Deciding how to build your online presence can feel like a complex puzzle. You know you need to promote your business, but is a high-end custom build really the best choice for you?
Before you commit to a complicated project, follow this guide to figure out what your business truly needs.
Step 1: Identify Your Website Type
For most small and medium enterprises (SMEs), websites generally fall into two categories:
Brochure Websites: These are simple options that mainly show your content and gather contact requests from potential customers.
E-Commerce Websites: These are more functional. They not only display your products but also allow customers to make payments directly.
Step 2: List and Prioritize Your Features
Think beyond how the site looks; focus on what it needs to do. Create a list of necessary integrations, including:
Payment processors.
Accounting systems.
Logistics providers or other third-party platforms.
Once you have your list, label each feature as either Essential or Nice to Have.
Step 3: Check Available Platforms
Research the website platforms available in your area. List their main features and see how they match your "Essential" list. If a platform can’t support your must-have features, remove it from consideration.
Step 4: Make the Decision
The "Custom" vs. "Platform" discussion often has a clear winner based on your needs:
The Case for Custom: You only need a custom website if none of the existing platforms provide your essential features.
The Case for Platforms: If a platform meets your needs, choose the one that is cheaper, you are most comfortable with and has most of your nice to haves.
A Reality Check on Custom Builds
It's important to be honest: most of the time, an SME does not need a custom website. Custom builds usually require a high upfront investment and ongoing costs, as you'll likely need a developer to manage the system regularly.
The smartest approach is often to start with the simplest setup possible. As your business grows, you can reassess and determine if a true need for a custom solution arises.
If you need help figuring out what’s best for your business or want to implement the right solution today, reach out to the team at Regrowth Consulting.
