Template vs Custom Web Design: Which Should You Choose?
If you’re just starting out as an entrepreneur, you may be thinking it’s time to get a website for your new business! This is a big milestone, but choosing between pre-made templates and custom web design can be a confusing decision.
Keep reading for a breakdown of the pros and cons of each, and how to decide which option is best for your business.
Benefits of templates
You have a couple of options when it comes to website templates. You can either use Squarespace’s built-in templates or purchase one that has been pre-designed. Both give you the option to make customizations for your business. You can even hire web designers to customize the template you purchase even further.
Templates come at a lower price point, and because you are doing most of the work yourself, you become familiar with the details of your website and can easily make changes to it in the future as your business grows.
The downside to templates is that you are limited in just how much customization you can do. Without hiring a designer that can implement custom code, you may end up with a website that looks similar to other sites that have used the same template.
Related Read: How to Pick the Best Squarespace Template
Benefits of custom design
With a custom website design, you get just that - a website that is built specifically for your needs and optimized for the goals of your business. Your web designer is able to create custom features and designs through code that will provide a completely unique website experience for your visitors.
Plus, you get to hand off the work to an expert and have peace of mind that you’re getting a professional website that actively works for your business.
Custom websites do come with a higher price point, and there will be a longer wait time as your designer prepares and develops your site. You may also have to hire a designer in the future to make changes, depending on how complex they are.
Related Case Study: Decker/Royal Custom Squarespace Site
So, how do you decide which option is right for you?
If you’re just starting out as an entrepreneur, using a Squarespace template may be a great option to get your business out there for others to see. Something is better than nothing!
You can also take it one step further and purchase a more customized template or hire a designer to customize a template for you as an intermediate option. This is more expensive than DIYing your site completely, but not as much of an investment as hiring a designer to build your site from the ground up.
If you’re in a place in your business where you are ready to make an investment, then working with a web designer is the way to go! You’ll definitely see a return on that investment by having a custom website that is designed to convert for your specific business goals.
Creating a website for your business is an exciting step, no matter which route you choose. I hope this post has helped you make the best decision for where you are in your business journey.
