Are Inexpensive Web Site Templates Worth The Cost? Let’s take a closer look.
First, You Get What You Pay For
So you took the bait and signed up for your first hosting plan, including a Web site. Your newly acquired hosting plan probably has a plug-and-play template system with the novice user in mind. Usually, you log in and begin by picking the style of Web template that suits your business.
Then you enter some text in a few pages and launch your new Website. Now, you can sit back and watch customers or money pour in the door. You might even try one of those services that submit your Web site to thousands of search engines for $19.95. Now, success is guaranteed. Right?
On the other hand, many customer inquiries to my company concern these so-called “Web site publishing systems.” Customers usually call us after spending their hard-earned money on a Web do-it-yourself template system that frustrates them.
Lost in Web Clutter
If you are fortunate, a prospective customer might find your bargain template site on page 575 of the Google search engine. That’s not good since most Web surfers won’t look past page 2 or 3 on a Web search.
The problem with web templates is that they are “closed systems.” Usually, navigation placement is hard coded, so custom programming or effects are not allowed.
On the other hand, “open systems” allow web coders to fine-tune and tweak the code within your Web pages.
Adding Dynamics to a Static Template Page
Beyond adding moving images or animations, what if you wanted to add simple checkboxes to a custom form or dropdown navigation displaying the location of your interior pages?
Again, unless you’re handy with HTML coding, you’ll have a hard time inserting these items into your Web form — if the flexibility of the template system allows it.
Database and Internal Web Site Costs
Some large business sites require the design and implementation of an extranet or intranet for employee use and access. Depending on the backend or database needs of the client, this requires a separate bid for cost.
The type of database required will also affect the overall cost, i.e., MSAccess, SQL, MySQL, Cold Fusion, PHP, or an Oracle database.
Choose Smartly
Before spending your hard-earned money on a Web site, do your homework. Look at the live Web sites your potential Webmaster has created and peek at their client references.
Stay away from pesky templates. Save your hard-earned dollars for a Website that will do your business some good.
About VISIONEFX
VISIONEFX is a professional web design company in Virginia. We know a custom web design lifts you above your competition. VISIONEFX provides services to businesses throughout the United States, including custom web design, E-commerce web design, WordPress CMS web design, Joomla CMS web development, SEO, Web maintenance services, and Website repair.
Please read what our customers have to say about VISIONEFX on Google Reviews.
For more information, call (757) 619-6456 or email info@visionefx.net.
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