hours of self-help and stress.
- More bang for your buck
Generally you get more bang for your buck with template websites. By this I mean that you get more tools included. Content Management Systems that allow you to update your own content, email forms, dental service pages, etc… that would normally cost you thousands of dollars are part of the templates that are offered.
- Many template websites come with some support
Custom websites can cost thousands of dollars and once they are complete, you are paying $50 to $150 an hour for updates. Many template websites (not necessarily the ones that cost $39 to $59/month) will have a certain number of support hours per month that are included or designers and programmers who will help you make simple texst and image updates or changes to your site.
- Content Management Systems
This is a big one. Template websites usually come with content management systems (CMS) that allow you to make updates to your website. Rather than submitting a request for changes, you can login to your site and make changes just as you would on a Word Document. The same integrated CMS may cost $1,500 to $5,000 alone for custom-built websites.
- Ability to get a new website for a low cost
A number of template companies allow you to switch colors or designs on the fly or by submitting a request. A low setup fee of $250 may apply. However, custom websites will often require a complete rebuild for another $5,000 to $10,000 only two years later when your site is out of date.
Make sure to ask about programs or the ability to switch to a new template two or three years down the road.
In a sense, templates are like leasing a car. The monthly is more expensive but you don’t have the huge upfront costs and you can trade it in for a small fee for a new one any time.
Steve Presser
New Dental Web
