Why I have 2 different website design services

When looking around my website you’ll see I offer 2 different services - Custom Build websites and Simply Sites. These are also at different price-points with Simply Sites being an entry priced product and custom builds being more expensive. Here’s all you need to know about the two services:

When I first started out I only made custom build websites. That means each website was started from a blank page and completely custom built for the client. I still offer these sites and you can learn more about the process (and results) here.

During my years in website design I’ve come across clients who have had all sorts of website experience. From developers who have coded the entire website so, while it looks great, they can’t update it without having to go back to the developer each and every time. To working with website designers who just find a template and drop their content into it, and everything in-between.

There are pros and cons to each type of website built - for example, if you’re a large company with a website which is going to be accessed by millions of people you’ll need dedicated coders, developers and server centres. These websites can’t and shouldn’t be built using page builders and drag and drop tools. On the flip side, if you’re a small business who likes to keep their website up to date with new offers and services then something that’s completely custom coded isn’t going to be the right option for you, but a website using a drag and drop page builder could be perfect.

The reality of these were:

People could spend weeks teaching themselves to build using one of the free tools but the tools were limited and, as they weren’t designers they often got stuck on things like mobile responsive settings/SEO etc. They ended up building a website which nobody visits because it’s not ranking on Google. Even when they get people on the site by putting the link in Social Media posts, they struggle to convert visitors into buyers.

These could work very well depending on the skillset and knowledge of the designer. If you have a designer who knows what they’re doing, great! More often than not, the designer is new to the industry and is using the templates as a guide. The site may look great but it may not perform well as SEO, Accessibility etc are skills which are learnt on the job, or at least with some mentoring.

These tend to rely on the experience and skillset of the designer who has created them. Usually they’re quite basic and they’re relatively inflexible. They’re often the same template just with a colour change and often you’ll find the design is locked so you can only put content in, you can’t flex the template to fit the content. Support tends to be limited and depends on the availability of the designer.

Again, these websites don’t tend to perform on Google or convert visitors into buyers as these qualities require industry knowledge and specialist skills.

Usually these are the best option, offered by more experienced developers and designers. They’re built just for the client, they’re accessible and mobile responsive. The cons of these are that you get what you pay for and if you don’t have the budget, you’ll be priced out of having them as an option.

I knew I wanted to create something different. I wanted to be able to offer a budget option for clients who were just starting out or people who had tried to DIY a website and were now looking for something really robust. Where they got all the support and experience associated with Custom Builds but without the hefty price tag. After some brainstorming, Simply Sites was created.

Some would refer to Simply Sites as template websites. I prefer to refer to them as a framework. The reason for this is that they’re websites that I’ve prebuilt but which can be totally flexed to fit you website content and not the other way round. No trying to bang a square peg (your content) into a round hole (a generic template) just lots of freedom and flexibility into a framework which lets you know what you can expect the vibe of your website to be.

1. Jump on a call to choose the website framework that’s right for you.

2. I’ll send the invoice and get you booked in for a content planning and branding call (these take up to 45 minutes). We’ll go through everything we need from you to build the site, how to send it to us and we’ll book a provisional date for you to send the info across. Once we have the info we’ll book in the build and get busy.

3. Once the website is in first draft format we’ll send you a walkthrough video where you’ll be able to view the website, alongside any comments and thoughts we’ve had whilst designing it. We’ll also send you a link to view the website on and you’ll have the opportunity to email us with any changes you’d like made to the website prior to us publishing it.

4. Once we’ve made those changes we’ll also work on the mobile responsive version of the website so it looks perfect on every device. We’ll re-send you the link for checking and once you’re happy with it, we’ll agree a date to send the website live.

5. Once it’s live we’ll send you an admin login and your website user manual so you know how to update and make any amendments to the website.

Simply Sites, as a hybrid of custom build and templates, are priced accordingly - you get all the experience and skill of the custom builds but pricing which reflects that the framework of the website is already in place, plus the streamlined process where you see the website at first draft, with one round of amendments, as opposed to custom builds which are a collaborative process with opportunities to feedback each week.

Custom build websites are great for when you’re a little more established in business. You’ve earned your stripes and you’re ready to level up your online presence. You want something which wholly reflects you, which isn’t the same as any other business website out there and you’re looking for a collaborative experience where you feel your business is fully understood and you’re happy to be involved in design decisions.

Custom build websites always work best when they’re paired with professional branding, copywriting and photography. While none of these things are a ‘must have’ and we can still go ahead and build without some or a few of those elements, you will always get a more sleek, professional finish if you use all the professional services for your website.

How it works

1. We’ll meet online to make sure we’re a good working fit and you feel confident that This Demanding Life is the right company to build your new website.

2. I’ll email you a synopsis of our conversation as well as a quote for the website build, alongside the terms of service of working together (these are also available on the footer of the website).

3. Once you’re happy with everything and want to go ahead I’ll send the invoice and book you in for a branding and content planning call (these take up to 90 minutes). We’ll go through your branding and different ways to use it. I’ll let you know what content I’ll need from you/introductions to the other professionals you’re working with like copywriters or photographers. It’s also an opportunity to look at what elements you like on a website, such as animation, colour blocking etc. We’ll agree a date for all the content to be with me and I’ll set a provisional date to get started on the website build.

4. Once I’ve received all the content I’ll book in a date to get started and let you know when you can next expect to hear from me.

5. Once the build has started I’ll keep you updated each week with website development using video walkthroughs of the build. I’ll explain my thinking and reasoning behind certain design choices and I’ll invite your feedback. I’ll use your feedback each week to influence the design and build.

6. When the website is in first draft format I’ll email you a video walkthrough of the website (you would have seen it quite a lot at this point but you’ll be able to see the entire flow of the website), as well as link for you to view the website. I’ll invite you to suggest any amendments and then will work on those and the mobile responsive version of the website.

7. I’ll send the link to the site again for you to check it on both, desktop/laptop and mobiles and make sure you’re happy with everything. We’ll then agree a date to send the website live. We’ll also discuss hosting and maintenance - you’ll be welcome to host the website with me and have us keep it up to date. I’m also happy to advise you and set you up with your own hosting package if that’s what you’d prefer.

8. The website goes live and I’ll send you a personalised website user manual and admin login so you can see where everything is and make any amendments and updates to the website, over time.

Whichever type of website you choose, having a site built by a professional is always the right choice as it will help you to get found on search engines and help to bring in leads and convert the curious who have landed onto your website, into customers.

For more information on Custom Build Websites click here. 

To visit Simply Sites click here. 

If you’re looking to have a new website built, or an existing one redesigned and you’re not sure which is the right solution for you, book a free, no-obligation call and I’ll help you choose.