Basic explanation on finding the right website for your business

May 27, 2020

Having a website has never been more essential. With an ever increasing digital presence from consumers and the reliance of smartphones on everyday life, if you're not online you're not in business. Sure you may have a presence on social media, but there's a big difference on being on someone else's platform (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc.) and hosting your own. For one, you don't have to worry about rule changes that may affect the way you advertise and certainly don't have to share space with your competition on your own site.

There's DYI services, hiring a web developer, and plenty of templates. Establishing a digital presence can take minutes or days depending on what option you take. Each have an advantage and disadvantages to them depending on your needs. There's no easy answer in determining what will be best for you, but we hope to outline some tools you can use to determine what best works for your business.

Google My Business Basic Website

This is as basic as it gets. If you have claimed and a verified your business with Google, you are also entitled to a free basic website. There's limited design choices where the only thing you can do is input pictures and text. Sometimes, it's all you need if you need to get started. Key word is "started." At the very least, use it to gauge interest in your business by seeing visitor counts.

Online Templates

These are a bit more dynamic. Oftentimes web hosting sites will offer hundreds of premade sites for you to use. Each varies in simplicity. You may have an option to drag and drop text/photos among many features. It's by far the most common type of site you can purchase. Although the name or platform may vary, the idea is the same. Get online in minutes. Know that this is a good starting option, but not entirely yours. Because it is pre-made, there are hundreds if not thousands using the same layout as you. It may not seem like such a big deal, but in an effort to stand out, you are essentially looking like more of the same. Oftentimes, you are restricted by the template's limitations. For example, you may have to keep a close eye on plug-in updates, changes in terms, and other platform changes in order to keep your site functioning properly. Security wise, it's mostly on the template service you are using.

Custom Site

This one provides the most creative freedom, and helps you target your audience. Essentially, the only design limitation is that of the web developer you hire. It's the most time consuming of the three options here, but it is the one that will ensure the design closely matches your business look and feel. It's a custom made page made to your specifications, oftentimes with direct and constant dialogue with a web designer. Coding is often made from scratch, meaning, you are not reliant on services, plug-ins, or pre-made material like those used in templates. Though not entirely impenetrable, security can be a bit more robust because hackers have to specifically target your code from scratch, as opposed to targeting similar flaws found in common templates. This service is usually the most expensive of the three presented. That's mainly because it requires a specialist to create and maintain your site.

Please note that Top Hat Central offers a Web Development service. Our Web Design advice is here to clarify some of the questions and options raised by our customers. Each business has different needs, and we will recommend one site type over another. Ultimately we hope this information better helps you understand the different types of services out there and what to expect. We understand that small and micro-businesses may have staffers wearing many hats to get by. Top Hat Central strives to become one less hat you have to wear for your business.