Drag-and-drop builders versus a fully custom built website
When it comes time to build your website, you will likely need to decide between utilising a drag-and-drop builder platform, or having your website built completely from scratch. There are benefits to both options that depend on the needs that your business has.
What is a drag-and drop builder?
A drag-and-drop website builder platforms can include Wix, Squarespace, or Webflow. When using these platforms, you create your website by selecting or dragging website blocks and sections, all while avoiding the need to input code. The platforms are built to be intuitive and easy.
Building websites using these platforms has considerably improved over the years and the results can be great looking, even for more complex websites.
Why you should use a drag-and drop builder
Drag-and-drop website builders offer several advantages that make them preferable to some, including:
- Fast – it doesn’t take long get the basis of your site functional
- Cheap – subscription costs are less compared to a fully custom built site
- Flexible – website changes and edits can be done easily
Why you shouldn’t use a drag-and-drop builder
While there are advantages to building your website in this manner, there are tradeoffs that become significant the more your business grows and the more specific your need s become:
- Flexibility issues — restricted design options and inability to add certain features
- Growth barriers — inability to accommodate the sise of the operation
- Can be slow — some no-code platforms produce heavier, slower-loading pages than custom codes.
When a custom build is worth the investment
Custom code, although more costly and time-intensive to set up, is the only solution that will meet unique needs, such as very specific booking integrations, designs that cannot be achieved with templates, etc.
If your business seems like it’s going to take off, having a strong attractive foundation built with an eye towards growth and flexibility is money well spent, as you will save money in the long run from avoiding costly platform swaps.
What Sunneo recommends
While we won’t recommend the expensive full-custom build approach over everything, we believe that the no-code or WordPress recommendation is the right choice for some.
There is absolutely no concern about us becoming too pushy with a recommendation towards the more expensive full-custom build option. If you ask, we will be honest and direct about our recommendation based on your specific needs, not the potential sise of your wallet.
Trying before you commit
If you still can’t decide, take a no-code platform for a spin. Sign up for a free trial and see how much the platform really offers for your customisation needs. This will likely help you make a decision much faster than just reading.
A middle ground: WordPress
It is worth noting that WordPress does allow more customisation than the average no-code builder, but is still less customisable than a custom build.
It provides more flexibility than a typical drag and drop system, but is much quicker and less expensive than creating a website from scratch.
WordPress works well for most small businesses who require more than a no code builder, but less than a fully custom built solution.
Thinking beyond today
Saving money and time by using the system which appears to deliver the best value will allow you to operate now, but it is prudent to consider the future. If your business expectations are to grow exponentially, it will cost more to start your business again in the future, so think about value for money now.
We have many years of experience and can share our knowledge with you. We’ll recommend a plan that best suits your current and future business plans.
To learn more and to get a quote, visit our contact page to reach out. We can’t wait to assist you.