Custom vs Template Website: What’s the difference?

When it comes to creating a website, there are pretty much two routes you can go. One is a template-based website, and the other is a custom website. However, you might be wondering what’s the difference? A website is a website, right? Sure, but there’s a lot more than goes into it. Here’s a look at the two options and how you can choose the right one for your website.

Template Website

A template (or theme) is where you’re using a pre-designed website and adjusting it for your brand. The design is fully ready to go so all you’re doing is replacing key elements with your own, such as logo, fonts, color palette, imagery, and content.

Depending upon the platform you use, there may be templates built-in to choose from (like Squarespace) or you can purchase and install one from a third-party site such as Creative Market or Etsy. Some designers may even offer templates to purchase as a more affordable solution to working with them one-on-one.

In the past, I’ve offered a semi-custom design package that is a template-based site on Squarespace. I collaborate with my client to find the right template, and then I install it, edit the settings, and implement their content and branding. I also add slight touches to the design so it feels more like a custom site and less like a template.

One of my semi-custom projects was a Squarespace website for nutritionist Joey Anderson. Her website uses Clove, one of Squarespace’s built-in templates.

Who is it for?

Template-based sites are a great solution if you’re just getting started with a website and don’t have the budget to invest in a custom one yet. A custom site should be the goal, but sometimes you have to start small and work your way up. However, if done right, a template-based site may be all you need!

Pros:

• Saves time. You’re not building a site from scratch, so plugging in your brand and content moves pretty quickly.
• Budget-friendly. You can spend as little or as much as you want on a template. Plus, templates are usually designed for the DIYer, so you don’t necessarily have to hire someone to do it for you.
• There are a lot of nice templates out there to choose from! That’s a big reason why I recommend going with Squarespace as opposed to Wix, Weebly, GoDaddy, or Google page builders because their selection of templates is higher quality.

Cons:

• Decision fatigue. There are SO many templates out there that you might get lost in the sea of trying to find the right one.
• Templates have the tendency to all look the same, and that’s primarily because they have to serve a variety of different use cases. They’re not tailored specifically toward your exact needs or business.
• You’re less likely to get your site exactly how you want it and are limited to what the template can do
• It can cost you time if you DIY, and we all know time is money. Installing and configuring is definitely a learning curve, especially if you’ve never done it before. Plus, not all templates are created equally.
• Templates are typically aimed at the DIYer so it’s very easy for it to look like a DIY. You can usually tell when someone’s website is a template. It may be functional but the branding doesn’t fit just right and certain details appear off.
• Your site isn’t unique. Another website could be using the exact same template but for a completely different business. Or your competitor could be using the same template. Your business isn’t the same as everyone else’s so why should your website be the same?

Custom Website

A custom website is one that is built completely tailored to your brand and functionality needs. This means you’ll be working with a designer who will make sure the intent behind every design decision is for the benefit of your users.

My Signature package is a custom-designed website using the platform Showit. My process involves having a lengthy discovery meeting where I learn about my client’s target audience and needs for their site. I take that information and paired with my knowledge and expertise, I transform that into a custom design. I sketch out my concepts on paper and then bring them into Sketch where I flush out the full design. Then I take that design and build it into a website on Showit’s platform.

For instance, I created a custom-designed website for my client Kim Sperry. I designed and developed every page from scratch.

Who is it for?

Ideal for any business at any stage especially when you want to hit the ground running and put your best foot forward. It’s also the perfect way to take a current website that maybe was built using a template to the next level.

Pros:

• It’s created specifically for you and your audience alone
• Your website will be unique. No one else will have your design or be able to purchase it from a shop.
• You can have your site exactly how you want it and not be limited by a template’s capabilities
• High-end quality design communicates trustworthiness and professionalism
• It helps you stand out from your competitors

Cons:

• It can be pricey because you’re hiring someone (or a company) to design and develop a custom solution
• It can potentially take a little longer because it’s being built from the ground up

An intentionally well-designed website can be a game-changer for your business. Whether you start with a template or take the leap into a custom design, know that at the end of the day it’s about choosing the best solution to serve your audience’s needs.