Some businesses want a website or application delivered as a complete, independent project. Once it is live, they want the freedom to manage it themselves, use their own technical team or choose ongoing support only when they need it.
That is the purpose of an EntroutWeb Standalone Website. It is a one-time build with a defined scope, a complete deployment process and clear ownership of the source code created specifically for the client.
In brief
- A Standalone Website is a one-time website or application project.
- It can be an informational website, eCommerce store, portal, custom application or CRM.
- The client owns the source code created specifically for the project, subject to the project agreement.
- EntroutWeb can handle the server, database, domain and complete deployment process.
- Ongoing maintenance is optional and does not include automatic Theme Suite improvements.
- Selected EntroutWeb applications can still be added separately under their own licensing terms.
What Is a Standalone Website?
A Standalone Website is an independently delivered digital system built around a specific set of business requirements. The project is designed, developed, tested and launched with the agreed functionality, rather than remaining connected to EntroutWeb’s continuously evolving Theme Suite framework.
The word standalone does not mean basic, disconnected or unsupported. It describes the delivery and ownership model. The completed website or application has its own independent foundation after launch.
A Standalone project can include:
- An informational website with service pages, company information, forms and other business content.
- An eCommerce website with products, payments, shipping, taxes, customer accounts and order management.
- A secure portal for customers, employees, partners or other approved users.
- A custom web application designed around a specialized process, workflow or service.
- A CRM or operational platform for managing customers, leads, projects, records or internal activity.
The technology depends on what the system needs to accomplish. A content-focused website may use WordPress, while a specialized application may require a custom frontend, backend, database, API connections or other technologies.
What Does the Client Own?
Once a Standalone project has been completed and delivered according to the project agreement, the client owns the website or application code created specifically for that project.
This gives the client an independent foundation. They can continue using the completed system, manage it internally or hire EntroutWeb or another qualified provider for future work.
Project-specific ownership is different from ownership of third-party or proprietary technology. A Standalone Website may use commercial software, external services or EntroutWeb applications that operate under separate licensing terms. The client may own their custom website code while receiving licensed access to another application connected to it.
Does a Standalone Website Cost Less?
A Standalone Website does not necessarily cost less than a Theme Suite Website. Pricing depends on the project scope, required functionality, development effort and ownership arrangement.
Theme Suite pricing can sometimes be lower because the cost of developing and improving its framework can be shared across multiple participating clients. When EntroutWeb develops an eligible feature within that framework, it may become something other Theme Suite businesses can also use. One client does not necessarily carry the complete cost of creating and continuing to improve the underlying system.
A Standalone project follows a different model. The client is commissioning a one-time website or application and receiving ownership of the source code created specifically for that project. For a custom portal, CRM or specialized application, the initial cost may be higher because the development is completed for one client rather than distributed across a reusable framework.
Smaller informational website
A five or six-page website for a local business may cost less as a Standalone project because the client pays a one-time build cost without an annual Theme Suite fee.
Advanced custom application
A portal, CRM or specialized application may require a larger initial investment because the client is funding a dedicated build and receiving its project-specific source code.
Theme Suite is not currently available for every type of application. It is most appropriate when the functionality can become part of an evolving system that benefits multiple businesses. A highly specialized application built around one organization’s unique processes may be better suited to a Standalone project.
What Is Included in Deployment?
Building the website is only one part of getting a project online. A completed system also needs a properly configured production environment.
EntroutWeb can assist with the complete deployment process, including:
- Preparing and configuring the production server
- Creating and connecting the production database
- Connecting the domain or subdomain
- Configuring HTTPS and security certificates
- Moving the approved website or application into production
- Applying required environment settings
- Testing important pages, forms and functionality
- Confirming that the deployed system is accessible and operating as expected
The exact deployment process varies by project. A brochure website may have a relatively simple hosting environment, while an eCommerce store, CRM or portal may require more detailed server, database, security and integration configuration.
Hosting fees, domain registrations, commercial software licences and other third-party services are handled according to the approved project scope. They should not be assumed to be included unless they are identified in the proposal or agreement.
What Happens After Launch?
After deployment and handoff, the client manages the Standalone Website unless an optional maintenance arrangement has been selected.
Depending on the agreed package, EntroutWeb maintenance may cover:
- Server health and operational monitoring
- Security practices and identified concerns
- Software updates for applicable platforms, plugins or dependencies
- Backups based on the agreed schedule and recovery plan
- General maintenance needed to keep the delivered system operating properly
Important: Maintenance supports the website that was delivered. It does not automatically include new pages, redesigns, integrations, custom features or future Theme Suite developments unless they are specifically included.
Standalone Website vs. Theme Suite Website
Both approaches begin with the website and functionality the business needs. The main difference is how the foundation is delivered and what happens after launch.
| Area | Standalone Website | Theme Suite Website |
|---|---|---|
| Project model | One-time project with a defined scope and deliverables | Website service built on EntroutWeb’s evolving WordPress framework |
| Pricing model | Project cost based on the dedicated build, deployment and ownership requirements | Annual service pricing that can distribute eligible framework development across participating clients |
| After launch | Managed by the client unless optional maintenance is selected | Remains connected to EntroutWeb’s ongoing framework and applicable service plan |
| Future improvements | New functionality is separately scoped and added when requested | Can receive eligible framework features, tools and improvements over time |
| Best suited to | An independent build, custom ownership requirements or a highly specialized system | A business that wants an evolving website foundation and continuing access to eligible improvements |
A Standalone Website does not automatically receive new Theme Suite framework features, SEO, AIO or GEO enhancements, marketing tools or other capabilities developed for Theme Suite. Those options will be explained in more detail in EntroutWeb’s separate guide to Theme Suite Websites.
Can EntroutWeb Applications Be Added Separately?
Yes. A Standalone Website can use selected applications and tools from the EntroutWeb ecosystem when they are available separately and suitable for the project.
For example, EntroutWeb could deploy its email marketing platform on a dedicated subdomain, configure the required server and database components, connect it to the appropriate domain and provide the client with access to manage campaigns. This would be a separate application deployment rather than an automatic Theme Suite feature.
Applications may be connected through links, forms, APIs, shared data or another supported integration method. The correct setup depends on the application, website architecture and information that needs to move between the systems.
Using an application is not always the same as owning its source code. Some EntroutWeb applications are closed source for security and intellectual property reasons. A client can receive the agreed access and management capabilities without automatically receiving the application’s proprietary source code. Licensing, hosting, support, data access and management rights are documented as part of the application agreement.
Is a Standalone Website Right for Your Business?
A Standalone Website may be a strong fit when your business:
- Wants a clearly defined one-time project
- Needs functionality built around specific requirements
- Wants to own the code created specifically for the project
- Has an internal team or preferred provider for post-launch management
- Prefers optional maintenance instead of an ongoing framework service
- Does not require automatic access to future Theme Suite improvements
The choice is not simply between a less expensive and a more expensive website. It depends on the project, ownership requirements, initial budget, long-term plans and whether the business wants an independent system or access to an evolving framework.
To discuss the right foundation for your website, eCommerce store, portal, CRM or custom application, explore EntroutWeb’s Web & App Development services.
