Template Website vs. Custom Website

Page load time, search engine optimization, easy navigation, rich content, and easy site management are just a few of the considerations you have to make when creating a website for your business. However, one of the most crucial elements for a website, which is design, is often the most ignored.

Studies have shown, 94% of users mention poor design as the primary reason they do not trust certain websites

We’ve all experienced landing on a site that’s visually a mess, so much so that we quickly click the red “X” on our browser. Good website design is the complete opposite.

Website templates are pre-built designs that are either free or sold online at minimal cost. Some  templates allow minor customizations such as choosing your own colors and images, but many aspects of the template can’t be changed.

No doubt there are some appealing templates out there, but the majority of them are restrictive in their ability to be tailored to your needs. Going with a template is a good choice if you currently don’t have a website and you’re looking to get a website up fast, and/or you don’t much of a budget to work with. By cutting out a designer, you will have to invest more time in to creating and maintaining your site, but most templates are user-friendly and don’t require extensive design know-how.

However, if you’re looking to have a website that visually communicates your business’ story and vibe, captures the full scope of actions that you want available for your website visitors and can grow with your business, we suggest shying away from a template.

• Low-cost
• Wide range of templates available
• Short development time
• Easy-to-use backend
• Includes hosting

• Limited customization options
• Not unique
• Not built for future enhancements
• Bound to one-hosting company
• Not optimized for search engines
• Some website templates don’t work in all browsers
• Not built for responsive and mobile websites
• Lacks of professional touch of design and marketing

First, let’s define “custom” when it comes to website design. Custom refers to a made from scratch website that was built with your business in mind. Yes, there are common website framework principles that are followed for many websites, which is why we instinctively know how to navigate many websites we land on.

However, a custom design is when the framework, navigation, back-end interface, and every other aspect of that website is flexible and can be changed.

When working with a design team that can blend their knowledge of optimally-performing and visually-appealing design with the goals you have for your business, the result is a unique and strategic web presence.

• Unique design
• Unlimited design options
• High level of customization
• Helps provide your brand credibility
• Optimized for search engines
• Easy-to-shift hosting companies
• Includes professional design and marketing consultation
• Tailored for target audience
• 24/7 tech support

• Costs more than the do-it-yourself templates (but are more cost-effective in long-term when considering time and effort spent)

• Is your desired website for your business or a personal site, like a blog?
• Will your site include online ordering?
• Will you need a blog integration?
• What does your budget look like?
• Do you desire video and audio functionalities?
• Are you are in a competitive line of business?
• Do you have an established brand and logo?
• What are your non-negotiables when it comes to your website requirements?
• What are some website details that you feel are crucial to your website?

Since a template would mean taking everything into your own hands, this checklist is for those who choose to go the route of working with a web designer.

Make sure to check off these points before making your web design investment:

• Hire an Established Name – Hire a website design company with an experienced team rather than a ‘one man show.’
• Look for Experienced Companies – Make sure you go through the website design company’s portfolio and call to ask about their various levels of service and support.
• Check for Authenticity – If you’re not offered a consultation meeting, you are at high risk of being sold a template website that is being passed off as a custom design. Good web designers know that the consultation is one of, if not the most crucial step in your website’s new design.
• Learn about CMS Software – Take a tour of the company’s CMS software; learn about the tools and techniques you may have to use in future.
• Confirm Search Engine Optimization – Ensure that the website CMS is search engine and SEO friendly.
• Guarantee CMS Updates – Confirm that your website CMS can be updated for up-to-date modern search engine indexing and security protocols.

ThePixel is a website design, seo and digital marketing company located in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Our website designs are custom designed for your unique brand and online presence. Since 2008, ThePixel has worked with hundreds of businesses to design, develop and launch their perfect website that lasts for years.

All Pixel websites are backed with a powerful content management system, search engine optimization and a modern mobile-friendly design. Let’s start building the website of your dreams – one that generates traffic, leads and conversions. Contact ThePixel and one of our representatives will guide you through the website phases and how the process works either by a Zoom Meeting or phone.