Why Small Businesses Should Consider Custom-Coded Websites Over Website Builders like WordPress and Squarespace
When it comes to creating a website for your small business, there are many options available. Website builders like WordPress, Squarespace, and Wix are often marketed as easy and cost-effective solutions. Still, they come with limitations and disadvantages that may not be suitable for all small businesses. This article will explore the benefits of using modern technologies like React frameworks and headless content management systems (CMS) to code websites from scratch.
Customizability
...have complete control over the design and functionality of the website.
One of the biggest disadvantages of using website builders is limited customizability. Small businesses may find that the pre-built templates and features offered by these platforms do not meet their specific needs or allow them to create a website that stands out from the competition. By using modern technologies like React frameworks and headless CMS to code websites from scratch, you have complete control over the design and functionality of the website. This allows you to create a unique website that reflects your brand and meets your businesse's specific needs.
Performance
...ensure that the website is optimized for performance, which can have a positive impact on user engagement and conversion rates.
Website performance is crucial to user engagement and conversion rates. Slow loading times and poor user experience can drive potential customers away from your website. Modern technologies like React frameworks are designed to optimize website performance, resulting in faster loading times and better user experience. By custom-coding your website, you can ensure that the website is optimized for performance, which can have a positive impact on user engagement and conversion rates.
Scalability
...have more flexibility and control over adding new features and functionality to the website or migrating to a web-application as your business grows.
As small businesses grow, they need to add new features and functionality to their website. Website builders can be limiting in terms of scalability, as businesses may encounter compatibility issues or limitations imposed by pre-built templates and plugins. With a custom-coded website using modern technologies like React frameworks and headless CMS, you have more flexibility and control over adding new features and functionality to the website or migrating to a web-application as your business grows.
SEO
...greater flexibility, control, and efficiency in optimizing the website for search engines and delivering a great user experience.
In addition to the other disadvantages discussed, the potential negative impact on search engine optimization (SEO) is another drawback of using website builders for small business websites. These platforms often have limitations on the customization of URLs, meta descriptions, and other SEO elements, which can affect the website's visibility and rank on search engine results pages (SERPs). Moreover, website builders like Squarespace and Wix often use code-heavy templates, which can slow down page load times and negatively impact the website's user experience. This can result in higher bounce rates and lower engagement, which can further impact the website's ranking on SERPs. In contrast, modern technologies like React frameworks and headless CMSs can offer greater flexibility, control, and efficiency in optimizing the website for search engines and delivering a great user experience.
Cost-effectiveness
...have more control over ongoing maintenance costs and can avoid unnecessary fees.
Although building a website from scratch using modern technologies may require a larger initial investment than using a website builder, it can be more cost-effective in the long run. Website builders often charge ongoing fees for hosting and maintenance, which can add up over time. With a custom-coded website, small businesses have more control over ongoing maintenance costs and can avoid unnecessary fees.
In conclusion, small businesses can greatly benefit from using modern technologies like React frameworks and headless CMS to code their websites from scratch. By doing so, they can achieve greater customizability, performance, scalability, security, and cost-effectiveness than they would with website builders. At Steady Owl, we truly believe in these benefits and are committed to using the latest and proven technologies to build websites and applications. With us, you can trust that you will receive the highest quality custom-coded website that is tailored to your unique business needs.