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 custom websites.

Custom Websites

1. Continue current branding efforts
   
   Custom websites should be created from scratch based on your current branding efforts.  This creates a seemless transition between your office, business cards, brochures, and website.  By doing this, you create brand recognition and patients, and potential patients, will begin to recognize your brand around town.

   Often with template websites it’s “what you see is what you get” design.  You need to look at the options and hope that one of them fits your practice.

2. Unique website
   
   A custom website means a “one of a kind” website.  You can feel confident that you will never open another website that looks almost exactly like your own.

   While this is very important in some industries, I do not think this is quite as important for local dentists.  Competition for most dentists will only involve the dentists nearby.  If your practice is in Ohio and a dentist in Virginia has the same design with their own information then it shouldn’t pose as much of a threat.

3. Complete website ownership

   A custom website should mean that the design is solely owned by you so that no other company can use your design.  It should also mean that the files that are created can be downloaded by you and/or put on your own server if you would like to host your website elsewhere.

   I recommend clarifying with the company who builds your website to ensure that the files will be yours once the design is complete.  This does not include the production files as most companies will never release those.  Just be sure that you can download the website files in case you decide to switch to another host.  Be prepared to pay for your project in full before companies will transfer your website.

4. Unlimited website options

   Some template websites can be restricted by the template.  However, if you create a custom website from scratch, the website tools and designs are unlimited.  Unfortunately, this often means that your budget needs to be unlimited.  As with most things in life, you get what you pay for.

5. One time cost

   If you plan on having the same website for 10 years (very difficult to do that based on our rapidly changing internet tools) then you may be able to save money by going with a custom website.  It’s the same idea as buying vs renting.  If you buy a house with cash then it’s paid for and you don’t ever have to worry about payments.  You merely have to worry about upgrades and occasional fixes or changes to the website.

   On the other hand, if you purchase (rent) a template website then you have a low monthly cost that will eventually add up over time.

There is no clear cut answer as to which option is better.  Some prefer custom websites and others see the advantage of a low monthly cost that should pay for itself each month.  At the end of the day, you have to figure out what your goals are for the website and choose the option that helps you achieve those goals.

Steve Presser

New Dental Web

http://www.newdentalweb.com/