2018: Good Functional Websites don’t require Coders

There are many template-based (sometimes) free platforms that give you modular websites with little to none coding knowledge required. WordPress, Squarespace, Wix, Shopify among others.
Read: WordPress Competitors – 16 Popular Alternatives to WordPress

Can I really get away with it?

Yes, if you require a straightforward and functional website. If you’re not too picky about the details. And, as long as your new website does what you need it to do, you can very well benefit from a template based platform. Even if you are planning for e-commerce.

Now, if you are already heavily relying on your website, and are very picky about what you want on there - that may be a different story. However, even for high traffic websites, you will benefit from certain template platforms. Magento for e-commerce, for example (mentioned later in the article).

What is a “template based platform”?

You do not need to invest in any coders. Instead, you will work with a pre-made layout. The layout then gets customized by a WordPress (or similar) specialist. Sections you don't need get deleted, and sections you need get added. If your theme lacks something that you need, you can get the so called “extensions” or “plug-ins” which are basically bits of functionality that let you do those extra things that your original theme didn’t provide. For example, you can get a plugin that adds pop-ups when your customer is about to leave your site.

All of this, again, requires no code, and only a tweak of the settings. Why does this matter, if you are hiring a specialist to do it anyways? Good question - once you have a website, it will require regular updates of content, settings, new pages & features. After your website is ready, you will be able to handle most of that, without the expensive guidance of a developer.
A sample backend of a WordPress website:

Free?

Indeed, most sites offer free options for their themes, and plugins. Many are not free, but may significantly simplify your business. Examples of paid template based platforms are: Shopify, Magento 2 Enterprise, some WordPress themes and plugins, etc. You have to examine each purchase on a case by case basis.

I do need to mention that this still requires knowledge of the platform. If you want to do it yourself, be prepared for days, weeks or sometimes even months of work. Or you could hire a specialist.

Why not a coder? - a cheap offshore coder could do the job...

So why not call into India, and have a $10 per/hour coder make me a cheap $2000 website? As always there are pros and cons. But, more cons in my experience.

Pros:

Cheap cheap cheap!

Hire an offshore freelance company and you can get it done really cheap. Maybe not $10, but you will certainly be happy with their hourly rate.

Cons:

Communication barriers

I have worked for a few companies that hired offshore website developers. Consequences? One too many misunderstandings. There will be many moments when you tell them one thing, but get something completely different. This results in a lot of time and paid hours wasted, not to mention the frustration. You may even be better off finding a local (more expensive) developer, because they will at least understand you, and (hopefully) do exactly that which you asked.

Additional website modifications will always require their involvement

Once you have custom code, you will always need a custom solution. Every modification you will need to make will most likely require their attention & your money. Yes, every custom website in the world requires special treatment. Be prepared for that - and prepare your budget as well.

Template based websites do not always require code. So, whenever you hire a WordPress or Magento professional, they will show you how to tweak the backed.

Custom websites quickly become outdated

The language of code is the quickest evolving thing on this earth. (Apart from maybe viruses…) I guarantee you that your custom site will get outdated very quickly. What does that mean? More work required on the part of your developers to keep your site current!

Template-based sites usually auto-update constantly - so you don’t have to worry about keeping up with the latest google protocols. You also don't need to pay your WordPress specialist for updates.

Can I make a website myself?

Do you have 10-100 hours to spare? If so, yes!
Do you have experience navigating Shopify or WordPress or Joomla? If so, yes!
If you do not - I strongly recommend hiring someone who does have the time, and the knowledge. (Knowledge will also save you the precious time & dollars)

E-commerce

If the main focus of your website is e-commerce, you have a few options for templates. If you are a beginner, e-commerce addons like Shopify or WooCommerce will do just fine. If you are a seasoned online store, and are ready to put in $50,000 or more into your new site - then go with Magento. For more about: What Goes Into Building a Magento Website? With that being said there are many options for in-between. Read: 6 Best Ecommerce Platforms for Small Businesses

I hope that answers some of your questions about building your new website.
You can save a lot of money on coding, and instead invest it into user experience, SEO & marketing of your site - real things that will actually make you money.

If you are interested in more advice for your website - contact Ksen Go.