Bespoke websites can help your business steam ahead of the competition!

‘Bespoke website’ is a term that gets thrown around a lot, but what does it actually mean? What is a bespoke website, and how does it differ from a semi-bespoke template website? And is your semi-bespoke template website still good enough?

These are common questions we’ll dive into below.

What is a bespoke website?

A bespoke website is a website that is made from the ground up, specifically for each individual client, without any pre-made templates. It is planned in close collaboration with the client, often utilising market research to inform the site’s design and maximise its ROI.

Bespoke websites are 100% unique creations that will not be found anywhere else. And, unlike template websites, they give you the flexibility to choose exactly the features and solutions your business needs. This complete flexibility in design and development enables bespoke websites to be ahead of the trends (and sometimes even create new trends!).

The difference between bespoke and semi-bespoke template websites

A semi-bespoke template website from WEBPRO is built using a template which has already been designed and developed. This template can be edited and adjusted to a degree to accommodate client preferences and business needs and they are personalised in terms of company branding, contact details, etc. However, the same template is also available for other businesses to choose.

One way to think about the difference is to consider making a cake. Bespoke websites are the equivalent of baking a cake and choosing the toppings and layers from an unlimited number of ingredients. Semi-bespoke template websites are the equivalent of using a pre-baked cake and adding the toppings and filling from a good selection of ingredients.

Another difference between the two is the price. Bespoke websites require more planning and consultations with the client, and the process of developing the website takes longer. This means the cost of designing a bespoke website is higher. However, the ROI can also increase over the long term, making them worth the additional investment.

What are the benefits of bespoke websites?

Here are some of the common benefits of a bespoke website:

• Improved customer experience
• Better for SEO which can generate more site visitors
• Increases brand identity and improved customer impressions
• Stands out in crowded markets that all use similar website templates
• Potential for more sales (see all of the above)
• Bespoke websites can be easily scaled in line with business growth

Is my semi-bespoke website good enough?

After reading how great bespoke websites are, you might be questioning if your semi-bespoke template website is good enough. Most businesses can and will have success with a semi-bespoke website, particularly if it is marketed correctly, but it all depends on how well the pre-made template was developed.

In other words, you need a well-baked cake to decorate!

The good news is, if you choose a semi-bespoke template website from WEBPRO, you have nothing to worry about. We have considered many different factors when creating our high-quality templates, from user experience to SEO, to ensure that your website will both look good and function as it should.

Should I choose a bespoke website?

The best bespoke websites will always be better than the best semi-bespoke template designs. If you have the funds to invest in a bespoke website, you can expect to see a better ROI over the long term. It’s common to start a business with a semi-bespoke template design and upgrade to a bespoke website later and that is something we would definitely recommend if time and budget is a concern. Having a website presence is absolutely essential nowadays and it is better to have a good template website in place while you work towards a bespoke creation than having nothing at all.

Recap: Bespoke websites are 100% customised websites that can help businesses increase sales and steam ahead of the competition. On the other hand, semi-bespoke template websites use pre-made templates that can be somewhat adjusted to client needs. The best bespoke websites will always be an improvement on the best semi-bespoke template sites, but you don’t always need one. Some businesses choose to stick with semi-bespoke creations for years before upgrading their website as their business grows.

P.S. If you are not sure if you need a semi-bespoke template website or a bespoke website, you can speak with a member of the WEBPRO team who can advise you on your options.