Comparison
Build a custom news site or use a ready platform?
A custom-built news site means weeks of work and an upfront project fee, and it starts ageing the day it ships. On a ready news platform, you launch the same day and get new features at no extra cost.
Time to launch
- Ulakom (platform)
- Same day
- Agency / custom build
- Weeks, often months
Upfront cost
- Ulakom (platform)
- No project fee, monthly plan
- Agency / custom build
- Upfront project fee
Hosting and security
- Ulakom (platform)
- Included
- Agency / custom build
- Paid separately
Maintenance and bug fixes
- Ulakom (platform)
- Included
- Agency / custom build
- Requires a maintenance contract
New features
- Ulakom (platform)
- Regularly, at no extra cost
- Agency / custom build
- Each one is a new project
Design
- Ulakom (platform)
- Your brand, via drag-and-drop editor
- Agency / custom build
- Fully custom
Custom integrations
- Ulakom (platform)
- Via API and MCP
- Agency / custom build
Vendor lock-in
- Ulakom (platform)
- None; content can be exported
- Agency / custom build
- Tied to the agency that wrote the code
Google News and technical SEO
- Ulakom (platform)
- Ready
- Agency / custom build
- Depends on the agency
Ulakom (platform)Agency project scope and pricing vary widely; the table summarizes the typical case.
How long does building a news site take, and what does it cost?
Having an agency build a news website involves discovery, design, development, testing and content entry. Depending on scope it takes weeks or months, and most of the fee is paid before launch.
The real cost starts after delivery: hosting, SSL and CDN, security updates, bug fixes and a separate development fee for every new feature. Keeping up with Google and browser changes is also on you.
On a ready news platform, the provider handles all of this. You shape the design with a drag-and-drop editor and build custom connections via API. Try the cost calculator to compare with your own numbers.
Ask when getting agency quotes
- Are hosting and maintenance included?
- Who owns the source code and rights?
- Are Google News and Discover requirements covered?
- How are new feature requests priced after launch?
- How will the site scale during traffic spikes?
Which one fits?
When to choose which
A custom build makes sense
If you are a large media group with non-standard workflows and a budget for a permanent development team.
A ready platform fits better
If you want to launch fast, spend your budget on reporters and content, and stay out of technical work.
The middle ground
Use the ready platform and build your unique needs via API and MCP, without paying for software from scratch.
After delivery
What often happens with custom projects
If the agency disappears
Problem
When the company that wrote the code stops working with you, the site can no longer be updated or fixed.
With Ulakom
The platform is continuously developed; you can export your content any time.
Endless change requests
Problem
Web push, a new ad slot or multilingual support each mean a new quote and waiting time.
With Ulakom
These features are already included; new ones arrive at no extra cost.
Late launch
Problem
The longer the project, the more traffic and ad revenue you miss.
With Ulakom
Launch the same day with a template and change the design whenever you like.
Ageing technology
Problem
Within a few years, software and components age and speed and security scores drop.
With Ulakom
Everyone always runs the same, latest version.
FAQ
Questions you might have
Design uniqueness, number of modules (live streams, memberships, multiple languages), content migration and maintenance scope. When comparing quotes, include hosting, maintenance and new feature fees.
No. With the drag-and-drop design editor you change colors, fonts, blocks and layout to fit your brand, on your own logo and domain.
With Ulakom API and MCP you can connect publishing, content retrieval and other workflows to your own systems, built by your developer or agency.
Yes. Agencies can design and manage client sites on Ulakom from one dashboard, keeping their design and content services without the server and maintenance burden.
Get started
From the first story to the millionth reader
Launch your news site in minutes: write, publish, grow. We handle infrastructure, security and speed; you focus on the news.
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