Custom web design VS a web template
By: Blue Rhino Media
Tags: Website Design, Commercial Photography, Web Development, Website, App Development

Do you need a new website for your business? If yes, then there are a number of factors to consider and many choices to be made. One of them is whether to go for a custom web design or a website template. This leaves us with an important question to be asked…

“Why would I pay a web developer to build a custom website for me when I can buy a website template?”

Before we answer that question, it is important for you to understand the pros and cons of both custom web design and website template.

This article will provide you with a comparison that will make it easier for you to choose what is best for your business.

1. Custom Web Design

Advantages of Custom Web Design

The biggest advantage of getting a custom web design is that it will make your website stand out from the crowd and give you a competitive edge over your competitors, which is very important in today’s saturated web environment. Custom websites are more search engine friendly than website templates so they tend to rank higher on a search engine.

Not only does a custom website adapt to your business needs in a better way but it also gives you the room for incorporating your company’s branding into it. There is a factor of scalability with custom websites and they grow as your business grows. Moreover, the additional benefit of a content management system (CMS) makes it easier for the business to keep the website updated from anywhere.

Disadvantages of Custom Web Design

A custom web design will put a bigger dent in your pocket than a website template so you will have to pay more to get a custom web design. Secondly, it takes longer to create a custom design as compared to a website template. Due to the complex and time-consuming process of custom web design, there are chances that your website project will be subject to delays.

Now, let us look at the website templates and the pros and cons attached to it…

2. Website Templates

Advantages of Website Templates

Unlike a custom designed website, a website template has a shorter development cycle. Another benefit of using a website template is that it cost less so if you have a low budget, you can still get a website template. You do not need to be a coding whiz to create a website anymore, thanks to website templates. Even a person who does not know HTML and CSS can create a website template.

Disadvantages of Website Templates

With website templates being easily available online, there are chances that your competitors and other businesses are also using the same website template that you are using. Due to this, your website will be lost in the cyberspace and look like a rip-off.

Website templates are not designed with search engines in mind so they linger at the bottom of the search rankings. The poor support and browser compatibility is also a major issue associated with website templates.

When you buy a website template, you could not customize it according to your needs. Fitting web elements such as images, videos and texts is challenging with website templates.

Who Should Get a Custom Web Design?

Every business has different needs. If you want a website that is scalable, search engine-friendly and unique, then a custom web design is an ideal choice. The added benefit of a CMS is that it saves you some money on keeping your website updated and well maintained. Although, it might take longer and cost you more, you will get a website according to your business needs and will deliver an exceptional user experience to your website visitors.

Who Should Purchase A Website Template?

If you are on a tight budget and do not have much time to spend on lengthy and complicated web design processes, then a website template is for you. If you are not sure about which web design will suit your business needs, then it is better to invest in a website template. A website template is also a good option for those who do not know web programming but want to create a website.

Conclusion

It usually comes down to your business needs and personal preferences that will influence your choice between a website template and custom web design. Would you go for a custom web design or a website template? If you know about any other factor that will help readers in making the right choice.