What are the options for web development and which is best for you?

Whether you want to build a site yourself or need some guidance when choosing a designer and developer, in this article we'll take a look at the different web development options, discuss their differences and help you decide which one suits your needs.

What are web development tools?

There are many website building tools (web builders) available, including WordPress, Wix, Squarespace and Webflow. A web builder is a tool designed to create websites with minimal effort.

Typically, you will choose or buy a pre-made template that includes graphics, layout and a few built-in features. You can then customise this template to suit your specific needs.

The advantage of using such tool is that it requires a minimal amount of knowledge about the development and technical aspects of how a website works. These platforms offer solutions without programming, so you don't need to know how to code.

Customized Web Development

When it comes to developing a Website, things are different. Based on your requirements (perhaps within your graphic identity), a UI and UX designer will create a bespoke design for you. You'll work with them to tweak the design, layout and other details until you're happy. Once the design is complete, the developer will work with you to get the website coded.

Additional features and customised site management tools can be added.

Should you choose a customised website?

Consider the following questions if you're not sure if custom web development is right for you. If your answer to any of them is yes, custom development may be for you:

• Do you update your website frequently? If you update your content on a regular basis, a well-designed content management tool can save you a lot of time and hassle.
• Does your site need unique features? If, for example, you need a custom tool to display a daily menu or some other unusual feature, then custom development is the way to go.
• Does your site need to display specialised information or data? If your site needs to display information or data in a specific format that is unique to your industry, custom development gives you the flexibility to present the data exactly as you want it.
• If your brand has a distinctive look and feel that you want to maintain on the web, then custom design is vital. While web builders are flexible, they are often limited in their design options.

Should you consider a website built with a web builder?

A solution based on WordPress or another web builder can meet your needs if you want to create a simple website that doesn't require any special maintenance. This solution is easier, faster and more simple to create. However, bear in mind that many businesses are likely to use the same templates. The site is also unlikely to be well suited to the search algorithm - it is likely to fall short in SEO.

Our advice

If you're in the process of creating or redesigning a website, it's important to understand whether you're getting what you're paying for. Often companies charge "custom development" prices for sites that are actually based on pre-made web builder templates. When working with a developer, always ask if they are using a template or a custom design and check with the developer.

Also, as a general rule, letting the developer design the site to the best of their ability should yield the best results, but knowing what you want and reflecting that in your website will give your online presence the character you need. Having a website that you're proud of, that you want to show to every customer that comes in, will take your business to the next level.