Learn About Websites
Custom Designed Websites

My last article covered Template Websites. In this article we will discuss Custom Designed Websites. Custom websites are built from scratch. Unlike template websites, which are already designed and created with predefined spaces, custom websites are limited only by your imagination and current technology. This means you can put information anywhere on your site rather than only where the pre-made design dictates in a template situation.

Template websites tend to focus more on the business. In essence they are similar to a yellow pages ad on the Internet. Custom designed websites are more likely to focus on what you want to emphasize which is the end user — your families. When you cater to people’s needs and wants they are more likely to come back to your website on a repeat basis. This is the aim of all good websites. The more often people visit your website the more they see your name, your brand and your services. Next time they need your services your name will be already in their minds. How do you make people come back? Through interactivity on your website you give people something to do which promotes a sense of control and continually interests them so that they want to do it again! This translates into a viewer repeatedly returning to your site.

The interactivity aspect not only gives people something to do while visiting your website, it gives them a reason to return. In addition, interaction creates more interest and a sense of contribution to your practice. If your website does not speak to your visitors they will not return nor will they tell others about your site. Currently, people make a decision about a website in 1/20th of a second. That colors their entire perception of their visit to a particular website. That means that if people do not find what they want within four seconds of visiting your site, they leave! What message are you sending to your potential new clients? Your website sends many messages on many levels.

When you are comparing custom and template designs you should be aware of the benefits and limitations of each. My last article covered templates. Here are the benefits and limitations for custom design websites:

Benefits

  • You will have a customized website to fit your business and the needs of your business. It will provide the information you feel is important not just what a website company dictates. A customized website will be unique to you and the services you offer.
  • Your website becomes a virtual employee that builds a relationship with your families twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. (24×7)
  • Focus is more on the families and their needs then on one single piece of advertising. When you meet individuals’ needs they tend to remember you as a service provider and tell their friends.
  • A web presence gives people what they want to see or know immediately. It could be as simple as a photo tour of your facility. The Internet is open 24×7. It can show off your building even while you are sleeping. What a deal!!
  • Websites can answer some basic questions freeing staff to do other more pressing jobs. On your site can be provided directions, dates and times of services, where flowers can be ordered locally, protocol for sending thank-you notes, local areas of interest or anything you think might be helpful.

Thus, a custom level website converts an internet presence that is stagnant to a website that provides interaction for visitors giving them incentive to return and build a relationship with you.

Limitations

  • Someone has to respond to people when they make requests in the information boxes or through email
  • You will most likely have to pay more money to be unique and have customization of your website as well as interactivity on your site
  • For some it will require taking a risk by using new technology that may or may not be immediately understandable (but hopefully will after a little use.)
  • You and or your staff will have to learn some new skills such as how to email or use a computer. (This, however, can be a benefit as well, as it will force growth and learning)

Templates and custom design websites each have their place. Making sure you have the right website to fit your business is the key. Think positively about your business possibilities expanding as you look to becoming unique and available to your families! You will be glad that you did.