Template vs. Custom Website Design: 5 Pros and Cons

If you’re looking to invest in a website for your business, there are many options and website design companies to choose from. Whether you go for a template website design (Square, Wix) or a custom, professionally designed website, it is important to note it will determine the course of your digital marketing strategy. Total Web Company provides some useful insight into analyzing the pros and cons of template website design vs. custom-built WordPress websites.

Before we dive into the pros and cons, first we must understand the difference between custom and template websites. The easiest way to understand the difference is to consider a custom-built home vs. a production home. Both serve similar purposes, but if you want custom features and upgraded finishes, it is much easier to build your home custom from the start.

5 Cons to Template Website Design

Limited Options for Design.
Since these template-based services only provide industry-specific themes (construction, law firm, restaurant, pest control), you’ll end up with a site that is limited to a boxy, generic theme.

Difficult to Find Support.
If you’re not experienced in website design, you’ll probably have a few questions regarding theme implementations. Often, these websites make it very hard to get in contact with support. When you can get in touch with someone, they’ll often charge extra for these services.

Not Always Built with Mobile Responsiveness.
Many times, mobile responsiveness requires CSS coding that is not available through template-based websites.

Slow Website.
Themes are built to accommodate a lot of unnecessary add-ons and third-party plugins, which slow your website down.

Doesn’t Support Organic SEO.
Templates sites do not support the ability to incorporate key SEO factors to get your site ranked on the first page of Google.

5 Pros to Professional Custom-built Websites

Custom Built to Company, Brand & Target Market.
Your website will reflect your company voice, branding and aim to reach your target market through well-written SEO copy.

SEO Built-in from the Start.
SEO is an integral component to website design. From initial sitemap conception to copywriting, URL structure and more, we incorporate SEO at every level.

Website Tested for all Browsers & Devices.
Our custom-built websites are tested and look/perform flawlessly on all browsers and devices.

Ongoing Support from Web Company.
A member of our team is available any time of the day or night for emergencies. Further, in the event of an emergency during off hours or holidays, your site is monitored 24/7 by the server company.

Saves you Time & Money.
Even if you know the basics of web design, you probably don’t know enough to build a solid, SEO optimized website. This means you’ll be spending a lot of extra time & money for support trying to figure it out. A custom website design company takes all the guesswork out of it and saves you the hassle.

Learn More: Why do I need to Hire a Web Designer?

To discuss custom website design type options or set up a meeting with our website developers, call our Bristol, PA office at 215-284-7919. We are a full-scale website design company offering SEO & digital marketing services for businesses across the nation.