Which Website Do I Need? A Simple Breakdown

Custom Websites

A custom website is built from scratch and tailored to meet specific design, functionality, and content requirements.

Who would benefit from a custom website?

  • Medium to large businesses with unique needs.
  • Organizations with specialized functionalities (e.g., online communities, intranets).
  • Those with specific design or branding preferences.

Pros of having a custom website

  • Full creative control. With a custom website, you have complete control over how your website looks. You can choose the details of the layout that you love the most. 
  • Can accommodate unique features.  With a custom website, you can have all the cool features and functionalities that you can dream of for the most part. Want an interactive map? No problem! Want a video background? You got it! A custom website can make all your website dreams come true.
  • Tailored to your exact needs. Since a custom website is made just for you, it will be like no other website out there. It will be as unique as you are! It’s like having a website that is made especially for you and your interests.

Cons of a custom website

  • It can be more expensive. Since custom websites are made from scratch, they are more expensive than other types of websites. 
  • It can take more time to build. Creating a custom website takes time, so you’ll need to be patient. But don’t worry. The end result will be totally worth the wait!
  • Technical skills potentially needed. Custom websites can be a bit more complex, so you might need to learn some technical skills to be able to manage and update your website. But don’t worry, there are lots of resources and tutorials available to help you along the way.

Single-Page Websites

Single-page websites are exactly what they sound like, websites that only have one page. That means all the information you need is on that one page instead of having to click on different pages to find what you’re looking for. But if an additional page or two are needed, they can be added as needed.

Who would benefit from a single-page website? 

  • Individuals or small businesses with limited content.
  • Projects that need a simple online presence.
  • Landing pages for marketing campaigns.

This is good for a small business with a need for limited information on the site because it is not needed, or they will link out to a CRM or some other tool for their business use.  It’s a great way to showcase your information or content in a simple and straightforward way. 

Pros of having a single-page website

  • Easy to navigate. Since everything is on one page, it’s super easy for users to find the information they need. Users can just scroll up and down or use the linked menu to navigate to different sections of the page.  Similar to how links open new pages, but it jumps to the sections instead. 
  • Quick loading time. single-page websites usually load faster because there’s less content to load. That means your website visitors won’t have to wait long to see what you have to offer, potentially increasing conversion rates.
  • Simple and focused. single-page websites are great for showcasing one specific product or service. They allow you to focus on the most important information without any distractions.
  • Room for growth.  A single-page website can always be expanded to a multi-page website at a later time.
  • Affordable.  A single-page website is not only more efficient but also more cost-effective if you have a tight budget.

Cons to consider when it comes to single-page websites

  • Limited content. Since everything has to fit on one page, you have to be careful with how much content you include. You might not have enough space to go into detail about everything you want to share.
  • Harder to rank on search engines. Sometimes, single-page websites can be harder to rank on search engines like Google because there’s only one page for all your keywords. So if you’re trying to get your website to show up at the top of search results, it might be a bit more challenging.

Multi-Page Website

Multi-page websites are websites that have multiple pages, each dedicated to a different topic or section. The majority of websites on the web are multi-page websites.

Who would benefit from a multi-page website? 

  • Most businesses, organizations, and individuals with a substantial online presence.
  • Those requiring extensive information or services.
  • Blog

Pros of having a multi-page website

  • You have more space to share information. With multiple pages, you can have dedicated pages for each topic or section, allowing you to provide detailed information without overcrowding one single-page.
  • Better SEO. Search engines love multi-page websites because each page can be optimized for specific keywords, helping your website rank higher in search results.
  • Improved user experience. With a well-organized multi-page website, users can easily navigate through different sections and find what they need, enhancing their overall experience.

Cons of multi-page websites

  • It takes more time and effort to create and maintain. Compared to single-page websites, multi-page websites require more planning, designing, and content creation. You need to make sure all the pages are cohesive and provide a consistent user experience.
  • Potential for confusion. If not properly organized and structured, a multi-page website can confuse users. They might struggle to find the information they are looking for if the navigation is not clear or if the pages are cluttered.
  • Higher Cost.  Because of the time and work it takes to create a multi-page site, that price will be higher.

eCommerce Websites

An eCommerce website is an online store where you sell your products and services online.

Who would benefit from an eCommerce website?

  • Online retailers and businesses looking to sell products or services online.
  • Individuals who want to start an online store.

Pros of eCommerce websites

  • You can sell to anyone, anywhere. With an eCommerce website, you can reach customers all over the world! It’s like having a store that is open 24/7, and anyone with an internet connection can shop from you.
  • Easy to manage inventory. With an eCommerce website, you can keep track of how many products you have in stock. You won’t have to worry about running out of something and disappointing your customers.
  • More customers can find you. Since your website is online, people can find you through search engines like Google. That means more people can discover your awesome products and become loyal customers.
  • Convenient for customers. With an eCommerce website, customers can shop whenever they want, from the comfort of their own home. They don’t have to deal with crowded stores or long lines. It’s like having a store that is always open, just for them.

Cons of eCommerce websites

  • Shipping and taxes can be tricky. If you sell physical products, you’ll need to figure out how to ship them to your customers. It can be a bit complicated to make sure everything gets delivered on time and in good condition.
  • Requires security and data protection measures.  Since you’ll be handling people’s personal and payment information, you’ll need to make sure your website is extremely secure. You don’t want anyone hacking into your website and stealing people’s information.
  • It can take time to build trust. When people shop online, they want to feel safe and trust the website they are buying from. It might take some time to build up that trust and get people to buy from you.
  • Potential legal and compliance issues (e.g., sales tax).  You have to stay on top of the laws and requirements of running an online business and shop as it can be costly to not abide by the legal requirements.

Selecting the right type of website depends on your goals, audience, content, and budget. 

  • single-page Website: Ideal for simple online presence and marketing campaigns.
  • Multi-Page Website: Versatile for most businesses and organizations.
  • Custom Website: Tailored to unique needs and preferences.
  • eCommerce Website: Designed for online buying and selling.

Consider your specific needs, resources, and long-term goals when choosing the type of website that’s right for you. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages, so make an informed decision based on your individual circumstances.