Comparing Custom Web Design vs. Website Templates: Which is Right for You?
In today's digital age, having a website is essential for businesses. When it comes to building a website, companies are presented with two options: build a website using a template or create a custom website from scratch. With these choices, it can be challenging to know which path to take and which option will deliver the best results. In this blog, we will explore the pros and cons of both, website templates and custom web design, helping you make an informed decision for your business.
What Is a Website Template?
A website template is a predesigned layout that can be used to create a website. For the most part, creating a website using a template involves simple drag-and-drop features, which means no special skills or coding knowledge is required. It is a simple, easy and quick way to create a website. Some of the most popular website creation platforms include WordPress, Wix, GoDaddy and Squarespace.
Website Templates Pros & Cons
Here’s a brief overview of a templated web design:
Pros:
- Quick website set up and launch - allows you to have your website up and running in as little as a few hours.
- Cost-effectiveness - the majority of website templates are free to use with certain limitations.
- Integration - website templates generally integrate easily with other apps.
- Pre-built design templates - choose from pre-designed templates if you do not want to spend too much time customizing your website.
Cons:
- Limited customization options - there’s only so much you can customize in terms of design and layout.
- Mobile responsiveness issues - more often than not, free versions of template websites are not optimized for mobile devices.
- Security vulnerabilities - templated websites, especially those built using the free version, are often prone to cyber-attacks.
- Lack of support - it is often difficult to get comprehensive support, especially if the website is built using a free template.
What Is Custom Web Design?
Unlike a website template, custom web design necessitates the expertise of a professional web designer and developer with specialized skills and coding knowledge. Custom web development and website design services involve creating a website from the ground up. This approach ensures that the website is entirely tailored to meet the client’s specific design and usability requirements, down to the smallest detail.
Custom Website Design Services Pros & Cons
Here are the pros and cons to consider when opting for custom website design services.
Pros:
- Fully customized to your exact specifications - even to the smallest detail
- Unique design - a custom-built website will guarantee uniqueness, making you stand out from the competition
- Better SEO potential - a custom-built website will have the most recent SEO features built in to ensure optimal search engine visibility
- Brand consistency - your website will be built to match your brand identity
- Better security features - custom-designed website can be built to incorporate extra security features
- Guaranteed support - most of the time, there is always a dedicated support team available to handle any issues with your website.
Cons:
- Cost and time - a custom-designed website will be more expensive than a templated one because it requires an entire team to develop and implement the features into your unique website. It will also take more time to develop than a templated one as there is a collective effort of web developers, web designers and SEO specialists to ensure your website works well.
Determining Which Option Fits Your Needs Best
If you own a business and looking to create a website to improve your business's online presence, consider the following aspects before deciding which option, custom or templated, is right for you:
- Business goals: If you require specific functionality and want your website to align with your brand identity, then custom website design services will fit your needs best.
- Budget: If budget is a major constraint, consider using a website template until you can afford a custom-designed website.
- Timeline: If you need to establish an online presence quickly, opt for a template-based website.
- Flexibility: If you know in advance that your business will expand, and the addition of new landing pages, integrations and SEO features is inevitable, then opt for custom website design services.
- SEO considerations: Remember that custom website designs are built with best SEO practices in mind, whereas SEO features within templated websites are usually limited. Keep this in mind if you want to engage in SEO-driven marketing campaigns.
Final Thoughts
There is a lot to consider when deciding between custom website design services and templated website design. Both options have their pros and cons, and your choice will, essentially, depend on your individual business needs.
Vestra Inet, a premier web designing company in Toronto, has been building innovative and functional websites that drive traffic and generate leads. With an in-house team of web developers, web designers, SEO specialists and content creators, we can create a website that caters to your unique business needs. Our SEO team will ensure your website is optimized to rank on search engines, bringing you traffic and leads. Contact us to discuss your business website needs.