Custom website vs. Template: Which Website Approach Works Best for Startups?

So, you’re all set to build a new website for your startup, right?

If your answer is affirmative, then it’s time to pause your thoughts and understand what you really want— “Custom Website development” or “Template.”

Remember that what you choose today will impact your business tomorrow! 

Let’s look at some astonishing facts!

  • Poor design and content can take nearly 38% of web visitors away from your website. (Source: Hostinger). 
  • A web design influences 94% of all first impressions. (Source: Hostinger). 
  • Slow Image Loading on a website can cause almost 39% of Users to lose interest (Source: Hostinger). 

As a matter of fact, you should keep multiple factors in mind before making the right move for your baby business! 

If you have ample time and budget and have a specific set of target customers to deal with, a custom website is worth considering. On the other hand, businesses with limited budget and resources can go ahead with predefined website templates!

But now the question arises- Are custom website designs better for startups? Are website templates cost-effective than custom designs?

Let’s find out! 

Table Of Contents:

1. What are Custom Websites?
2. What are the Benefits of Custom Website Development?
3. Next, What are Template Websites?
4. What are the Benefits of Template Websites?
5. Custom Websites vs. Template Websites: What to Choose for Your Web Development Project?
Final Thoughts 

What are Custom Websites?

To put it simply, custom websites refer to the designing and development of custom websites from scratch! The biggest difference between custom and template-based websites is that an individual cannot build custom sites on WordPress or Zoomla

Thus, that’s the reason many mid-sized and large-scale enterprises prefer custom sites because they can help them drive significant sales and growth. 

But here’s the crux!

The only downside of having a custom website is that there’s nothing ready for you! You have to do it from scratch. Thus, the entire process is completely time-consuming and demands professional assistance. 

Though it’s found to be incredibly effective and result-driven, you may need to hire dedicated professionals to make it happen. 

But the benefits are worth the time and effort for sure. Without further ado, let’s discuss the salient benefits of custom website development for your bootstrap businesses.

What are the Benefits of Custom Website Development?

Though custom websites may take a toll on the budget in the initial phase, they will likely offer a wide range of benefits from engagement to scalability. 

Benefit #1: Personalized to Your Business

Because every business has a different target audience, you need to cater to them the right way to reap countless benefits. One of the biggest benefits of choosing a custom website for your startup is that all the elements are included to meet your business’s objectives while supporting your brand campaign.  

Benefit #2: Unique Design 

Another major highlighting factor of custom websites is that your site would have a custom and unique layout, which means it will look different and engaging in a way to attract and convert your visitors into customers. 

Benefit #3: Designed for Flexibility 

Technology is changing; so are the websites being developed today! When you build a custom site for your business, you can easily integrate new features and functionalities in the long run. Unlike template-based websites that restrict customization, choosing a custom site will give you the window of opportunity to get the job done with ease. 

Benefit #4: Code-Creativity 

With custom-based websites, the themes are designed specifically for your business objectives. That simply means your websites are not loaded with additional complex coding structures. Furthermore, you can ask your developers to effortlessly implement the code without running into theme-based restrictions. 

Benefit #5: Optimizes SEO 

Last but not least, when you build a custom website for your startup, you will notice that custom coding ultimately facilitates efficient and lightning-speed performance, which may significantly improve your Search Engine Result Page(s) rankings. 

These are the benefits of custom website development for startups! 

But the story doesn’t end here! Let’s set our sights on the next contender, i.e., “Template websites”!

Without wasting further time, let’s dive in! 

Let's build a custom website for your brand

Next, What are Template Websites?

On the other hand, template websites are pre-designed/developed “WordPress” websites that are already done, and a startup can get things started in just a few steps. Furthermore, if you’re a startup on a limited budget that cannot afford to hire a professional developer or a high-paid individual, then it’s wise to lead with template websites. 

Furthermore, these template websites come with a wide range of built-in features so that developers can easily focus on SEO-oriented performance. A template can easily save you time and money. 

All you have to do is simply use a “template” and then add the content you want to add and edit the template as per your business! Congratulations- Your website is ready to be published! 

Just like we have discussed the benefits of custom websites, it’s time to take a look at the benefits of “Template websites”! 

What are the Benefits of Template Websites?

Here are the top reasons to invest in template websites for your startup. 

Benefit #1: Cost-Effective 

One of the major highlights of template websites is that they are relatively cheaper than custom sites and generally require minimal to no maintenance at all in the long run. 

Benefit #2: Built-in Designs 

Another major reason to invest in template websites is that they already have multiple tools and styles ready, which means you can easily make changes without running into complex coding. 

Benefit #3: Saves Abundant Time

When you stick to a template site, you don’t need to perform complex coding to build a new website from scratch. If you want to use the template, then simply add the content that you want to add and edit it. Finally, your website is ready to publish and slay. 

Benefit #4: Minimalistic Design

If you are planning to build a website with less content and a basic interface, then template-based websites are a must for you! Since there are multiple templates available to choose from, you can opt for one that caters to your business needs and budget. On the other hand, if you are a startup planning to incorporate bundles of pages or maximum then then the approach may not be ideal for you. 

Benefit #5: Requires Less to No Knowledge

Have zero knowledge of coding? If so, no worries! Template websites have got your back! If you want to build a single-page website, then it would be the right choice. On the other hand, if you want to build a large website worth complex coding, then custom websites will serve the purpose. 

Custom Websites vs. Template Websites: What to Choose for Your Web Development Project?

Having said that, choosing custom websites vs. template websites depends on a range of factors! To put it simply, if you don’t have a huge budget or enough time for building websites, then choosing custom websites is an ideal choice. On the other hand, if you don’t know coding and need a basic website, then the template websites will help you out! 

Final Thoughts 

So, there you have it! That’s the end of the differences between custom websites and template websites! Remember that template websites are easier to set up and may lack customization, especially if you have a limited set of audience. On the other hand, a custom website allows you to build engaging, feature-rich, and goal-driven websites that drive nothing but “Results”! 

If you’re planning to build a custom website, you may need professional assistance to help you out! This is where EitBiz comes in! 

As a leading website development agency in the USA, we build custom websites that are backed by the latest tech and functionalities to make your site engaging and revenue-driven. 

To get a quote, simply get in touch with us to discuss your web development requirements today! 

Vikas Dagar

Vikas Dagar

Vikas Dagar is a seasoned expert in the field of web and mobile applications, boasting over 14 years of experience across a multitude of industries, from nimble startups to expansive enterprises. Visit Linkedin

Recent Post