Web Design vs Web Templates
When you consider generating a new website, your determination quickly faces a major dilemma. Are you going to go for an existing web template as the basis for your new site, or will you go for a custom web design? A tough question if you can’t assess the difference between the two options. But don’t apprehension, in this article, we will tell you exactly what are the benefits and drawbacks of both options.
Table of Contents
What is the Main Difference?
Let’s start by clarifying the main difference between creating a website from mark and using an existing pattern.
A template is an existing presentation in which the plan and part of the website’s functionality are permanent. This web template remain linked to a Content Management System (CMS), such as WordPress, to create a complete site. However, not all templates are 100% responsive.
With a custom website, first of all, you create a unique design . It is followed by the website’s technical realization, where the procedure is combined with the desired functions. A custom-designed website is also equipped with a CMS (Content Management System), for example, CMS Made Simple.
 Pros and Cons of Website Templates
The easiest way to create a website is to install WordPress and apply a theme purchased from ThemeForest, Elegant Themes or Template Monster. These sites offer a wide variety of templates that have been created for different purposes. Think of an e-commerce website or a marketplace; there are themes of all kinds available for purchase.
One of the biggest advantages of web templates remain that the site can be made relatively quickly at an attractive price. The best templates or premium themes remain usually equipped with extensive possibilities to determine the website’s design. Additional features such as the contact form and social media buttons remain typically included by default.
However, this solution also has some disadvantages. First of all, the design is not unique. So your competitors can create a comparable website using the same template. By spread over your corporate style, you can offer something different from the rest, but not much more than adjusting the colours, fonts, or logos. That is basic changes.
Another disadvantage is that templates tend to have a slow charging speed. It is the direct significance of the abundance of functionalities. Even when excessive functions are disabled, the loading speed is not optimal. It can negatively affect SEO, as Google and other search engines rank the fastest websites in search results. Besides, it is also more pleasant for the visitor if the website responds quickly.
Pros and Cons of Custom Web Design
Custom designed websites have a team that is behind the whole concept of your website. They will help you go through the creative process to reach your target audience with the right structures and design. The biggest advantage of a custom web project is that it will help your website stand out from the crowd, giving you a competitive advantage. It also has its benefits at the SEO level since personalized websites are more search engine friendly than web templates.
A personalized website remain not only better adapted to the needs of your business. But it also offers you the opportunity to integrate the corporate identity of your company. Also, the website can remain expanded in terms of functions as your business grows. For instance, if you want to connect your website to a database on an external system later, Plano web design can ensure flexibility and scalability in meeting your evolving requirements. In this case, a template will have its limitations.
Developing a custom web design requires knowledge and experience. That is why this option is more expensive than buying a ready-to-use template. It also takes more time to create a website from scratch due to the complex development process and the custom UX and UI. In return, you will get an authentic website with a design that fits perfectly.
 How to Make the Right Decision?
Nowadays, we have discussed the advantages and disadvantages of both options. The question is which solution best suits your company. The choice between a web template and a custom web design is often based on the available budget. However, we recommend that you determine which of the other aspects are important to your business.
In reality, we see that small entrepreneurs and freelancers more frequently decide on a web template and that it is enough for them. Larger organizations and companies generally need more customization and flexibility.