Custom Website Design vs Template: Pros, Cons & Comparison

What is a Website Template?

A template is a pre-designed layout or framework that can be used to create a website. A website that is designed and developed using an existing platform, offering ready-to-use design and functionalities. These websites are designed from templates.

While a template offers you a lot of built-in options, there are no such options when you choose to go with a custom website.

Most templates have all functionalities and features ready; all you must do is set up and you’re ready to go live. Regardless of whether you are good at coding or not, you can get your website up and running.

Using a template, you’d have only limited options to update your design in the future, if needed.

There are several platforms and website providers that offer themes and templates to help businesses design websites.

• Wordpress

• Wix

• Webflow

• GoDaddy

• Squarespace

WordPress and Webflow offers several themes (including paid and free themes).  Most website development agencies can help you design a theme based website. However, based on the business’s requirements, the kind of site that is required differs.

Some websites might be needed to serve simple purposes. A themed approach works the best for such sites with little or no custom requirements. You can save a lot of money and time on the design and development requirements, which you can invest into building an excellent digital marketing strategy for the site, which will attract, engage, and convert your potential prospects into loyal customers.

However, in the course of time, your site might be faced with issues, such as increased loading time or others.

Some web design companies don’t include ongoing help (maintenance and support services) when they use a template to design a website as they might be unfamiliar or have no knowledge concerning the underlying code. With that being said, let's look at the pros and cons of using website templates.

Pros of Website Templates

• It helps you set up and launch your website easily.

• More cost-effective than a custom website.

• It can be integrated with third-party apps.

• Offers various industry-specific themes, which you can choose depending on the nature of your business.

Cons of Website Templates

• You’re left with a site that uses a boxy theme (built-in design doesn’t leave you with many options to customize the design as you desire).

• Some templates might not be mobile-responsive.

• It may not look as unique or professional as a custom-designed website.

• Finding support is challenging. Ongoing maintenance and updates may be more difficult or time-consuming than a custom designed website.

• Add-ons and third-parties integration might slow down the site.

• If not properly maintained and updated, it can be prone to security vulnerabilities.

Custom Website vs Template: Which One to Choose?

Custom Website

If you don't have any budget or time limits, then building a custom website is hands down the best option. A custom website might cost more upfront, but it can offer more customization, better SEO potential, scalability, security, brand identity, and a better user experience, which can, in turn, help you save money in the long run.

Website Template

If you're short on time and budget and don't have any specific design requirements in mind, then using a website template might be the best choice. Templates are also a good option for those who don't know coding and just need a basic website to showcase their business.

But keep in mind that though template websites may be more affordable and easier to set up, they may not provide the same level of customization as a custom website and may require more maintenance and third-party plugins to function properly. Additionally, website templates often limit how you can express your brand, what features you can use, and how much you can grow. So while they may save you money at first, they can end up costing you more in the long run.