There are two common ways you could build your site: Custom or Template. Basically, that means you can either pay for a custom website design, or you can DIY your own website using a pre-made framework with templates and themes. These days, it seems as though everyone and their mom knows someone who can “build” a website. “Just go to your cousin Thomas who’s good with computers.” Your mom has definitely said on more than one occasion. Even my own dad who KNOWS what industry I work in, says he can build a website using GoDaddy. Yeah, No thanks.
Template websites can be good for simple and easy websites – like a resume for instance. But when it comes to building multiple pages, many people find themselves easily overwhelmed, and rightfully so.
There are pros and cons of both custom and templates. Understanding the benefits and drawbacks is important if you’re going to choose the option that’s right for your business. Even better, egniteBIZ can help you with either option. Let’s dig in….
TEMPLATE SITES
If you want to build a website, there are a ton of tools to help you get it up and running. But in terms of functionality? Whether you’re using WordPress, Wix, or Squarespace, any website you build yourself is probably going to be BASIC. And being BASIC, is only allowed during pumpkin spice season.
PROS of Using Templates:
- Time – When you use a site-building service, you can get a simple website up and running fairly quickly.
- Budget – Usually these plans are cheap or even free.
- Hosting – Most template websites provide hosting in your monthly cost. So that’s one less thing to worry about.
- DIY friendly – These template sites are usually very easy to build. There are walkthroughs or even click and drag capabilities that make it so any one can do it.
CONS of Using Templates:
- BASIC – Unless you use more time to customize your template, it’s not going to stand out from your competition.
- Lack of functionality – We mentioned this before because this is a huge CON. If you want your customer to be able to actually do things on your website, templates can only do so much and you will hit a barrier.
- SEO – Most templates DO NOT have backend SEO built into them so you most likely won’t be showing up on the first page of Google any time soon.
- No Support – Yes, there are tutorials. But if you want to get a live person in front of you or on the phone quickly, good luck with that.
- Updates – Sometimes updates get released which can make your site go whackadoo
- Optimization – Your site may not work on 100% all devices. Meaning if someone is looking at your site on a Galaxy S9, it may be off kilter.
CUSTOM SITES
When it comes to design, it’s not just about fonts, colors, and logos (though these are important, too). At egniteBIZ, we will spend time with you in creative sessions so that we understand your business completely, and what your goals are for your site.
Custom website design is a process because so much goes into it, but businesses get a lot more out of it over the long term. Custom-made websites look better, do more, and accomplish specific business goals. Let’s explore why….
PROS of Custom Design:
- Beauty – Yes, looks do matter. The website will have a completely unique design that will incorporate the company’s branding and will be based around the needs of your business.
- Compatibility – Designers test the websites they create on all major browsers and devices. Your site will work like it’s supposed to for every customer, no matter what they use.
- Support – You have support from the ones building your site to help you out if you run into any problems down the line.
- E-commerce friendliness – If you want an online store with a bunch of different SKUs, a template is not going to cut it.
- Scalability – When your business grows, your website can grow with it. You want some new functionality, new integration, or new content? No problem. Your existing site can be updated, changed, and modernized easily.
- SEO friendliness – Your site will be search engine friendly because your designer is building it that way in the backend.
CONS of Custom Design:
- Price – Going custom will cost you more than a template, but hopefully you can see why.
- Time – A custom website will take longer than a template. However, if you have your content and are in communication with your designer, things should move a lot quicker.
- Being too awesome – That’s not really a con, but we like the way it sounds.
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. This way, you will get a website according to your business needs and will deliver an exceptional user experience to your website visitors. On the other hand, if you’re just looking for a quick one-page site, then a template may be your best bet.
Feel free to REACH OUT to us with any questions and read more about our services HERE.