Custom Design Website vs Template Design, Which One’s Right for You?
When creating a website for your brand or business, one of the first decisions you’ll face is whether to go with a custom design or use a pre-built template design.
Both approaches have their pros and cons, and the choice you make can significantly affect your site’s performance, branding, and growth potential.
So, which one is right for you?
In this blog post, we’ll explore the key differences between custom website design and template-based design, the pros and cons of each, and how to choose the best option based on your goals, budget, and timeline.
What Is a Template Website?
A template-based website uses a pre-designed layout and structure. You can choose from thousands of templates (free or paid) available on platforms like WordPress, Shopify, Wix, or Squarespace. These templates come with built-in styles, components, and page layouts that you can customize to some extent, such as changing fonts, colors, images, and text.
Example: Using a WordPress Elementor theme from ThemeForest or an Envato template from the official theme store.
What Is a Custom Website?
A custom-designed website is built from scratch to fit your exact needs and brand identity. It involves planning, wireframing, UI/UX design, and coding (or building visually with tools like Elementor or Webflow). Everything—from layout to animations—is tailored for your brand, user journey, and business goals.
Example: Hiring a web designer or agency to create a unique site design specifically for your business.
Pros & Cons of Template-Based Websites
Pros:
- Faster Launch
Templates allow you to get your site live in a matter of hours or days. - Cost-Effective
Most templates are affordable, and some are even free. - No Coding Required
Ideal for beginners—drag-and-drop builders make it easy. - Plenty of Options
Thousands of design options across different industries.
Cons:
- Limited Flexibility The layout restricts you and features what the template offers.
- Not Fully Unique
Other businesses may use the same template, making your site look generic. - Code Bloat
Templates often come with unnecessary code, which can slow down your site. - Challenging Customization
Deep customization often requires a developer, defeating the simplicity advantage.
Pros & Cons of Custom Websites
Pros:
- Tailored to Your Brand
Everything is built around your vision, making your site stand out. - Optimized Performance
Clean code and lightweight design result in faster load times. - Scalable and Future-Proof
Easier to expand and integrate with custom features or third-party tools. - Better UX and Conversion
Designed strategically for your target audience and business goals.
Cons:
- Higher Cost
Custom websites usually involve higher design and development costs. - Takes More Time
From planning to launch, it can take weeks (or months) to complete. - Requires Professional Skills
You’ll need to hire a web designer or agency unless you’re an expert.
Which One Should You Choose?
Now let’s help you decide. Here’s a breakdown based on different needs:
Choose a Template-Based Website if:
- You’re a startup or freelancer with a small budget
- You need to get online quickly
- You’re comfortable with limited customization
- You’re running a temporary or informational website
- You’re using platforms like WordPress, Wix, or Shopify for the first time
Best for: Bloggers, small service providers, and local businesses with limited time and budget.
Choose a Custom Website if:
- You need a strong brand identity
- Your website is central to your business success
- You want to stand out in a competitive market
- You have specific features or functions not available in templates
- You’re planning long-term growth and scalability.
Best for: Growing businesses, e-commerce brands, SaaS companies, and personal brands aiming to differentiate themselves.