Custom Vs. Template Website: Find The Best For Your Business

In a world where everything is driven digitally, your website represents your brand’s first impression to customers; it is your storefront, and one of the most powerful branding and marketing tools you can use to increase credibility and enhance online presence. But how to create one? Would a custom-made website with specifications tailored to your brand work, or a template-based website, which can be built more quickly, with less effort and cost? Deciding on a website can be a confusing process. Let’s break down the pros and cons, features, and properties of a custom website and a template-based website, so you can decide on the best approach for your business goals, budget, and growth potential.

What’s The Difference Between A Custom-Made Website And A Template-Based Website?

Every business has a unique personality and serves a different purpose in terms of products and services; therefore, each business requires a website tailored to its needs accordingly. A custom-made website is designed and built from scratch to serve your business according to its specific needs, incorporating a unique design, theme, branding, and functionality. A custom website design is created using elements and features personalized to your business needs. It typically requires more time, particular technical expertise, and a substantial investment of resources.

If you are running on a tight budget, you can opt for a template-based website, which is pre-designed with layouts that are only customizable in certain aspects, such as colors, text, and images. It is a faster and affordable option that works best for small businesses.

What Is A Custom-Designed Website?

A custom website cannot be designed or built on online platforms. A website developer and a website designer are required to create a website tailored to your specific needs. These websites require time, effort, and an extra amount to be constructed and designed accordingly. A custom website can be designed according to your brand’s theme, color palette, your preferred fonts, and layouts to best suit the purpose of your business and website. Large-sized companies often opt for custom-designed websites, as they are believed to be more effective in attracting customers and increasing sales. These websites also give you full authority and flexibility to make any new changes to the website in the future.

What Are Custom Websites Best For?

E-commerce website
Business website
Portal
Entertainment website
Booking website

Pros Of Custom Web Design

The website can be built according to the business needs and personality from scratch.
It makes the website stand out and represent your brand’s theme.
It has more potential to grow a business as it can be developed and designed with the best SEO practices.
Enhances and represents your brand’s identity, allowing you to design the website accordingly.
Attracts clients and customers due to its visual appeal.
It can enhance business growth.
Custom websites offer specialized security features to enhance the website’s security.
New changes can be made in the future, whenever needed.
Post-launch support is available from the web developer and designer.

Cons Of Custom Web Design

It is expensive because it requires features and layouts to be customized according to your business.
It requires a little extra time and effort, as it involves collaboration among a website developer, a designer, QAs, and a digital marketing professional.

What Is A Template-Based Website?

A template-based website is created with pre-designed website layouts. You can design a website for your company yourself, using pre-made website templates available on online platforms, such as WordPress. These online platforms offer several ready-to-use layouts for your website with multiple functionalities. While these online platforms provide a wide range of pre-made website templates to choose from, they are barely customizable, except for the color, text, and images that can be uploaded of your choice to make the website represent your brand.

Several platforms offer pre-made website templates that can help you build a website for your business faster, and do not even require any coding skills. You need to select a template, make a few edits, and you’re ready to launch your business. Here are a few platforms that allow you to create a website in minutes.

WordPress
Wix
Webflow
GoDaddy
Squarespace

If you find the process of building a website challenging by using these online platforms, you can hire a freelancer who can help you make a template-based website for cheap rates. Several freelancers provide WordPress Web design services.

What Are Template Websites Best For?

Personal website
Blogs
Informational Website
Portfolio Website
Landing page

Pros Of A Template Website

Creating a website through an online platform is a cost-effective option.
It helps in setting up and launching the website more conveniently.
The online platforms offer various themes.
A template-based website does not take weeks to build.

Cons Of Website Templates

It does not provide you with many options to choose from.
Many of the templates are not mobile-friendly.
It does not look as professional as a custom-made website.
Future maintenance and updates may be time-consuming.
These websites can be vulnerable to security issues if not regularly updated.

Conclusion

If you’re ready to launch your business and don’t have budget or time constraints, opting for a custom website can be the best option. A custom website may be more expensive, but it offers endless customization options, enhanced SEO potential, increased sales, improved security, a stronger brand identity, and a significantly better user experience, all of which are automatically beneficial for your business.

If you’re running short on time and budget, and don’t need to run a business, but instead want to write blogs or showcase your portfolio, then an online platform to create a template-based website is your go-to option, as it can save you time, money, and effort. It is the best option for those who lack coding skills or prefer a more straightforward, user-friendly website. In short, a template-based website is an excellent option for individuals who lack a budget, time, or desire a functional website. Take some time to analyze your requirements before making a decision, as the option you choose will determine how successful your small business can become.