Showcase site or custom-built: what should your SME choose?
Template, showcase site, custom-built: which type of website suits your Swiss SME, based on your goals, your budget and your timeline.
Do you need a simple showcase site or a custom-built development? It all depends on the role the site plays in your business. Here's how to decide without overspending or underinvesting.
The showcase site, to present and reassure
A showcase site presents your company, your services and your contact details. It's the right choice if your goal is credibility and a clear point of contact. Well designed, it stays fast, SEO-optimised and easy to evolve. For an SME that wants a clean, professional presence, it covers the essentials.
The custom-built site, to convert and connect
As soon as the site needs to sell, manage bookings, connect a client area or link to your ERP, custom-built is the way to go. It becomes an acquisition channel and a business tool, not just a business card. It's the investment that pays off when the site works for you, day and night.
And what about templates?
A template costs little upfront but stands out poorly, often performs poorly in search results, and quickly runs into its limits when it comes to evolving. It's a quick fix for a fast launch, rarely a foundation for a lasting presence. The risk is having to redo everything two years later.
The comparison at a glance
| Criterion | Template | Showcase site | Custom-built |
|---|---|---|---|
| Goal | Fast launch | Credibility, contact | Sell, connect |
| Price | Low | CHF 3,000-8,000 | from CHF 8,000 |
| Timeline | Immediate | ~4 weeks | Depends on scope |
| Differentiation | Low | Good | Total |
| Scalability | Limited | Good | High |
How to choose
- A goal of credibility and contact, a well-crafted showcase site is enough.
- A goal of selling, booking or connecting, you need custom-built.
- A need for an immediate, disposable launch, a template, knowing its limits.
Start small, grow later
You don't have to build everything at once. Many SMEs start with a well-made showcase site, then add e-commerce or a client area as the business follows. For new businesses, we even offer an accessible monthly plan that grows with you, which makes this path natural.
How much does it cost
Price ranges by site type are detailed in our article The price of a professional website in Switzerland. To see our work, browse our case studies.
Frequently asked questions
Can I start with a showcase site and move to custom-built?
Yes, and it's often the healthiest path. A well-built showcase site is a solid foundation, then you add features (shop, client area, Odoo connection) as you grow, without starting over.
Is a template really cheaper in the end?
Rarely. The low upfront price is paid for later, in poor search ranking, weak differentiation and a full rebuild. Over time, a custom showcase site often costs less than a template you have to replace.
How do I know if I need custom-built?
Ask yourself a simple question: does my site need to do a concrete job, like selling, taking bookings or connecting to my systems? If so, custom-built is justified. If not, a well-crafted showcase site is enough.
Not sure which format is right?
Our web design service always starts from your business goal. Book a free technology audit. We'll guide you towards the right format, without overselling.
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