How custom is a custom website?
There are many "template based" website providers serving real estate professionals. A common objection is that "all your websites look like - I want something different". At the same time, REALTORS know that custom websites are not really the answer they want to hear . The largest reason that custom websites are not more widely implemented is probably cost.
So, are custom websites really custom?
By definition, "custom" means "made according to the specifications of the buyer". That may not be the case with websites. Here is what typically occurs when a custom web designer approaches the task of building the website.
First of all, the designer listens to the general requirements of the REALTOR. Since many of these designers are not familiar with the real estate industry, they do not provide meaningful input on the proposed site's content. They can guide the development of the site's functionality (look and feel) but even here they may be limited.
For example they may not realize that most visitors to real estate websites want to search properties. They will not, therefore, place the navigation button or narrative text in a prime and easy-to-find location.
When they begin the work of building the website, how will they proceed? Start from scratch? Probably not. They begin from a previously developed website that possesses similar characteristics. They copy the code and start modifying the color, layout, words, navigation, etc. Any features that are added may be limited upon the experience and skills of the individual designer. What does all of this sound like to you? Like a template based website? Exactly.
Both the "template based" provider and "custom" designer will deliver a website that is similar to others that had been developed previously. The differences will center around the extent of "made-to-order" elements, the uniqueness of the content, the cost of the design, and the time-to-production of the website.
Can a "template based" provider really deliver a one-of-a-kind website? Obviously the content can and should always be unique. How about the design?
More about this in another article. The point for now is: don't be fooled into believing that a "custom" website is really all that custom.
So, are custom websites really custom?
By definition, "custom" means "made according to the specifications of the buyer". That may not be the case with websites. Here is what typically occurs when a custom web designer approaches the task of building the website.
First of all, the designer listens to the general requirements of the REALTOR. Since many of these designers are not familiar with the real estate industry, they do not provide meaningful input on the proposed site's content. They can guide the development of the site's functionality (look and feel) but even here they may be limited.
For example they may not realize that most visitors to real estate websites want to search properties. They will not, therefore, place the navigation button or narrative text in a prime and easy-to-find location.
When they begin the work of building the website, how will they proceed? Start from scratch? Probably not. They begin from a previously developed website that possesses similar characteristics. They copy the code and start modifying the color, layout, words, navigation, etc. Any features that are added may be limited upon the experience and skills of the individual designer. What does all of this sound like to you? Like a template based website? Exactly.
Both the "template based" provider and "custom" designer will deliver a website that is similar to others that had been developed previously. The differences will center around the extent of "made-to-order" elements, the uniqueness of the content, the cost of the design, and the time-to-production of the website.
Can a "template based" provider really deliver a one-of-a-kind website? Obviously the content can and should always be unique. How about the design?
More about this in another article. The point for now is: don't be fooled into believing that a "custom" website is really all that custom.
posted by Shig Nishio @ 3:46 PM
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