Understanding website design packages from basic to advanced

Understanding website design packages from basic to advanced
Contents

Choosing the right website design package can be overwhelming with so many options available. Understanding what each type of package offers is key to making an informed decision. Whether you’re looking for a basic online presence or a fully custom web solution, knowing what to expect can save you time and money.

To help, we’ve outlined the typical website design packages offered by many providers, using our own offerings at TDL as an example. You can explore our web design prices to see what’s included in each option. This guide will walk you through the differences between basic websites, template-based designs, custom websites, and advanced web applications to help you find the best fit for your Sacramento-based business.

Basic Website Packages

Basic website packages are often referred to as business card websites. They’re designed to provide essential information about your business in a simple, professional format. These packages generally include essential features e.g. our basic package at TDL includes a mobile-friendly design, a contact form, basic SEO optimization, and up to three pages.

This type of website works well if your primary goal is to give clients quick access to your business details. For instance, linking this site to your Google Maps listing ensures customers can find your hours, services, contact information and portfolio easily.

While it may include basic branding, such as your logo and color scheme, the design tends to be more generalized rather than fully customized to reflect your company’s identity.

A basic website is not ideal for driving leads from paid ads or SEO efforts. These sites often lack the tailored design and functionality needed to optimize conversions.

That said, if your business operates in a low-to-no-competition market in Sacramento, or you simply need a cost-effective, straightforward online presence, this package provides excellent value.

Template-Based Websites

Template-based website packages are a step up from basic categories of a website, offering more space to present essential business information. They are built using pre-designed layouts, which means the overall design is still generalized, with limited customization and branding.

However, these websites provide additional functionality and more pages to accommodate businesses with more extensive content needs.

For instance, at TDL, our “Corporate” package includes up to 8 pages, making it ideal for businesses that need to separate their main services into individual pages. Each page can follow a similar layout but showcase different information and portfolio examples. This approach helps present a comprehensive view of what the business offers while keeping the structure simple and consistent.

While this type of website is excellent for organizing and presenting essential information, it’s not typically optimized for running online ads or generating significant traffic from the internet. For businesses where driving conversions isn’t the primary goal but a professional and informative online presence is needed, this package offers a practical and cost-effective solution.

Custom Design Website Packages

Custom design website packages are tailored to meet the unique needs and branding of a business. Unlike template-based options, these websites are built from the ground up, ensuring every detail reflects your company’s identity and goals. They’re ideal for businesses looking to stand out online and prioritize flexibility, scalability, and advanced features.

Custom websites often include elements like advanced contact forms, enhanced SEO structure, and integration with various conversion optimization tools like Google Analytics and Facebook Pixel.

This type of web page is an excellent fit for businesses aiming to build a distinctive online presence or optimize their site for SEO and long-term growth. This type of website is an excellent fit if your goal is to drive leads to your business from the internet. Custom design packages give your business a unique identity and help build trust with potential customers.

Advanced Custom Web Applications

Advanced custom web applications go far beyond standard websites, offering fully tailored solutions for businesses with complex needs. These applications are designed from scratch to address specific functionalities, such as booking systems, e-commerce platforms, customer portals, or integrated workflows. Unlike traditional websites, custom web apps provide advanced interactivity and scalability, making them a long-term asset for growing businesses.

For example, at TDL, our advanced packages include robust features built specifically for the client’s requirements. These might involve integrating payment gateways, creating dynamic content management systems, or implementing automation tools to streamline operations. Every element is custom-built, ensuring the solution aligns perfectly with your business processes and goals.

This package is ideal for businesses that need more than a website—it’s for those looking to deliver a seamless digital experience for their customers or optimize internal operations. While it requires a significant investment of time and resources, the long-term benefits in terms of efficiency, customer satisfaction, and brand differentiation are invaluable.

Conclusion

Choosing the right website design package depends on your business goals, budget, and the level of functionality you need. From basic business card websites to advanced custom web applications, each option offers unique benefits tailored to different priorities.

If your focus is simply establishing an online presence, a basic or template-based package might be enough. However, businesses aiming to drive leads, enhance branding, or implement complex functionalities should consider custom or advanced solutions.

At TDL, we’ve designed our packages to meet a variety of needs, providing businesses in Sacramento and beyond with scalable options that deliver value. No matter your choice, investing in the right website can help you grow your online presence and reach your audience effectively.

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Nick Trayze

Software Engineer, Toptal insider

Founder of TDL, Web Developer and SEO Professional with over 15 years of expertise.