Maybe you've decided your business needs a new website. So far, so sensible. You might even consider a few extra features, look up some developer sites, then discuss the project with colleagues.
Yet at some stage in the process, someone always will always ask: wouldn't it be cheaper just to get an off-the-shelf website package?
Of course, the answer to that question is: yes - it would be cheaper. But only in the sense that it would cost less money up front. It could end up costing you much more in the long-term.
What do you want to achieve online?
If your website is crucial to your business success, or if you run a complex online operation, then you probably need more than bare-bones functionality.
For example, you may want to collect and sort customer data in particular ways. Or you may want to easily optimise your web pages for the search engines.
But packaged web design isn't created to solve problems that are unique to your company. So you may find yourself effectively "hacking" functions to get close to what you need.
As for search engine optimisation... a lot of packaged products don't allow you to enter your own meta data, or organise your URLs in ways that are search engine-friendly.
Add to that the possibility that your competitors may have commissioned tailored solutions. Their sites might work smoother for their customers and their staff. All of which could leave your business trailing behind.
What about when your business grows?
Something that many businesses fail to account for is what happens if their website plans are successful?
If your traffic jumps, if you suddenly have lots of people ordering products, if you need to sort masses of client data - all of this can suddenly put huge pressure on your site and your processes.
A common thought is - if that happens, we'll just pay for a new site.
In essence that means paying for a site twice. And spending more time building your web presence. Both of which could cost you time, money and lost sales opportunities.
Do you need ongoing support?
Off-the-shelf packages make money by selling as many units as possible and offering few extra frills. Dedicated support is often one of those "frills".
However, if you're running a business-critical website and something goes wrong, then you may not see support as quite such a luxury.
Bespoke website developers will usually offer ongoing support. That means when you need help, you can usually find it fast at the end of a phone line.
But, are package websites ever a good option?
Definitely. There are scenarios where a package is ideal.
If you're a one-man-band working from home, or even a small business that doesn't need anything elaborate, then your best bet might be a template site. It's cheaper and can offer decent basic functionality.
However - for most serious businesses a bespoke website is a must. At the very least it could give you a significant advantage over your competitors - something that could ultimately both save and make you money.