If you’re in the market for a new website, you’ve likely come across a lot of companies offering template websites. These would be companies like Squarespace, Wix, and Shopify. While these kinds of websites might work for some, it’s important to know that they come with significant drawbacks.
Cons of Website Templates
- Very little room for customization
- Not always search engine friendly
- Antiquated code that is vulnerable to hacks
- Many other websites will be using the same template
In truth, template websites are really only good as a temporary solution. They’re cheap and can be launched quickly, but they offer relatively no scalability. This makes them an insufficient option for companies that want to stand out from the crowd and firmly make their claim on the web.
Benefits of Custom Website Design
Custom websites, on the other hand, offer greater flexibility and personalization. Below is a list of the top 6 benefits of having a custom built website.
1. Unique Design
With a custom website, you’re getting something that’s completely unique. It will have your company’s logo, your colors, and match the personality of your brand. Plus you can add new functions and design elements as you expand. Your only limitation is your imagination.
2. Greater Security & Functionality
Template websites use recycled code that can leave you vulnerable to hacks and other site malfunctions. A custom website, however, is built with code that serves specific functions, making sure that every line of code is put to good use. This means that custom websites typically load faster and come with far fewer security vulnerabilities.
3. Search Engine Friendly
Another benefit of using custom code is that search engines favor it over the recycle code that templates use. This is because there’s typically less waste when using custom code, making it easier for search engine bots to read and understand what your pages are about. If search engines clearly know what your website is about, they’ll have an easier time ranking you for relevant keywords, which means more traffic for you.
4. Content Management Systems
Many custom websites use content management systems or CMSs. These allow you to easily add content to your website, such as text, images, or video. CMSs like WordPress are very user-friendly, allowing you to create new pages and blog posts instantly, as well as edit any existing content. This also goes towards making search engines happy as they like to see websites that are constantly pumping out new content.
5. Adaptability
As you might have picked up already, custom websites offer a far greater degree of adaptability. If you can think it, you can probably do it. And if you didn’t get it right the first time, you can change it. With a template, however, what you see is what you get. It can be near impossible for even the most experienced developer to manipulate a template. If you’re a growing company that needs to be able to add new features to your website, a custom website is an absolute must.
6. Credibility
Having a custom website also gives your business greater credibility in the eyes of users. To them, the quality of your website is going to reflect the quality of your products or services. So having a website that is as unique as you are will go a long way towards making a good impression. To be fair, there are some pretty good looking templates out there. But chances are a user has seen one just like it before, which will make it more forgettable.
Should You Go Custom?
If you want your website to stand out on the web and be able to express everything your brand has to offer, a custom website is the way to go. But if you don’t have much of a budget and you’re just looking to get something out there, a template might be better suited for your needs. Do keep in mind that if you ever want to upgrade your website, a template is going to give you very few options. More than likely, you’ll have to scrap the site altogether and start from scratch. So make sure you factor in the future costs when making your decision.