Custom Vs Template Websites: Which Is Right for You?

Which type of website is best for you and your business? Ironstic breaks down custom vs. template websites – and why websites are so important – so you make a smart and informed decision. Below, you’ll find a wealth of information- just a hop, skip, and jump away!

Why Websites Are Important

One of the best investments any business can make is on their website. Investing in a website is like picking out the perfect outfit for your business — it’s gotta look sharp, represent your brand, and, of course, catch the right eyes. 

Your website builds credibility. It is the grand entrance to your company, the thing that makes potential clients stop scrolling and pay attention.

Just in case you’re wondering how important a website actually is and where it might rank in your list of priorities, here are some solid reasons:

• A website shows you exist. These days, if people can’t find you on Google, you might as well be a ghost.
• The majority of people – including those shopping local – will search the internet first. 
  • 97% of people use the internet to find local businesses
  • 70% of people will visit a business in person because of what they first found online.

• E-commerce sales are estimated to be in the trillions of dollars – money you can’t get without a website.
• A website builds trust, establishes legitimacy, and provides much-needed information, convenience, and access to clients and customers.

One of the major reasons why small businesses avoid building a website? They think it’s too much of a headache, but we’re here to tell you that it’s not. Especially when you can leave all the ongoing management and hosting to professionals like us, all you have to do after takeoff is sit back and enjoy the ride. ✈️

So, now that you know why websites are important and that they’re a lot easier than you might think, it stands to reason that your next question might be, “What type of website (custom or template) should I invest in?” Luckily,  we dive into the pros and cons of custom vs. template websites below.

Template Websites

Ironistic often builds websites using ready-made WordPress templates. Template themes are an excellent solution for companies that do not require any custom code, designs, or integrations.   

✅ Pros of Template Sites

• Bypass Development: Got your content ready? Awesome! Because themes come with pre-made templates, you can launch a template website very quickly and easily without any custom programming or development. 
• Modern Vibes: Most templates these days come with sleek designs and compliant code that are on par with some of the top sites on the web. Plus, template companies tend to freshen up their code and themes on a regular basis.
• Mobile Responsiveness: Most modern templates also come with built-in mobile responsiveness, ensuring that your website looks sharp on any device — an essential feature as mobile devices dominate desktops in number of visits (by 313%).
• Updating Is Easy: If you have no custom code on your site, then the theme can usually be updated with a push of a button – quick and simple.
• Wallet-Friendly: Templates are more economical, making them a stress-free choice for small businesses minding their budgets.
• Steady Support: Stick with the larger, more reputable template companies, and you’ll get solid support – as long as you’re not tinkering under the hood (i.e. adding custom code).

❎ Cons of Template Sites

• Cookie-Cutter Conundrum: Templates can be a bit like tourist shop T-shirts; since they’re all prefabricated, you are restricted to themed designs and configurations unless you customize the code.
• Code Baggage: Because templates are designed to be all things to all businesses, they’re often packed with features you’ll never use. These extra options and plugins can slow down the speed and performance of your site (a key factor in online customer experience). 
• Security Risks: Popular templates are constantly scanned for vulnerabilities by hackers because they know that many websites leverage these themes. This is why WordPress regularly releases security fixes as do the themes and plugins that run on WordPress. 
• So-So Support: If you build any customizations into the theme, the template company usually will not assist with troubleshooting. The good news, however, is that any competent WordPress developer – like yours truly – can assist. 

⭐ To see what a theme website might look like, check out this recent IronCurrent themed website we just completed! Alcoa Pittsburgh FCU

Custom Websites

Custom websites are the haute couture of the digital world. They’re designed just for you, fitting your business like a glove. If you have specific needs or a definitive vision, then a tailored, handcrafted theme is where it’s at. Luckily, all of your custom website dreams can be made a reality with Ironistic’s excellent team of developers and designers. 

✅ Advantages

• Tailor-Made Flexibility: A custom theme allows you to build a website that looks and functions exactly as YOU need and want it to, unrestricted by cookie-cutter settings.  
• Liberty of Choice: The freedom to do what you want any old time. New design templates can always be created and implemented without disrupting overarching theme requirements. 
• Code Creativity: Because the theme is created specifically for you, there’s no extra code weighing down your website. In addition, custom code can be implemented without breaking theme-wide restrictions.
• Custom Features: Custom plugins and integrations can be added as needed without a fuss. 
• Singularity: While templates offer a wide variety of layout options, you risk looking like everyone else. Custom themes allow you to stand out among the crowd – especially important for building and amplifying your brand. 

❎ Disadvantages

• Cost: A custom theme requires designers and developers to implement. Even with in-house designers, you will require a developer to implement custom designs and features on WordPress.   
• Time to Launch: All good things come to those who wait, but building anything custom involves rounds of review and beta testing, and therefore takes longer.
• Website Maintenance: On custom themes, testing is required before performing any website upgrades or updates. The good news, however, is that Ironistic has excelled at this for years. 

⭐ To see what a custom theme website might look like, check out this recent one we just completed! ITC Federal

Choose Your Own Adventure: Custom Vs. Template Websites

So, which is better for you: template or custom? It all depends on what you need. If you’re looking for something quick, easy, and affordable, templates are the way to go. If you want a site that’s uniquely yours and tailored to your exact needs, a custom theme is the optimal choice.

Still undecided? Give us a shout! We’re happy to chat about your goals, best interests, and options, so you can make a confident decision. 

Contact us today.

[And for more about how to have a successful website design project click here ➡ What Makes a Great Website: 7 Tips]