# Build a custom news site or use a ready platform?

> Hire an agency to build a news website or use a ready news platform? Compare time to launch, cost, maintenance and lock-in side by side.

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.

## Ready news platform vs agency-built site

| Topic | Ulakom (platform) | Agency / custom build |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Time to launch | Same day | Weeks, often months |
| Upfront cost | No project fee, monthly plan | Upfront project fee |
| Hosting and security | Included | Paid separately |
| Maintenance and bug fixes | Included | Requires a maintenance contract |
| New features | Regularly, at no extra cost | Each one is a new project |
| Design | Your brand, via drag-and-drop editor | Fully custom |
| Custom integrations | Via API and MCP | ✓ Yes |
| Vendor lock-in | None; content can be exported | Tied to the agency that wrote the code |
| Google News and technical SEO | Ready | Depends on the agency |

*Note: 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?

## 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.

## 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.
- **On 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.
- **On 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.
- **On 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.
- **On Ulakom:** Everyone always runs the same, latest version.

## Frequently asked questions

### What drives the cost of building a news website?

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.

### Will my site look like other news sites on the platform?

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.

### What if I need a custom integration?

With Ulakom API and MCP you can connect publishing, content retrieval and other workflows to your own systems, built by your developer or agency.

### Can I keep working with my 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.

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Source page: https://ulakom.com/en/compare/custom-build-vs-platform