Custom Web Design vs Website Template (Theme)
It can be hard to know if you should invest in a custom-built website or use a ready-made template (theme). There are a lot of factors to consider when making this decision, like time, money, and design. We’ve created this helpful guide to help you make the best decision for your business.
If you’re a business owner, you’ve probably asked yourself this question at some point: should I choose a custom-built website or template for my business? Both have their pros and cons, but which is the best option for your business? In this blog post, we’ll outline the pros and cons of each option so that you can make an informed decision. Thanks for reading!
1. Custom-built websites are more expensive but can be tailored to your specific needs
When you’re running a business, it’s important to have a website that meets your specific needs. A custom-built website will be more expensive than a template or off-the-shelf website, but it will be tailored to your business, making it more effective and efficient. Custom websites can be built from scratch or can be based on an existing platform such as WordPress. The key benefits of a custom website are that it can be designed to look exactly the way you want, it can include features that are specific to your business, and it can be easily integrated with other systems. If you’re looking for a website that’s going to give you the best return on investment, a custom-built website is the way to go.
2. Templated websites are cheaper but may not look as unique or professional
Website templates and themes are pre-designed layouts that are installed on a chosen CMS (Content Management System). In most cases, this is usually WordPress. They’re a popular choice because they’re usually cheaper than paying a web designer to create and build your website from scratch, and you can find a wide variety of designs to choose from. However, templated websites may not look as unique or professional as a website that’s been custom-designed from the ground up. And, depending on the quality of the template or theme, they can also be difficult to customize. If you’re on a tight budget and you don’t mind a website that looks less unique, then a templated website may be a good option for you. But if you want your website to stand out from the crowd, it’s worth investing in a custom design.
3. It’s important to consider what features you need and how much you’re willing to spend
When deciding whether to invest in a custom-built website or template, it’s important to consider what features you need and how much you’re willing to spend. Both options have their benefits and drawbacks, so it’s important to think carefully about what’s most important to you. If you need a website that has specific features, or if you want your website to look unique, a custom-built website is going to be the best option. But if you’re on a tight budget and you don’t mind a less unique website, then a template may be better for you.
Something else that you really should consider before deciding which route to take is the future of your business. Do you plan to grow to a point where you are likely to outlive a basic templated or themed) website? If so, you may be better off investing in a high-quality custom-built website that’s designed specifically for your business, to begin with (only if your budget allows of course).
4. Custom-built websites often offer more flexibility and can be updated more easily
Deciding whether to use a custom-built website or a template can be a tough decision (especially for startup businesses. There are pros and cons to both approaches. One key difference is flexibility. Custom-built websites are just that – built from scratch according to your specific needs and preferences. This means that you have a lot of control over how the site looks and works. You can add or remove features as you see fit, and you’re not limited by the design choices of a template. It also allows you and your web designer to focus on your specific visitor journey. Another advantage of custom websites is that they can be easier to update. Since you have full control, you can make changes directly without having to edit theme files. This can be a big time-saver, especially if you need to make frequent updates. Of course, custom websites typically come with a higher price tag than templates. But if you need a lot of flexibility and want to be able to easily update your site, a custom-built website may be the right choice for you.
5. Template websites may be a better option if you don’t need many special features
Templated websites and “themes” provide a pre-built structure for your website, which you can then populate with your own content. You will usually be able to add your own images and change the colour of backgrounds, text etc. But, it may be more difficult to make more complex edits or change the layout and structure. In some cases, template websites can be a better option than trying to build a website from scratch.
Website themes and templates tend to be more affordable and they often come with a wide range of features that you can take advantage of. However, this wide range of features are designed to appeal to the masses which carries an additional drawback. All these extra features mean a lot of extra code. This can cause your website to be slower than you’d like (especially if you’re not using a high-quality hosting provider).
In general, templated designs are best suited for small businesses that don’t intend to grow too much and just require a basic web presence. If that sounds like you, then this is probably the best option.
6. Ask for help from a website builder or designer to decide which option is best for you
If you’re still undecided about whether to use a custom-built website or template, don’t worry! You can always ask for help from a website builder or designer. They will be able to advise you on the best option for your needs and budget. They can also help you with the design and development process, so you can be sure that your website looks and works exactly the way you want it to.
Conclusion
So, which is better for you- a custom-built website or a templated/themed site? It really depends on your needs and what you’re willing to spend. Custom websites offer more flexibility and can be updated more easily, but they are also more expensive. Template sites are cheaper but may not look as unique or professional.
If you’re not sure what features you need, or if you need help deciding which option is best for you, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us. We love helping people build their dream websites! Click “Get Started” to tell us about your website needs and we’ll be in touch soon.
