Event registration - Out-of-the-box or custom build?
A custom event registration site is built to your specifications including the design and functionality.
Depending on which event registration platform you are using, an out-of-the-box site is normally created from a template on your event registration software that can be customised to a greater or lesser extent. The minimum customisation could simply be adding a logo, while a more advanced customisation could include the logo, layout, fonts and colour scheme - nearly a custom site, but with the bonus that it utilises tied and tested functionality.
There are a few factors that come into play when you’re making that decision.
1. Time
2. Budget
3. Infrastructure & support
4. Frequency
1. Time
How long have you got?
Depending on the size of the event, the amount of content, and the required functionality, a custom event website is likely to take weeks to build. If it includes email communications (even if it's just an integration with a platform like Mailchimp), analytics and database management, it will add more time, complexity, and cost.
A simple out-of-the-box site could be built in under an hour! A more complex site that is heavy on content, with personalisation and filters should take no more than a couple of days. Most out-of-the-box solutions also have built-in email communications, analytics and delegate management functionality.
2. Budget
How much have you got?
When it comes to building a custom website with specific functionality, pretty much anything is possible. I'll qualify that by adding in that it depends how deep your pockets are. Custom sites can get expensive even if you have provided a clear brief and agreed on the scope of the build.
An out-of-the-box event site will almost always cost less than a custom site. There is normally an upfront outlay that includes customising and branding templates and then a usage cost (some charge per registration, some, like us, charge a monthly licence). You don't have to account for additional costs such as hosting and support because they are included with your event registration software (see item 3 below).
3. Infrastructure & Support
If you've commissioned a business to build a custom site, they may factor in hosting and support but it will be an additional cost and will need to fit with your requirements.
If they haven't, it will fall on you to source a secure hosting environment with adequate levels of support.
Event registration software comes with secure hosting and full support to make sure your site is always available. Regular security updates and testing are carried out to make sure your attendee data is secure.
4. Frequency
Is this event a one-off or part of a series? Do you run events all through the year?
Custom-built sites could get really expensive and time-consuming if you run lots of events throughout the year, even if you're using the same or a similar theme.
If you run your events through a dedicated events platform, you could have a choice of branded templates and set up a new event in minutes. Most have copy event functions too, making it possible to generate a new event at the click of a button.
In summary...
Custom sites - you could get exactly what you want, but it comes with a hefty price tag and a much longer timeline. It's super important to get your brief and requirements agreed upfront or it could get even more expensive.
Out of the box - you'll have to make some small compromises on the look and feel, but will benefit from a lower price tag and a much quicker time to get your event sites live. You won't have to worry about technical stuff like servers and support and can utilise a number of existing functions that have been tried and tested.
One last thing, how does an almost custom site sound but with all the benefits an out-of-the-box solution brings? That is something we can definitely help with!