Custom vs. Template Web Design: Which is Right for Your Business?

Introduction

When planning your business website there is usually the decision to be made of whether to undertake a custom web design or go for a template web design. Each approach has its benefits and it is up to the client that they select depending on the time, money, and other factors available. This article will attempt to compare and contrast custom and template web designs so that you can determine which one suits your business best.

What is Custom Web Design?

Custom web design is the process through which you build a website from the ground up, with your brand in mind. This option presents a specific and very individual Internet browsing experience that is based on your brand’s mission statement and vision. With a tailored website, one has free reigns in modifying the website in any way, which would include implementing features, and functions that correlate with company goals.

In essence, one of the greatest benefits of custom web design involves the ability to design your website bespoke from every other website online. Because your website will be unique to your business, you can have unique images, layouts, and website organization that are appropriate for your target market. Also, a custom web design can accommodate growth; it can be modified to suit the growth of your business.

What is Template Web Design?

Template web design entails the use of pre-designed websites that are in existence in the market. These templates are availed in various styles and layouts and in most cases, there is always room for the user to make modifications. The simple form of a web design is style depending on a website template and it is ideal for small businesses, startups, and individuals who require a simple website to be created within the shortest time possible and at relatively low expense.

Probably the greatest strength of using templates in web design is the low cost of the templates. Since the actual design work is not required in this transaction, you can avoid the cantankerous expenses and time. Templates are also user-friendly, so even if one working on a particular document has no great skills in computer operations, they will still be in a position to use the templates. Many website builders incorporate drag-and-drop features, so the development and deployment of a website is quite easy to do.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Between Custom and Template Web Design

When deciding between custom and template web design, it's essential to consider several factors:

Budget: As compared to templates, custom web design can be costly because a lot of time and professional skills are involved. One disadvantage may be size – if you have a small amount, then a template may be more reasonable.

Timeline: But if you require a site urgently, the template undoubtedly will be faster to develop and launch as compared to the individual web design which can take weeks, or even entire months, sometimes.

Business Needs: One should look at one’s commercial requirements. If for instance you need forms or have a special image that you would like to convey to your customers, then it might be feasible to go for custom web design.

Scalability: Any expansion of your business should also be considered shortly. Custom web design may be preferable if you expect in the future to need more complicated features or a completely new web design.

Pros and Cons Of Custom Web Design.

Pros:

Unique and Tailored: Many firms utilize website templates which make the websites to look like the other, however, your website will be unique since it will be developed to suit the image of your brand.

Scalable and Flexible: When it comes to hiring a custom website design, changes and altering of layout, colour, and design can be done in future.

Higher Performance: Customized websites tend to be enhanced in their performance, quick to load and offer a better user experience.

Cons:

Higher Costs: Custom web design is considerably more costly, at least in the short run: the initial and annual fees will be higher.

Longer Development Time: The ability to design a website from scratch requires more time; this may be inconvenient if the quick deployment of the website is required.

Requires Technical Expertise: This calls for high rates from professional developers especially where the design was made to order.

Pros and Cons of a Templated Site

Pros:

Cost-Effective: Template web design is cheaper and it is easier to implement than Unique web design.

User-Friendly: Templates are usually made to be quite simple even a person who has some little understanding in computers can manage them easily.

Quick Turnaround: You can get your website online in a very short period which is very convenient for high-profile projects.

Cons:

Lack of Uniqueness: As templates are accessible to many people nowadays, your website will not be unique in the market, filled with similar sites.

Limited Customization: Custom designs are different from templates also in the sense that the latter are to some extent customizable but not nearly as much as designs tailored to a specific project.

Scalability Issues: It is possible to encounter some issues as your company evolves, and the template might seem not very flexible or need reinforcement or remodelling.

Conclusion

In brief, it all depends on what is preferable to you and your business; whether to invest in a unique web design customized for your business or to go in for a template web design. Custom web design work gives you a personal, flexible scheme that may continue to adjust according to your business requirements, but it will cost more time and money. Template web design takes little time at a cheap cost, and is the best for those with little capital and little or no skills in web design.