Template websites or custom design? You choose
So, we are a creative company and design is in our blood. What can we possibly say about template websites? Well, there’s definitely pros and cons. A custom designed website is like a filet mignon at an expensive restaurant. Think of a template website as an average steak from Outback Steakhouse. Now, most of us can’t afford a fine steak right away, but we can probably splurge on an Outback steak. There are reasons for choosing template websites over professionally designed sites and vice versa.
Here’s a quick review of pros and cons of template websites. Think of these websites as infant food.
*Disclaimer: the below statements are about an average template website, not ALL fit this description.
PROS
cost effective
easy
achieves an online presence
spend less personal time making decisions
can be easy to develop and maintain
CONS
you are limited in terms of the layout
can’t apply custom images to represent your company brand and DNA
most are not search engine optimized
cost more in the long run because you lose potential business
no insight or guidance from design and web professionals
much harder to accommodate your users because not specifically built for your company
you look like everyone else
At some point a child outgrows the pea purees and needs some solid food. Template websites are a perfect example for this analogy. A small business usually starts off with something more affordable, such as a template website, but after the business grows it is time to graduate to a professionally designed website. Design is essential for building your brand. It is something that sets you a part from other competitors. There are of course ups and downs to both template websites and custom designed websites. It all comes down to your preference and taste.
Any thoughts about template websites?
Have you had any experience with template websites or custom designed sites?
Do you think one is more valuable than the other?
4 Responses to “Template websites or custom design? You choose”
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I am definitely a templates fan. It all depends on what your clients are needing, and right now I only serve small business and organizations just needing to get a presence on the web.
I am addicted to templates, for all the pros that you listed above. The cons do not affect me right now, since I am just an amateur designer with a passion to help non-profit organizations get a face on the internet, and a clean professional face at that. Maybe one day when I start charging for my sites, or when I become a bilionaire, then I will have to face the cons in a dark back alley
Great article.
Hi Robyn. Thanks for stopping by! I am glad that you enjoy website templates. It is definitely a great way for non-profit organizations and small businesses to gain an online presence. Templates give them the opportunity to share their mission and services with others.Ultimately, each company decides the pros and cons of a template or custom designed site.
Templates are nice when you want or need to crank out a website for someone in a matter of weeks. It’s also nice to use templates with CMS applications like WordPress, Joomla, DotNetNuke, etc.
But I totally agree for those larger sites customized layouts are what is going to set your site apart. It’s definitely an expensive investment. I’ve seen some cost above $100,000.
Nice to meet you Joshua. Yes, template websites are the best choice for a quick turn around and custom designed sites are an investment. Do you think it is better to invest in a custom designed site once a company decides they need a website or should they wait?