BUILDING website

The process of creating your own website can be daunting – with a wealth of decisions to make on hosting, design and more acting as a barrier to entry. There are two main ways you can go about building a website for your business, but each comes with its pros and cons.

Template websites

Recently, there’s been a boom in website-building services offering “click and create” websites from basic templates. While these types of businesses have existed for years, the quality of their offering has significantly improved.

The likes of Squarespace and Wix offer several layouts that can be tweaked and made more personal. There’s a good amount of variation in the templates offered, so you’re likely to find one to fit the general design you’re aiming for.

Cost is also a positive point when it comes to this type of site. You can easily get your URL, hosting and website created for under £200 (and many of these providers also regularly offer discounts). In this sense, many of the initial hurdles of setting up your site are cleared with ease.

Where you’re likely to run in to issues is that, ultimately, these websites work because they run off a one-size-fitsall strict template. You may struggle to make a website that looks exactly the way you want it, or that fits your brand. Similarly, you’ll have to make any changes to functionality or design yourself, which can require quite a bit of time and effort.

Compatibility of third-party plugins and software may also be an issue. If you plan on using a booking platform for your salon, for example, this may be difficult, or in some cases impossible. Ensure you thoroughly research which additional services do and do not work with your provider’s template if you go down this route.

Bespoke websites

The other option is working with a designer to create a bespoke website built to your needs. Obviously, this would come at a much greater price. Stats from business services provider Expert Market show that, at a minimum, you’re likely to be spending at least £500 upfront for a basic small business website. This doesn’t include ongoing costs for hosting, content updates and any other charges.

Similarly, whether you’re working with a company or freelance website developer, you’re also slightly restricted as you’ll need to make changes through them and on their schedule. Maintaining a strong relationship will help to smooth this process, but be aware of this potential constraint.

However, this additional cost and time put in to your website can easily be worth it. A bespoke site can be tailored to your business’s needs – giving you the exact look and feel you want for your online presence.

Similarly, someone with expertise in coding will be able to overcome any challenges faced when trying to use software or add-ons with your website. This way, you can ensure that your website is in safe hands and always have the ability to raise your game, without the risk of being left behind or limited by a stock template. PB