The Difference between Template vs. Custom Made Websites

There are two paths one can take when it comes to the initial step of designing a website: the decision to create a custom website from scratch or to use a template website. Both options have their pros and cons and serve a different purpose for different types of businesses (or businesses that are in different stages of life). In this article, we’ll list the pros and cons of each option to help you decide which is the best route to choose.

 

Template Website

Pro

You likely come across websites like these a lot in your daily Internet escapades because a lot of businesses utilize the quick and cheap option of template websites. Wix, Weebly, and Squarespace are all examples of websites that provide (usually free but with options you can pay for) a variety of templates that can be customized.

Template websites can be the best option if a budget is holding you back. Generally, template websites allow you to choose a theme for free. Others provide templates with more features that you’ll have to pay a small price or monthly subscription for.

A template site is also pretty easy to setup and takes much less time to do so than it would to create a website from scratch. It generally doesn’t require knowledge of coding and HTML, depending on which website you go with, so most anyone can set up a website with ease.

Another pro is that designing a website can be intimidating when it comes to choosing the “right look” or a color scheme; templates are an easy way to get inspiration and figure out what layout and colors you want for your website.

Con

While template sites are easy and economical, they lack distinctiveness and customization. Perhaps the biggest set back is that template websites tend to all look the same. Yes, it is true that often you can customize the template to your liking and it is possible to create a relatively unique look but no matter how much you tweak it, the layout is still a template and will still have similarities to all the other users the same one. It happens too often that companies will choose a layout template and think the work is done; they fail to modify the design at all and this results in a carbon copy website. When competition is so high, the worst thing you can do is blend into the crowd. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve visited new websites and thought that I had been there before, simply because too many websites rely on the same template. Just because the layout looks nice, doesn’t mean it’s done and is the right design for your company.

Another setback to using template websites is that you’re limited in your graphic design and navigation capability. While there is some degree of customization in templates, there will always be parameters that will hold you back.

Also, some templates are not responsive; they do not always adapt to a mobile screen. With a surprising majority of people making purchases on their smartphones, mobile friendly websites are crucial especially since having one directly correlates with Google search ranking. Mobile friendly websites rank higher than websites that aren’t responsive; with this in mind, realize that choosing a template site comprises your website unless you choose a more expensive design that is developed to be responsive.

 

Custom Website

Pro

Custom-built websites is tailored solely towards your business; every aspect is designed in the best interest of your business and you have complete control over the look. With no template serving as a constraint, you have the opportunity to design a desired layout that will be able to stand out from the crowd.

Custom-built websites are flexible and will grow as your business grows; when the time comes to update an aspect of your website, significant changes can easily be made.

In the age of mobile devices, all custom made websites can and should be designed to be mobile-friendly. Responsive design will give you a much-needed edge on your competition, allowing your website to rank better in Google searches. Speaking of search engine optimization, web developers who build websites have the skillset and knowledge to make sure your site is optimized.

Con

Unless you have the skills yourself, you will have to hire a designer to create a custom-built website. Hiring a designer would likely require more money than it would cost to use a template website and for business with a tiny budget, this could be a setback.  The process to create a website from scratch also takes longer.

A well designed website is a powerful tool in your marketing and branding toolbox. Your website is a representation of your company and can draw potential customers in to choosing your service or product. But just as it can work in your favor, a poorly designed website or a site that lacks function can work against you. You’ll want to put a lot of consideration into designing your website, regardless of what option you choose.

If you’re on a small budget and need a quick and simple website, especially for businesses just starting out, a template website is a valid options. However if you have the budget, need a complex website that can be customized to your liking, and want to go the extra mile to ensure your business rises amongst the rest, than custom-built is the option for you.

 

Need a designer? Contact CS Designworks and get a quote today.