template vs. custom website design
Posted by bradymillsgraphics on March 27, 2008
Why use a custom designed website (and pay more) instead of a template for my website design?
I get this question pretty frequently – and it’s a valid one. For some, templates are the answer. In the last few years, designers have made great strides creating templates that are more appealing and more functional. Templates can be a quick fix when you need a site in a pinch. If you find the right one, creating your site can be cheap and fast.
However, one thing we encourage our clients to consider is not just their needs now, but where do they see their business going in the future? More importantly, how do they see their website keeping pace?
This is one of our main considerations when we begin working on a site. We always design with the future in mind. On more than one occasion a client has come to us in need of a basic, informative site. Within a year of their site’s launch they’ve returned to us with new ideas and updates for their site: e-commerce features, community forums, live chat, user info capture and more. Since we’ve designed the site with the client’s next steps in mind, we’ve always been able to easily integrate the new phases and features into the site without losing the integrity and groundwork that the client has already put into their site.
A custom-designed site grows with your business unlike any mass-marketed template. The ability of a site to meet your needs along each step is essential for every growing business, and that’s a consideration that is far more valuable than any quick fix solution.
John McKayth said
I think templates are great IF you buy them from a reputable website like dreamlinestudio.com or dynamic factory. A well designed one with sources included will run you under $200. Although I think overall custom design is really the ticket, alot of people can’t fork over a few thousand to get it done.
I’ll admit I have a template design, but there isn’t a week that goes by that I get great comments on my website. There are many cheap templates out there, you just have to dig to find the really good ones.
John
bradymillsgraphics said
You’re right, John. The right template can certainly work for some businesses. There’s no doubt about that. However, of the clients who’ve come to us for site redesigns, it’s often after a lackluster and frustrating experience with templates. For those on a budget who need a basic, informative site, templates can work. For those with more dynamic needs who want to save time and money in the long run, we’ll always recommend custom design.
Thanks for your thoughts!