by Dustin Schwerman

I would be remiss if I got into a discussion of custom website design without discussing the cost involved. There are always hindrances for any benefit, and before you decide for certain if originality is the path to follow, you should consider the detriments involved. In this case, the costs are mainly money, time, and effort.

In terms of actual monetary cost it should be noted that the cost is not owed to the custom nature of the site. The cost is essentially a prerequisite based on the fact that you are not able to use less expensive templates. If you want an original design, you will need a skilled designer. Presumably, you are reading this article because you are not, yourself, trained in that field. This, then, means hiring a professional.

Professional web design can be costly. Even simple sites often cost more than $100, and more complex sites can range to $500, $1,000, or more. The most advanced sites can cost several thousand dollars to design.

Since your site is to be customized, it is likely that you will also need graphics, multiple pages, and specialized programs. Thus, you would be best served seeking out a website design company that charges based on overall complexity, rather than in discreet amounts by hour or page. Hourly rates in particular should be avoided, as you will likely require several revisions to get the effect you want.

Which leads to time. These sorts of websites are not simple drag-and-drop processes; they often require detailed stylesheets, complex programs, and unique graphics. If an immediate on-line presence is required, you may very well lack the time for custom work. Additionally, as noted above, you are not likely to get the proper effect from the first design. The greatest advantage of customization is likewise a potentially significant disadvantage; everything is subject to change. The site is not done until you say it is.

Literally, until you say it is. If you want to optimize for your business, you can't just give your designers some instructions and leave them to handle things. Your input will be required. You know your field, your audience. You know which pages are most important, what functions can improve your business. Your knowledge is an integral part of the design process, which means that you will have to spend your own time and effort considering the site, communicating with your designers, and making decisions about the options and drafts they present.

Custom website design can be useful. I would argue that the most effective website is one created in this manner. But this doesn't mean that there are no costs or penalties involved. Time, money, and effort will all be required to get the site up and running the way you want. If you desire your web pages to be created in this manner, then don't shy away from these costs, but go into things with them in mind--and take advantage of any opportunity to minimize them.

About the Author

Dustin Schwerman is the head web designer for Truly Unique--Affordable Custom Website Design. Truly Unique specializes in creating highly customized, visually impressive websites at affordable prices.

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