Many business owners know that they need a website to promote their business. A website is a key element of your marketing overall. It’s where people will find essential details about your business, what you sell and the value you offer.
However, when creating or buying a website, it isn’t always as simple as just ‘getting a website’. With so many ways to go online, you’ll need to decide which is best for you.
One of the questions I often get asked is about deciding between a website template or a custom website. There are pros and cons to both options. We have listed some of the considerations below for you so you can make an informed decision for you and your business.
How much? Your investment
A website template often costs less than a custom website. It’s a great option for someone who has a new business or startup and needs an online presence. It can be used to share information about your business, services and contact details.
A custom website is created to be unique and bespoke to your business. It costs more because it takes more experience, skills and knowledge to build. The designer will spend time making the design, wording and photos specific to you and your business. It will also include adding extra features or integrations. This might be for booking, calendars or a whole ecommerce shop.
Based on cost or outlay, it may seem obvious that you would want to opt for a website template, but this might not be the best decision. After all, with a website template you might end up with a similar website to someone else in your industry. Or you have to make design concessions because the template doesn’t exactly fit your business or doesn’t have features you want. But it’s still a great option for those who want to get started.
When you invest in a custom website you spend more. You have a website that’s bespoke to you and your business which showcases exactly what you sell, who it’s for and why it’s a ‘yes!’.
How long will it take?
A website template will take less time than a custom website to build and send live. Once the wording and images have been submitted, it’s a quick option, often being turned around quickly. It can be created and made live within a few weeks or even days in some cases.
For a custom website option, you should allow longer. This is because it takes more time to plan, design and build a custom website. We usually send our sites live in six to eight weeks, allowing for content to be created or sent to us. Often people forget to put time in the schedule for booking a photographer or developing content around jobs and a busy life.
Whichever way you go, know that your website should grow with your business over the next few years. It’s a false saving to do something quickly to then have to redo it in a short time.
Website Functionality
Picture your dream website for your business. It’s powering your marketing, helping potential clients understand what you do and take the actions to work with you.
What do you want the website to do and how do you want visitors to be able to use it? Think about the functionality of your website. List what it does, what it enables your business to do. Some templates will be able to do all you require. If they don’t, it could mean paying more for extra software or compromising on what you really want.
Want to have the images, fonts, colours and wording in your shop window just so? Want to achieve a website design and look that no one else has? Custom features and functionality? These are possible with a custom-made website.
If you’re not sure which option to choose when it comes to website template vs custom website, speak to us. We don’t mind which you choose, only that you get the right website for your budget, time and business.
Book a free consultation to talk through your business and your website goals and we’ll happily recommend the best style of website for you and your business.