Website Templates vs. Custom Design: Which is Best for You?

Are you overwhelmed by the idea of building a website from scratch?

Wondering if using a template for your website design would be a shortcut that sacrifices quality? Well, as a web designer, I've been on both sides of the story. In this article, I will take you through the cons of using a website template and give a counteracting pro for each, so you can decide if it is the right choice for your business.

Customization: Limited Options vs. Quick and Easy Setup

Cons: Limited Customization
Website templates can feel very restricting. A good number of these come preinstalled with layouts, fonts, and color schemes that could be so way off the vision of your brand. If you want a one-of-a-kind looking website, this might be a big disadvantage.

Pro: It's Quick and Easy
Again, fewer options for customization equal a quicker time to getting something online. Templates are designed so that everything is easy, and you don't need any advanced coding knowledge to make your site look professional. If you're pressed for time or resources, a template offers an easy route to a polished online presence.

Visual Identity: Potential Generic Look vs. Proven Design Foundation

Con: Potential for a Generic Look
Running with a highly used template might leave you with a site that strongly resembles others, particularly if you don't heavily customize it. This may lead to some difficulty differentiating your brand from the rest.

Pro: A Proven Design Foundation
The good thing is these popular templates are usually popular for a reason—their design is made on working principles. Often, such templates are designed with user experience in mind, so your website will most probably be user-friendly and effective in converting visitors into customers. By making a few tweaks, you will be able to personalize your template enough to maintain brand integrity and benefit from a design proven to work.

Technical Issues: Compatibility Challenges vs. Support and Updates

Cons: Possible Compatibility Issues
Sometimes, some of the templates are not likely to jive well with every platform, plugin, or device. This may cause technical problems in the future in case you intend to implement new features or third-party tools.

Pros: Regular Updates and Support
Most reputable providers for templates ensure that there are regular updates and customer support. This means any compatibility issues are likely to be resolved quickly, and you'll have access to assistance if something does go wrong. Plus, with a well-supported template, you're less likely to encounter bugs or security vulnerabilities.

SEO: Limitations vs. Built-In SEO Features

Con: SEO Limitations
Templates aren't always optimized for SEO, which can hold back your site from being visible in search engine results. A poorly coded template can slow down your site, negatively impacting your rankings.

Pro: SEO Features
Some templates have built-in SEO features, such as an optimized page structure and mobile responsiveness. While, for full optimization, you might have to put a little extra effort, having a site based on an SEO-friendly template is basically a good base from which to begin.

Uniqueness: Lack of Uniqueness vs. Cost-Effective Branding

Con: Lack of Uniqueness
If you choose a common template, your website may just blend in with others. This can be problematic if your brand relies on having a clear visual identity.

Pro: Customize Branding
Even though templates might not be original, they provide a great way to establish your brand presence online. With thoughtful customization—like swapping out stock images for custom photography, adjusting colors to match your brand, and tweaking layouts—you can still create a site that feels unique to you without the expense of a fully custom design.

So to wrap this all up….
Using a website template does come with its cons, but for many businesses, the pros far outweigh the drawbacks. It's a quick, low-cost, and very user-friendly solution for getting your business on the Internet. Which in other words would say that you can probably customize one to fix most common concerns and as a result, make a website that looks good and serves your business needs well.

Ready to try it? Comment below and let me know if you're ready to use a website template for your business!