As a business owner you’ve probably asked yourself this: Should I invest in a custom website or is a template good enough? Whether you’re starting a new business or re-doing an existing site your website design can make or break your online presence. Choosing between a custom website and a template isn’t just about budget it’s about what’s best for your business.
Let’s get into when each makes sense so you can decide for yourself.
Custom vs Ready-Made Templates
Templates are good for certain situations—especially when time and budget are short. Many businesses have used them and have been successful because they offer a quick, affordable and relatively easy way to get a website up and running. Content management systems can make updates and maintenance a breeze when using templates so your website stays secure and user friendly. But is a template enough for you?
Here’s when a template might be the best option for your website:
What is Web Design?
Web design is the art and science of creating websites that are not only beautiful but also user friendly and functional. It’s a mix of technical skills, creativity and attention to detail. The goal is to create a website that meets the needs of its target audience while representing the brand. Key aspects of web design are layout, color scheme, typography, graphics and user experience. A well designed website can help a business establish an online presence, build their brand and drive conversions. Whether you’re working with a web design company or a freelance web designer understanding the basics of web design will help you make informed decisions about your website.
Web Design Services
Web design services encompass a wide range of offerings that cater to businesses looking to establish a strong online presence. These services include everything from initial concept development to the final launch of a website. A professional web design agency or web design company can provide comprehensive solutions such as responsive design, user experience optimization, and custom website development. By leveraging the expertise of web designers and web developers, businesses can create visually appealing and highly functional websites that attract clients and convert visitors. Additionally, many agencies offer ongoing support and maintenance to ensure that the site remains up-to-date with the latest web design trends and technologies. Whether you’re looking for a complete website redesign or building a new site from scratch, investing in quality web design services is crucial for achieving online success.
When to Invest in a Template-Based Website
You’re a New Business with Limited Budget for a Web Design Company
Starting a new business is expensive and every dollar counts. If your priority is to get online fast without breaking the bank using a template is a good option. Platforms like WordPress have hundreds of templates that are beautiful, functional and mobile friendly. At ClikIT, our Quick Sites service uses website templates which we customize to fit your brand so you get a professional look without the big price tag. A digital agency can provide full service including web design at an affordable price.
You Need Web Design Fast
Time is everything in business and sometimes you can’t afford to wait months for a custom built website. If you have a launch or event coming up quickly web design agencies can deliver quick solutions with ready made templates that will have you up and running in a fraction of the time. For example with our Quick Sites we can have a fully customized pre-designed site ready for you in 14 days.
Your Website is Simple
If your website doesn’t need advanced features, complex functionality or heavy customization a template might be all you need. Templates work well for simple business sites like blogs, small portfolios or basic informational sites. Web developers play a big role in creating these simple functional websites making sure they are fast, navigable and maintainable. You can add features like contact forms or basic e-commerce functionality without going over the top. Just remember while templates are simple they are limited in flexibility for future growth.
You’re Testing an Idea
Launching a website is a great way to test an idea or product. If you’re testing or launching a minimum viable product (MVP) a ready made template is a cost effective way to see if there’s demand. Once your business takes off you can always do a website redesign later. Mobile app development can also be a cost effective way to test a new idea or product.
Benefits of Web Design Companies
A well designed website has many benefits that can impact your business:
Better User Experience: A user friendly website reduces bounce rates, increases engagement and overall user satisfaction. When visitors can find what they’re looking for easily they’ll stay longer and explore more.
More Conversions: Websites designed for conversions can lead to more sales, more leads and other desired actions. Strategically placed call to action buttons and intuitive design elements can guide users to buy or fill out a contact form.
Better Brand Credibility: A professional looking website establishes your business as a credible and trustworthy brand. First impressions matter and a polished website will make a lasting impression on potential customers.
Better Search Engine Optimization (SEO): Websites designed with SEO in mind can improve search engine rankings and drive more organic traffic to your site. This includes page speed optimization, meta tags and mobile responsiveness.
More Accessibility: Designing with accessibility in mind means your website can reach a wider audience including those with disabilities. This not only improves user experience but also shows you care about exclusivity.
When to Invest in a Custom Website or Get a Website Redesign
While templates are great for some they don’t always tick the box. If you really want to stand out online or your business has specific needs a custom website is worth the investment. A custom website lets you have exactly what you want without the constraints of a pre-built template. Choosing the right web design agency is key to getting your custom web design needs met.
Here’s when you should go for a custom built website:
You Need a Unique Online Presence
Your website is often the first impression potential customers have of your business. If you want to stand out from the competition a custom design lets you showcase your brand in a way that’s 100% you. Templates can feel generic and may not capture your business’s personality as well as a custom site can. A custom website means your branding, design and functionality aligns with your vision. The best web design agencies excel at creating unique online presences by focusing on results driven approaches, user experience, client communication and maintaining and improving website performance over time.
Your Website Needs Complex Web Development Features
Templates are great for simple sites but have limitations. If your business needs specific functionality – like custom user experiences, unique e-commerce features or third party integrations – then web designers play a key role in creating these custom solutions. At ClikIT we specialise in Custom Web Development, we code everything from scratch to meet your exact needs. Whether it’s advanced forms, interactive maps or custom APIs we’ve got you covered.
Scalability and Growth
Your business isn’t static and neither should your website be. If you’re planning to grow, add services or features in the future web design agencies provide scalable solutions through custom websites that offer more flexibility and room to grow. Templates lock you into a specific structure which can limit your ability to grow your site without a major overhaul. A custom site is built with your future in mind so you can update and expand as your business evolves.
You Want Total Control Over Search Engine Optimization and Performance
Yes, templates have basic SEO features but a custom website gives you total control over how your site performs on search engines. From page speed optimization to advanced SEO strategies a custom site means you rank higher and run faster. Plus custom coding means you’re not dealing with the bloated code that comes with templates which can slow your site down. Integrating digital marketing with web design can further enhance your online presence and performance.
Your Business Depends on User Experience
If your website is part of how customers interact with your business – like an e-commerce store or booking platform – a custom built website means the user experience is perfect. You can design the whole journey for your audience so they can navigate, find what they need and take action. A seamless experience keeps users engaged and converts. The best web design agencies are good at creating this experience.
Web Design Costs and Pricing
Web design costs can vary greatly depending on the complexity of the project, the web designer’s experience and the technology used. Here’s a rough guide to help you budget:
Basic Website Design: $500-$2,000. For simple sites with minimal features.
Custom Website Design: $2,000-$10,000. For businesses that need unique designs and functionality.
E-commerce Website Design: $5,000-$20,000. For online stores that need robust e-commerce features.
Web Design Packages: $1,000-$5,000 per month. These packages often include maintenance, updates and support.
Hourly Rate: $50-$200 per hour. Rates vary depending on the designer’s experience and the project requirements.
Please note these are rough estimates. The cost of web design can vary depending on your specific requirements. Also consider the ongoing costs of website maintenance, updates and hosting when planning your budget. Investing in good web design services will give you a great return on investment by improving your online presence and business growth.
So Which One?
It all depends on your business needs, goals and budget.
If you’re just starting out, have a limited budget or need something quick a template is a good choice.
If you need something unique, scalable or more powerful a custom website is worth the investment.
We offer both at ClikIT. Whether you need a quick and affordable solution or a fully custom site built from scratch we can help. Get in touch to find out what’s best for
