From time to time we get asked why someone should consider paying for a custom web solution, rather than use an ‘off-the-shelf’ platform.
In this article we’ll run through the aspects you need to consider if you’re weighing up whether to invest in a custom build, or use something that already exists.
Maybe you’re considering Eventbrite for event management and ticketing, or platforms that are industry specific such as dentist CRMs or booking systems for car dealers.
There are two options, off-the-shelf plugins and third-party platforms or custom-built solutions.
Both options have their advantages and disadvantages and as with most decisions, the smaller your business, the easier it is to pivot.
Unforeseen problems
As with all websites and digital spaces, things can change and quickly. Sometimes bugs, errors and updates need extra work to ensure they work as expected.
When using an off-the-shelf solution, the wait time is often unknown and communication can be minimal. This leads to uncertainty and anxiety about when things will resume.
Choosing to work with a dedicated developer or a small team means these fixes are often done a lot sooner and with good dialog. This means you can update your audience on the issue and the progress they can expect.
Scalability
In general custom built solutions offer superior scalability and flexibility.
As your business grows and your website requirements change, you may find that initial solutions no longer meet your needs.
Custom builds are highly scalable and flexible, meaning they can grow and evolve alongside your business, without the need to start from scratch.
Performance
Off-the-shelf plugins and third-party platforms can be bloated with unnecessary features, slowing down your website’s performance.
With a custom-built solution, you can focus on delivering only the features that are essential to your business, resulting in a faster and more efficient website.
Additionally, you can optimise your code and design to ensure your website performs at its best across all devices.
Tailored to you
The biggest advantage of custom-built web solutions is that they are tailored to your specific needs.
Unlike off-the-shelf plugins and third-party platforms that come with a set of predefined features, custom-built solution can be designed and developed to meet your unique business requirements.
This means you can oversee a web design that truly reflects your brand, and delivers the functionality and user experience that your target audience needs.
Security
Lastly, good quality coding offers greater security. When it comes to security, off-the-shelf plugins and third-party platforms can be a liability.
These solutions are often the target of hackers, and if a vulnerability is discovered, it can put your entire website at risk.
With a custom-built solution, your chosen web developer and hosting supplier has control over the security measures implemented, building in layers of protection to keep your website safe from attacks.
Summary
In conclusion, when you use off-the-shelf plugins and third-party platforms, you’re essentially renting someone else’s technology.
You have limited control over your website and can be at the mercy of the provider’s decisions and policies.
While off-the-shelf plugins and third-party platforms may seem like an easy and cost-effective solution, they can often result in a generic website that fails to meet your specific needs.
Custom-built web solutions offer a range of benefits, including tailored functionality, greater scalability and flexibility, better security, improved performance and control.
By investing in a custom-built solution, you can build a website that reflects your brand and meets your unique business requirements, setting you up for long-term success.