When it comes to building a website for your business, the choice often comes down to two main options: using a website builder or going the route of custom code. Both have their pros and cons, but which one truly delivers long-term value? Let's break down both options to help you decide which is best for your business.

The Appeal of Website Builders

Website builders, such as Wix, Squarespace, or Shopify, promise an easy and fast solution to getting your website online. Some have simple interfaces and user friendly controls so almost anyone can create a site in just without needing much technical knowledge. This makes it a tempting choice for small business owners who need a quick, affordable solution.

However, while website builders can be fast and easy, there are several downsides:

  • Limited Customization: You're restricted to the templates and features the platform provides. If you want something unique or specialized, you may need to pay for a more advanced subscription or for an expert to do it for you (experts and freelancers often charge a lot to complete these short tasks).
  • Ongoing Costs: Most website builders require a subscription for continued access to essential features (like usage of your domain), and the costs can add up over time, especially if you want advanced tools or more storage.
  • SEO Challenges: While website builders offer basic SEO tools, they don’t offer the level of optimization that custom-built sites can achieve. Ranking on Google can be more difficult.
  • Slow Pages: In order to allow users to make websites, these builders often need to use a lot of extra code to facilitate this. This can massively slow down your website, especially if it contains images and videos. A study confirmed over 40% of customers will leave your website if it takes more than 3 seconds to load, so this is very important to consider.

The Advantages of Custom Code

On the other hand, custom coding allows for complete flexibility and control over every aspect of your website. A custom-built site is tailored to your specific business needs, optimized for search engines, and designed for optimal performance across all devices.

Here's why custom code can offer better long-term value:

  • Complete Customization: With custom coding, you can design a website that perfectly aligns with your brand and offers features specifically tailored to your business.
  • Better SEO Optimization: A custom site can be built with SEO best practices in mind, ensuring better ranking potential and more traffic from search engines.
  • Scalability: As your business grows, your website can evolve with you. Custom-built sites are easier to scale, ensuring that performance and functionality grow alongside your needs.
  • Clean Code: Code will be written to the latest optimal standards for efficiency meaning you can add whatever videos and images you need without risking it being too slow.

Which Option is Right for Your Business?

Choosing between custom code and website builders depends on your business's specific needs and goals. If you need a quick, budget-friendly (short-term) website with limited customization, a website builder may be the right choice for now. However, if you're looking for long-term value, better SEO, and a unique, scalable website, investing in custom code is the way to go.

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, your website is a crucial part of your business success. Whether you choose a website builder or custom code, it’s important to make sure your site is user-friendly, optimized for search engines, and scalable to meet your business needs as you grow. If you're looking for a website that truly reflects your brand and will bring in customers for years to come, custom code is often the smarter investment.

Want a professional website built with custom code that ranks well and helps your business grow? Get in touch today!