When you’re planning a new website, one of the first decisions you’ll come up against is whether to use a pre-built template or invest in a fully custom design. And it’s not always a straightforward choice. Whether you’re a brand new business owner or you’ve been trading for years, your website plays a huge role in how customers see you. So naturally, you want to get it right.
But with so many options available – and everyone offering something different – it’s easy to get stuck. In this post, I’ll break down the key differences between template websites and custom builds, share the pros and cons of each, and help you decide what’s best for your business.
Let’s get into it.
What Is a Template Website?
A template (or theme-based) website is built using a pre-designed layout. It’s like choosing a ready-made house – the structure’s already there, and you just move your content and branding in.
Templates are available for all the popular website platforms, including WordPress, and they’re often favoured by small businesses for their affordability and speed. You can customise the colours, fonts and images to match your brand – but the layout and core structure usually stay the same.
What Is a Custom Website?
A custom website, on the other hand, is designed and built specifically for your business from the ground up. It starts with a blank canvas and is tailored to your goals, audience and functionality requirements. Every aspect – from the layout and navigation to the visuals and features – is carefully planned and developed for your brand.
Custom websites usually involve working with a designer and developer (or a team that does both) and can take longer to launch, but offer far more flexibility and uniqueness.
Template Website: Pros and Cons
Pros of Using a Template
- Lower upfront cost
Templates are significantly cheaper than custom designs. Many are even free or included with hosting packages. For small startups or micro-businesses with limited funds, this can be a huge benefit. - Faster turnaround
You can go from idea to live website in a matter of days – or even hours – depending on how ready your content is. Templates are ideal if you need something live quickly. - Easy to use
Many templates are designed to work with drag-and-drop builders or content management systems like WordPress. This makes them relatively easy to manage without needing advanced technical skills. - Plenty of choice
There’s a massive range of templates out there, catering to different industries, styles and purposes. Whatever your business type, there’ll likely be a design that roughly suits.
Cons of Using a Template
- Generic look and feel
Even after customising colours and text, template websites often look similar to others using the same design. That means you risk blending in rather than standing out. - Limited flexibility
While templates can often be tweaked, there are limits. You may not be able to change certain layouts or add unique features without breaking things or involving a developer. - Bloat and slow load times
Many templates come packed with extra features and scripts you may never use, which can slow your site down. This can harm user experience and your SEO rankings. - Not always scalable
If your business grows or you want to add more complex functionality later, a template may not keep up. You could find yourself needing a full rebuild sooner than expected.
Custom Website: Pros and Cons
Pros of a Custom Website
- Built around your goals
With a custom site, everything is designed to suit your exact business needs – from the customer journey to the calls-to-action. It’s tailored to support conversions. - Unique and on-brand
A bespoke design reflects your brand identity and helps you stand out in a crowded market. It shows you’ve invested in your online presence, which builds trust. - Future-proof and scalable
Custom websites are built with your future in mind. You can add new features, expand pages, integrate systems, or adjust layouts without hitting template limitations. - SEO and performance optimised
You can build your website from the ground up with SEO in mind. Clean code, fast loading, structured content and mobile responsiveness come as standard when done properly. - Better support and maintenance
When you go custom, you’ll usually have ongoing access to your designer or developer. That means support, advice and updates are only ever a phone call away.
Cons of a Custom Website
- Higher initial cost
There’s no way around it – a custom website will cost more than a template. But for many businesses, it’s an investment that pays off in the long run. - Longer development time
Because it’s built from scratch, a custom site takes more time to design, develop and test. You’ll need to allow a few weeks (sometimes months) before launch. - Requires more planning
You’ll need to be more involved in the process. That means providing content, feedback and direction – but the result is something far more valuable to your business.
Which Is Right for You?
Choosing between a template and custom website ultimately depends on your business goals, budget, and time frame. Here’s a breakdown of how to approach the decision:
A Template Website Might Be Right If:
- You’re just starting out and need something simple to get online
- Your budget is very limited, and you’re happy to work within preset constraints
- You only need a basic brochure site with a few pages
- You plan to upgrade or rebuild your site once the business is more established
A Custom Website Might Be Right If:
- You want your website to reflect your brand personality in a bold, unique way
- You’re investing in marketing and need your site to convert visitors into customers
- You have specific features or functionality that a template can’t provide
- You’re in a competitive industry and need to stand out
- You view your website as a long-term business asset
A Real-World Comparison
Imagine two cafés open across the street from each other. One uses a free off-the-shelf website template that a thousand other cafés are also using. It does the job but doesn’t tell you much about what makes them special.
The other café invests in a bespoke site with stunning photography, clear messaging, and a booking system tailored to their customer flow. Their website not only reflects the brand but actively supports the business.
Now imagine you’re deciding where to meet a friend for lunch. Which one feels more trustworthy? Which one seems like it cares more about its customers?
Hidden Costs to Watch Out For
Something worth noting – going with a template isn’t always the cheaper option in the long run. If you end up spending time trying to force the design to do things it wasn’t meant to do, or you need a developer to fix bugs, the cost adds up. And if you outgrow the template after 12 months and need a full rebuild, you’ll be paying again anyway.
On the flip side, a well-built custom site can last you 5 years or more with the right maintenance. It’s more of a long-term investment than a short-term fix.
Need Help Deciding?
If you’re still unsure which route to go down, I offer honest, no-pressure advice. I’ve helped plenty of businesses across Leeds and beyond figure out the right approach for their goals – and I’m happy to chat through your options.
Take a look at the Web Design Services page to see how I work, or check out some recent websites I’ve built to get a feel for what’s possible.
Whether you want to start simple or go fully bespoke, I can guide you through the process step-by-step.
Get in Touch
Ready to build a website that works for your business? I’d love to hear more about what you’re planning.
- Visit the Contact Page to send a message
- Book a free consultation to talk through your options
- Or drop me a message on WhatsApp directly from the website
Your website is often the first impression people get of your business. Let’s make sure it’s a good one.
