| You'll see this phrase all over the Internet when | | | | share the same code and database structure. This is |
| searching for Web site development, whether in | | | | the major advantage and reason for the large |
| Calgary or around the world, the term "custom" web | | | | variance in Web site prices online since, for those |
| design has itself become incredibly diluted in its | | | | willing to use template designs, they can make the |
| meaning. While I don't like to be pedantic with words, | | | | process user friendly and basically automatic for |
| advertising can quickly gloss over a true meaning of a | | | | ANYONE to use...and provide this service at an |
| word by hoping that its target audience doesn't fully | | | | extremely low price. However, be aware that there |
| understand the term's definition, or the context of | | | | could be dozens or hundreds of other companies |
| the term. If you go to a popular search engine and | | | | using the SAME template that you're using, which in |
| type in "Custom Web Design" you will see paid ads | | | | the end, could well damage your image and not |
| on the side that say things like: | | | | promote it. |
| Free Web Design & Hosting | | | | For those who create a definitive custom design, |
| 30 Day Free Trial! Custom Website | | | | their Web design process start with a blank page and |
| Design & Hosting For $6.99 a Month. | | | | a strong connection with their client's vision and |
| This sounds like a good deal, right? "Free Web Design | | | | needs. Sure there is overlap with how these needs |
| & Hosting" - Of course, they actually contradict | | | | are satisfied, as there is also need to keep to certain, |
| themselves on the third line when the "Design & | | | | proven conventions in design that ensure proper |
| Hosting" now suddenly cost $6.99 a month! | | | | navigation, logo presentation and content layout and |
| Hmmm...Can a trial actually be seen as free if there is | | | | promotion. But the goal of the custom Web designer |
| a cost associated with the actual product? So "Free" | | | | is to create a unique, one-off design that will stand |
| actually means "on loan" or perhaps they mean that | | | | out from template designs and designs that do not |
| you don't get charged extra for their website | | | | satisfy or adhere to the needs of design |
| templates that you build your site with because they | | | | conventions, nor capture the client's perspective. |
| are included in the package price? | | | | The best Web designer/developer will be able to |
| But I digress, my main point with this ad is the use of | | | | balance between the customized world of coding and |
| "Custom Website Design" in the ad copy and the | | | | the custom world of design. This ensures a fast, |
| question is, is this actually true? I would have to say | | | | manageable turnaround time in the development of |
| no, that this is not a proper use of the term "Custom | | | | the code and database (if necessary) and the |
| Web Design." Why? Because they are using design | | | | integration of a design that is compliant with Web |
| templates that you can "customize" - which is | | | | standards, is built for Search Engine Optimization and |
| different than an actual custom design that is started | | | | is unique in its graphic layout. |
| from scratch. Sure, you can change pictures in | | | | If you are looking for a custom Web site design in |
| pre-coded spots, maybe change colours and | | | | Calgary, Cochrane or anywhere else in the world, |
| positions, but in the end the design is a prefab | | | | make sure you are getting a unique design by asking |
| template - this is NOT custom design, it is customized | | | | your Web designer if the design is based on a |
| design. | | | | template or if they build from scratch. Take a look |
| Now, customization in Web development is | | | | through their portfolio and see if their work shows |
| extremely useful, it allows for fast, semi-automatic | | | | variety, improvisation and innovation while |
| development where the majority of code is reused | | | | simultaneously providing consideration for proper |
| across a wide platform of applications. It streamlines | | | | navigation, content flow and effective use of |
| the process and also makes security updates and | | | | branding. |
| coding/database upgrades a lot easier since the sites | | | | |