Has Custom Web Development Been Killed by Wix, Squarespace and Shopify?

With the rise of platforms like Wix, Squarespace, and Shopify, it’s easy to assume that custom website development has become a dying profession. After all, why hire an expensive web developer when you can do it yourself with one of these free or affordable platforms? Well, the short answer is that custom web development is still alive and kicking. Let’s take a look at why this is true.

Customisation

The main reason why custom web development will always be in demand is customisation. Sure, you can create a website in minutes using one of these platforms but it won’t be unique. Your website will look like thousands of others out there!

This means it won’t stand out from the crowd and won’t give your business any competitive advantage. Custom web developers are able to create websites tailored to your brand’s needs. That means you can stand out from and stay ahead of the competition.

SEO & Performance

Another important benefit of custom web development is Search Engine Optimisation (SEO). These days, if you want your website to rank in Google search results (and who doesn’t?), then you need an SEO-friendly website structure and optimised code. This kind of optimization cannot be done on Wix or Squarespace websites. That’s because they don’t allow access to their source code. Also, custom web developers can optimise your website for loading speed too. This can make it load much faster than a template-based platform like Shopify. Faster loading times mean better user experience which in turn leads to higher conversion rates. And ultimately more money in the bank!

Security & Maintenance

Custom websites offer much more security compared to template-based sites because they are built from scratch without any pre-made plugins or modules that might be vulnerable to hackers. You may be wondering is Website maintenance is really that important. Well Yes! Custom developers can build maintenance plans into your website too. That means any updates or changes can be easily done. And even better, without needing an IT specialist every time something needs fixing or updating.

The Benefits of Custom Web Development

Custom web development offers more than just aesthetics. It can help create unique experiences that stand out from competitors. It also offers more control over the website’s functions and features. A custom site can be tailored specifically to your exact needs and objectives. Furthermore, it can allow you to scale as time goes on. For example, implementing new innovative technologies. This may be such things as artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML).

Custom web development also allows you to add plugins or extensions that enable you to do things like track analytics, collect data, and even automate certain processes. This level of customization means that your website can really stand out from the crowd. Plus, if you decide at any time that you need something specific added or changed on your website, a professional developer will be able to make those changes quickly and efficiently.

The Drawbacks of Pre-Built Web Builder Platforms

Whilst there are some advantages to using pre-built platforms such as Wix or Shopify, there are also some drawbacks which may not be immediately obvious. One of the main drawbacks is that these platforms are limited in terms of design options; plus they don’t offer much flexibility when it comes to adding new features or functionality. Another downside is that many of these pre-built solutions have certain restrictions which means you may not be able to customize your website in the way that you want. Additionally, since everyone else is using the same platform as yourself, there is little chance for differentiation between sites – meaning yours won’t stand out from its competition.

Custom Web Development isn’t going anywhere anytime soon!

Businesses of all sizes have realized the importance of having a well-designed, optimized, and secure website – something that template-based websites simply cannot provide. Whether you have an existing website that needs optimizing or are looking for a fresh start with a new site – you should definitely consider working with a professional web developer as they will ensure that your site looks great while also giving you a competitive advantage over other businesses in your field. Don’t let the “web development star” die! Hire a professional today!