Are custom websites still relevant in today’s social media world?

Recently, a close friend asked if a custom website design is still a good idea for businesses to invest in. There are many DIY websites out there and with the level of exposure Social Media Provides, is a traditional website still relevant?

This is a very good question – when do you want to build a custom website and when is it a good idea to have one custom made for you?

Can social media replace your website?

There’s no doubt that social media provides a huge amount of exposure and is a fantastic medium to build on your brand’s reach and awareness, however, it is not an owned marketing medium, as in (literally) you do not own the platform, so you don’t have full control over it. As for your website – you control it completely. If you have visitors coming to the website – you are in charge of what kind of user experience they have when they interact with your brand online, on your website.

We recommend using social media to reach new customers (building on your brand awareness) and to interact with your existing customers (building on your brand loyalty), but you must always drive traffic to your website, to fine-tune brand experience.

Can DIY websites be better than custom website design?

It depends on what is meant by “better.” It’s definitely quicker to get your business up and running online using a DIY option, but it’s not the best long-term solution. While this option is usually SEO-friendly (search engine optimization), these websites do not provide a robust edge against your competition, if they have a custom, optimized website. So, if you are hoping to get new traffic and get your brand found online, a DIY website would not be your best option.