Introduction
Think of your website as your 24/7 sales person, and just like a physical shop, the way it acts impacts sales. If you’re considering launching or revamping your site, you’ve likely encountered two options: custom built websites and template websites. But which one is right for your business?
In this blog, we’ll break down the pros and cons of both custom and template websites, with a focus on:
- How each option affects sales and conversions
- The impact on branding, flexibility, and SEO
- Which type of website is best suited for different business sizes and budgets
- A balanced look at when a template website is a good fit and when custom development is necessary
By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of which option aligns with your business goals and how to make the right choice.
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1. Template Websites: Affordable and Quick for Startups & Small Businesses
Perfect for businesses on a budget or launching quickly
A template website is a pre-designed layout that can be customised with your content and branding. It’s ideal for startups and small businesses that need an online presence quickly without a large investment.
Best Suited For:
- New startups and small businesses with limited budgets
- Personal brands, freelancers, and bloggers
- Businesses that need a simple site with minimal custom features
Key Benefits:
- Affordable: Low upfront costs compared to custom development.
- Fast Setup: Can be launched in a matter of days or weeks.
- Easy to Maintain: Many templates come with drag-and-drop builders for simple updates.
Real-World Example: A freelance graphic designer needed a portfolio website to showcase work quickly. Using a template, the site was built in 48 hours, allowing the freelancer to start attracting clients immediately. While the template served as a great short-term solution, as their business grew, they needed more advanced features, leading to a shift towards a custom website.
🔗 Read about best practices for small business websites
2. Custom Websites: Tailored for Growth & Conversions
Designed to scale and optimize sales
A custom website is built from the ground up to align with your business goals. It’s best for companies that need unique functionality, advanced integrations, or a highly optimised sales funnel.
Best Suited For:
- Growing businesses and established brands
- E-commerce companies needing advanced checkout optimization
- Companies that require custom integrations (CRM, automation, etc.)
Key Benefits:
- Optimised for Conversions: Custom sites are designed with sales and user experience in mind.
- Scalable & Flexible: Can grow with your business and integrate advanced features.
- Unique Branding & Design: Ensures your website doesn’t look like competitors.
Real-World Example: A legal consultancy firm switched from a template site to a custom-built platform with personalised landing pages and a clear service funnel. Within six months, their inquiries increased by 60%, and they ranked on the first page of Google for their target keywords.
3. SEO & Performance: How Website Type Impacts Search Rankings
Google prioritises fast, optimised websites
Template websites often come bloated with extra code and unnecessary features, which slows down performance and affects SEO. On the other hand, custom websites can be optimised from the start for speed, security, and search rankings.
Real World Example: An online retailer initially used a template website but struggled with slow loading speeds and limited SEO control. After switching to a custom-built website, their page load time improved by 45%, and organic traffic increased significantly. This would be because consumer was not waiting as long to view products, it is as easy as that.
🔗 Why page speed is crucial for SEO
4. Cost Considerations: Long-Term Value vs. Short-Term Savings
Which is the better investment?
While template websites are initially cheaper, hidden costs such as plugin fees, limitations in scaling, and redesign expenses can add up. Custom websites, though more expensive upfront, are built to last and adapt to business growth.
If you are unsure if you are losing customers on your website we go further into this topic here
Real World Example: Imagine a boutique fashion brand started with a template site but quickly realised that integrating a custom e-commerce system required paid plugins and recurring subscription fees. Transitioning to a custom-built website eliminated unnecessary costs and streamlined their operations.
📢 Want a cost effective website that grows with your business? Let’s talk. Book a Free Strategy Session
5. Security & Data Protection: Keeping Your Website Safe
Hackers target popular template platforms
Template-based sites are often built on widely used platforms that hackers target. Without regular updates and security patches, they can become vulnerable to cyber threats. This could lead to your site looking like this!
Real World Example: Imagine a service provider using a template site fell victim to a data breach due to an outdated plugin. After investing in a custom-built website with enhanced security, their data was protected, and they regained customer trust.
🔗 Learn why website security is crucial
6. Which Website Type is Best for Your Business?
| Business Type | Best Website Choice |
|---|---|
| New startups & freelancers | Template Website |
| Small businesses with moderate needs | Template (short-term) → Custom (long-term) |
| Growing businesses & brands | Custom Website |
| E-commerce stores | Custom Website |
📢 Still unsure? Let’s discuss your needs in a free consultation.
Conclusion: Choose the Right Website for Your Goals
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to website design. If you’re just starting out and need a quick, cost-effective solution, a template website might be a good first step. However, if you’re planning for long-term success and need a website optimised for conversions, branding, and growth, custom design is the way to go.
✅ Template Websites are great for startups and simple websites. ✅ Custom Websites offer better SEO, scalability, and conversion rates. ✅ Long-term growth? A custom website is the best investment.
📢 Let’s find the right solution for your business! Book a free consultation today. Schedule a Call
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