I often see the term “bespoke” being used to describe websites. It’s become a real buzzword in the web design and development space.
But what does “bespoke” actually mean when it comes to websites?
There’s no specific definition for a “bespoke” website
The truth is, there is no specific definition for a “bespoke” website.
If you Google “bespoke website” you’ll see definitions like:
- Tailor-made
- No template
- Specific needs
- Custom code
But even definitions like these are broad and open to interpretation. There’s technically no right or wrong answer.
Everyone has a different definition of a “bespoke” website
I know if I were to ask this question to a group of web designers, developers or even business owners, everyone would have a different answer.
Some might consider a “bespoke” website to be a website that has been custom coded from the ground up, without using a content management system, third-party plugins or code libraries. Others might consider a “bespoke” website to be a website that is built using a pre-made template with some light customisations.
Why can this be a problem?
Personally, I think that can be a bit confusing for our clients.
We might choose to use terms like “bespoke” to describe our websites because it sounds fancy, luxurious and high-end. But what does it actually mean for our clients?
What do our clients think a “bespoke” website is? What do they think they are getting? What’s the difference between a “bespoke” website and other websites? What even is the alternative to a “bespoke” website?
We need to define our own definition of a “bespoke” website!
Because there is no strict definition of a “bespoke” website, I think it’s important that we as web designers and developers define what “bespoke” means to us so that our clients know what they are getting when we tell them that they are getting a “bespoke” website.
What is my definition of a “bespoke” website?
Here is my definition of a “bespoke” website and how I would define the websites I create for designers and their clients:
- A website that is created for one specific business, built around the client, their business and their requirements.
- A website that is built using custom designs provided by a web designer.
- A website that is not built using pre-made templates or themes.
- A website that uses third-party plugins and extensions selectively, only when needed or appropriate.
- A website that does not have unnecessary functionality.
- A website that utilises a tried and trusted content management system (such as WordPress) to ensure the client has full ownership of their website, and to allow them to edit and maintain their websites without touching any code.
Of course, your definition of “bespoke” could be completely different to mine, and that’s ok. The important thing here is that we know what our own definition is and that we communicate this clearly to our clients.
However, if my definition of a “bespoke” website aligns with your definition then we might just be a good fit to work together!
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