Custom Web Design Vs Template Websites

Online presence is very critical to every single business out there in today’s age. There are very few people who won’t look at your website, reviews, and 50 images before deciding to give your services a shot.

Websites are where online presence begins and is a huge part of the online visibility ecosystem. If you are trying to get quotes for building a website you will stumble upon “custom website” very often.

In this article, we’ll compare custom web design with template websites, examining the pros, cons, and the process involved.

What is Custom Web Design?

Custom web design is the process of creating a unique and highly tailored website from scratch. It’s specifically designed to reflect your brand’s identity, meet your business goals, and offer a distinct user experience. Unlike template websites, custom web design doesn’t rely on pre-made layouts or themes, providing greater flexibility, functionality, and performance.

Let’s understand this way- custom web design is like preparing food from scratch while a template-based website is comparable to ordering food at a restaurant- you can’t really control every single ingredient, how salty or mild it is, and 50 other facts that determines the taste.

As the name suggests, custom web design involves building a website from scratch, tailored specifically to meet your brand’s vision and user needs. It doesn’t use ready-made templates, which means your site will have a unique layout, features, and user experience. Custom websites are built using advanced coding, allowing for greater flexibility and control over design and functionality.

Benefits of Custom Web Design

1. Unique Look and Feel
   • A custom website stands out from the crowd. It doesn’t look like any other site online, creating a memorable experience for your visitors and setting you apart from competitors.
2. Tailored to Your Target Audience
   • Custom websites are designed with your ideal customers in mind. Understanding your target audience’s needs allows for a personalised experience that aligns with their preferences and expectations.
3. Better Performance and Functionality
   • Unlike template websites, custom-built sites are optimised for speed and performance. By using clean, efficient code, custom websites can load faster, provide a better user experience (UX), and improve search engine rankings.
4. Enhanced Security
   • Custom web development often includes advanced security features that are not found in standard templates. This reduces vulnerabilities and protects your website from common cyber threats, especially important for eCommerce and business sites handling sensitive data.
5. Scalability and Flexibility
   • Custom websites are designed with future growth in mind. They can be easily modified and expanded as your business evolves, unlike template websites that often have limited scalability.

Some Examples of Custom Websites

Example #1 AIAD (Our own website)
Example #2 Sharkskin
Example #3 Procycles

Note: Not all agencies offering “custom” web development truly deliver bespoke solutions. Some may use pre-built templates or website builders, leading to limited functionality, performance issues, and generic designs. If the price is too good to be true- chances are it may not be a custom website.

What are Template Websites?

Template-based websites use pre-designed themes that can be quickly customised with your content and branding. They are popular among small businesses and startups due to their lower cost and faster turnaround time. While they offer a quick and affordable solution, template websites come with limitations.

Benefits of Using Template Websites

1. Lower Cost and Faster Setup
   • Template websites are more affordable and can be launched quickly, making them a good choice for small businesses or startups with limited budgets.
2. Easy to Use
   • Website builders like WordPress or Shopify provide user-friendly interfaces, allowing you to manage and update your site without needing technical skills.
3. Wide Range of Themes and Plugins
   • There are thousands of themes and plugins available for template websites, offering various design options and additional features.

Drawbacks of Template Websites

1. Limited Customisation
   • Templates have predefined structures, which can restrict your ability to create a truly unique site. Customising the design and functionality beyond what the template offers can be challenging.
2. Performance Issues
   • Template websites often come with unnecessary code, which can slow down loading times and negatively impact user experience and SEO.
3. Security Risks
   • Popular templates and plugins are frequently targeted by hackers, making template websites more vulnerable to cyberattacks if not properly maintained and updated.
4. Lack of Scalability
   • As your business grows, the limitations of a template website become apparent. Adding complex features or scaling up the site’s functionality can be difficult and may require rebuilding the site entirely.

Some examples of template based website

Example #1 Nicholas Building Solutions
Example #2 ElectriWizard
Example #3 Sydney Scenic Flights

Custom Web Design vs Template Websites: Which Should You Choose?

Choosing between a custom web design and a template website depends on your business needs, goals, and budget. Here’s a quick comparison:

Feature	Custom Web Design	Template Website
Uniqueness	Fully unique and tailored	Limited customisation
Cost	Higher investment	Budget-friendly
Performance	Optimised for speed	Potential performance issues
Security	Enhanced security	More vulnerable to attacks
Scalability	Highly scalable	Limited scalability
Setup Time	Longer development time	Quick to launch

The Process of Custom Web Design

1. Consultation and Discovery
   • Understanding your business goals, target audience, and branding vision.
2. Planning and Wireframing
   • Creating a blueprint of your website’s structure and layout.
3. Design and Development
   • Crafting a unique design and developing custom features tailored to your needs.
4. Testing and Optimisation
   • Ensuring the website functions smoothly across all devices and is optimised for search engines.
5. Launch and Maintenance
   • Deploying the website and providing ongoing support and updates to keep it running optimally.

Conclusion: Is Custom Web Design Worth It?

If you want a website that offers a unique experience, performs well, and can grow with your business, custom web design is the best choice. Although the initial cost may be higher, it’s an investment that pays off in the long run by enhancing your online presence, user engagement, and overall brand perception.

For businesses looking for a quick and budget-friendly solution, template websites may be sufficient to get started. However, they come with limitations that can hinder growth and performance as your business expands.

FAQs

1. What are the main benefits of custom web design?

• Custom web design offers a unique look, better performance, enhanced security, and greater scalability compared to template websites.

2. Are template websites cheaper than custom websites?

• Yes, template websites are generally more affordable and quicker to launch, but they may have limitations in terms of customisation and performance.

3. Can a template website be customised?

• To some extent, yes. However, the level of customisation is often limited by the template’s predefined structure.

4. Is custom web design better for SEO?

• Yes, custom web design allows for optimised code and structure, which can lead to better SEO performance and search engine rankings.

5. How long does it take to build a custom website?

• The timeline can vary depending on the complexity of the project, but it typically takes several weeks to a few months to complete.

Ready to take your website to the next level? Contact Australian Internet Advertising today for a free consultation and start building a unique, high-performance website tailored to your business needs.