Taking your business online calls for a stunning website design. And when deciding to get a website for your business, you have two options to choose from — custom website design or template website design. For a custom website design, you can hire a website designer who will comply with your requirements to ensure you get a desired design. However, for a quick turnaround, you can use a website template considering your business type.
Well, there comes a lot of discussion about custom website design vs template. In this blog, we will provide an overview of both the options. We will check their pros and cons to help you make a well-informed decision.
Custom website design
Getting a custom website design is indeed a wise idea. But before you settle with this option, let’s explore its pros and cons.
What is a custom website design?
A custom website design is one that a professional website designer creates from scratch. There is no use of WordPress or Joomla, and other web builders or platforms in designing a custom website. Everything right from its functionalities to visual elements are created from the ground up.
That means the designer will build each functionality of the website specifically to its owner’s requirements. That is why a custom designed website takes time to build. So, such a web design complies with the specific requirements of a business, making it look unique and different from others in the market.
Pros of custom web design
Here are some advantages of custom web design for business owners:
Design per your requirements
When we consider WordPress themes vs. custom website design, it’s apparent that the latter is built from scratch. Technically and visually the custom site is designed uniquely to suit the requirements.
Unique visual appearance
As a custom website is specially designed with a specific goal in mind, it stands out in appearance. Unlike many websites appearing the same with matching layouts, a custom site ensures it doesn’t match with any other site.
Better SEO potential
SEO (search engine optimization) is the driving force behind a website’s appearance on search engines’ top result pages. You can create a custom site and optimize it for targeted keywords, improve its technical SEO, enhance its UX (user experience), and effectively implement SEO strategies for online exposure. It’s always better to consult website design services that offer custom web development and design.
Build a trustworthy brand identity
A custom site has a unique visual appearance thanks to its flexibility that gives you full design control. The use of relevant colors, fonts, and elements across website and marketing materials creates a cohesive visual experience.
Ensure scalability
A custom website design is scalable. It means you can add more pages and categories as your business grows.
Enhanced security
Since custom website design has a tailored approach, you get enhanced security. It’s easy to add a stronger authentication mechanism, protection from cyber security and data breaches.
Cons of custom web design
Custom website design has its own disadvantages as well. Here are some of the cons:
Expensive and time-consuming
The foremost disadvantage of custom website design for small businesses is that it is expensive. Professional website designers with years of experience charge higher fees, which may not be affordable for some newly starting businesses.
Collective efforts required
Designing and maintaining a custom website requires efforts from website designers, website developers, and other professionals. It also needs the services of digital marketing professionals for smoother functioning.
Website template
If custom website design is not the right option for your small business at present, then explore templates to design your website.
What is a website template?
A website template is a pre-designed layout or framework that provides a theme for web designing. It means how your online platform will look is already decided with the template. The template comes loaded with ready-to-use functionalities and built-in options. You will not get these options with a custom website as a designer creates it from scratch.
So, all you are required to do is to set up your WordPress themed website and go live. Your coding abilities do not matter as they are not required to run such a website.
There are plenty of platforms that provide web builder templates. Some of the popular platforms are WordPress, Wix, Webflow, GoDaddy, and Squarespace.
You can choose a free theme or a paid theme when creating a website at WordPress and Webflow. When comparing WordPress theme vs custom website design, know that a theme-based template suits best when you do not require extensive customization.
Pros of website templates
Here are some key advantages of website templates when you need a website for your business:
Get a website easily
When comparing a custom website vs template, a big advantage of templates is that you get your website ready for use instantly. All you need to do is to fill the template with your design elements.
Cost-effective
With templates, your cost of creating a website is miniscule as there is nothing to spend towards a designer’s fees. You can set up a website with a template well within your budget as you can get a free website design template as well. Paid templates are also not expensive.
Easy integration
Templates also allow for easy integration of your website with third-party apps. That means you can connect your business-related apps to your site and audience.
Get specific themes
There are plenty of website templates available in all themes. You can easily get a template that aligns with your themes related to your industry and business.
Cons of website templates
Do not opt for website templates without first knowing their disadvantages. Here are some of the cons:
Limited options available
A website template comes with limited design options, which makes the template a boxy theme. You do not have many options when customizing the website design per your requirements.
Lack of mobile responsiveness
The templates may not respond to the tiny screens of mobile phones and other mobile devices. You may lose those customers who use mobile phones to search for information. According to 73.1% of web designers, visitors leave a site due to its non-responsive design. That data clearly showcases the importance of mobile responsiveness in web design.
Not a unique design
Website templates have a set frame that renders a generic look to all the websites created using it. This leads to similarities between them.
Takes time to upload
A template-based website might take time to upload due to third-party integration and add-ons.
Timely support might be challenging.
It might not be easy to get professional support if a template-based website slows down or develops some functionality issues. Getting updates and maintenance may be time-consuming and challenging.
May pose a security threat
If template-based websites are not updated and maintained professionally, they might be vulnerable to security issues. That might put your business at risk.
Which one should you prefer?
Now that you are aware of the pros and cons of both the custom website design and template websites, it’s time to decide which is the right option? When it comes to picking the one from custom website design vs template, choose the one that best suits your business requirements.
Custom website
Custom website design is the right option when you have the budget for it. Since it takes time, you need have patience. A well-experienced web designer can solve your queries while creating a site from scratch.
Although the site from scratch may have some cons, it’s vital for those who want to present their business different from others.
Website template
A website template is your best option when you have a small budget and want it quickly. Also, you do not require advanced features. Those who want to have a website without coding knowledge are also advised to opt for template-based sites. Those who need just a basic website can opt for the template route.
So, these are the key points to consider when comparing custom website design and template-based websites. Take your decisions considering different aspects of the two options.
Wrapping Up
Custom website design and template-based website design are the two options that you can explore. Both of them come with their pros and cons. Choose the one that suits you best, depending on your existing requirements and business. Still, if you have the budget custom website is always advisable to have for its professional look and functionality features.