Scenario 1: "We just need a good site that converts"
You need credibility, clear service pages, and a better enquiry flow. You do not need custom software. Start with the Small Business Websites path.
Go to Small Business WebsitesDecision framework: small business site vs custom development
Compare by business reality, not features alone. If your need is marketing and lead generation, stay in the small-business stream. If your need is process and software behaviour, move to custom development.
| Decision factor | Small Business Websites | Custom Web Development |
|---|---|---|
| Primary goal | Launch a professional marketing website quickly and convert enquiries. | Build business-critical software that matches specific workflow logic. |
| Best for | Local service businesses, tradies, consultants, and straightforward service offers. | Teams with complex operations, integrations, portals, or process automation needs. |
| Complexity | Low to moderate: pages, messaging, lead capture, local SEO structure. | Moderate to high: domain logic, role-based permissions, workflows, and integrations. |
| Timeline | Usually measured in weeks with fixed scope. | Phased roadmap based on technical scope and system dependencies. |
| Budget model | Package-based investment with clear inclusions. | Quoted to scope after discovery and architecture alignment. |
| Integration depth | Basic forms, tracking, and light third-party connections. | Deep integration across CRM, finance, operations, and data models. |
| Change frequency | Occasional content and page updates. | Ongoing feature evolution tied to business process change. |
| Recommended path | Small Business Websites | Custom Web Development |
Simple marketing site need
Choose this if your priority is clear positioning, trust-building pages, and more qualified leads.
Go to Small Business Websites →
Complex functionality need
Choose this if your project includes workflows, accounts, system integration, or software constraints.
Go to Custom Web Development →
Real-world scenarios
Scenario 2: "Our workflows are a mess across multiple tools"
You are managing critical process steps in SaaS tools and spreadsheets. You need integrated workflows, not just pages. Start with Custom Web Development.
Go to Custom Web DevelopmentScenario 3: "Our WordPress site is becoming a bottleneck"
If plugins and workarounds are increasing risk and slowing delivery, you are in custom-platform territory. Start with the custom stream and review migration pathways.
Explore Replace WordPressFast qualification checklist
If you answer "yes" to more custom rows, you likely need custom development. If most of your "yes" answers are marketing-focused, start in the small-business stream.
Do you mainly need better messaging, trust, and lead generation?
Choose Small Business Websites.
Do you need user accounts, workflow rules, or role-based access?
Choose Custom Web Development.
Are you mostly comparing fixed package options?
Choose Small Business Websites.
Are manual handoffs or disconnected tools hurting operations?
Choose Custom Web Development.
Are you replacing a dated marketing site with similar scope?
Choose Small Business Websites.
Are you replacing software behaviour, not just page design?
Choose Custom Web Development.
If you choose Small Business Websites
- You get package-led scope and transparent inclusions.
- Delivery is focused on speed, clarity, and enquiry conversion.
- You can still scale later into custom work when needed.
If you choose Custom Development
- You start with discovery to map workflows and constraints.
- Delivery runs in phased increments to reduce operational risk.
- You get software architecture built for long-term change.
Still unsure which path is right?
Share your current setup and goals. We can tell you in one call whether you need a small-business build or a custom platform roadmap.
