1. Template or Drag-and-Drop Builder Sites
These are your Squarespace, Shopify, and Wix platforms – you know, the ones that promise you can build a website in no time with no coding skills needed. These sites are great for small businesses, especially if your services don’t change often. Think law firms, plumbers, electricians – businesses where the core offerings stay pretty consistent.
The big advantage here is cost. These platforms are generally affordable, and you can get an okay looking site up and running quickly. But there’s a catch: you’ll need to invest some time learning the platform to make updates. What you save in money, you might end up paying for in time.
2. Hiring an Agency for a Custom Website
If you’ve got a bigger budget and want something tailored specifically to your needs, hiring an agency to build a custom website might be the way to go. This could involve using popular CMS platforms like WordPress or Drupal, or, if your organization is large enough, even exploring headless CMS options that reduce the technical load.
This route is definitely on the pricier side, but you get what you pay for – a website that’s built to meet your specific needs and goals. If you’re leaning towards this option, be sure to check out my guide on what to look for in an agency.
3. Hiring a Freelancer for a Hybrid Approach
Maybe you want something more custom than a template site, but you’re not ready to go all-in on an agency. In that case, you could hire a skilled freelancer from platforms like Fiverr, 99designs, or Upwork. This option gives you a bit more flexibility and can be more affordable than hiring an agency.
However, there are some challenges to consider. Dealing with freelancers can sometimes be tricky due to language barriers, different time zones, and the need for quick turnarounds. But if you find the right person, this approach can give you a solid foundation that you can build on as your company grows.
4. Build in-house
If your company has the resources and technical expertise, building a website in-house might be an option to consider. This approach gives you complete control over the design, development, and ongoing maintenance of your site. You’ll have the flexibility to create a website that perfectly aligns with your brand, meets your specific needs, and can be updated or expanded as your business grows.
However, be aware that this route can be both resource-intensive and costly. You’ll need a skilled team that includes web developers, designers, content creators and digital marketers.
5. Using a Third-Party Project Management Company
If all of this feels a bit overwhelming and you’re not sure which direction to take, there’s another option: bringing in a third-party project management company that specializes in digital transformation. These experts can evaluate your specific needs and recommend the best solution for your company.
At Digital Retrospective, we specialize in helping companies navigate these decisions and ensuring that your digital project is a success. Whether you’re starting from scratch or looking to revamp an existing site, we can guide you through the process and help you make the right choice.
In the end, the type of website your company needs depends on your specific goals, budget, and resources. By carefully considering your options, you can choose the path that will set your business up for online success.
August 19 2024 
