The Difference Between Custom Web Design and Templates

Custom Atlanta Web Design

Anyone who is new to the idea of buying or ordering websites will need to make a decision about whether to have one custom built or use an off-the-shelf template. Both have advantages and disadvantages, and we are going to discuss them here.  TM is an Atlanta, GA web design company with a team of 25 us-based employees that specializes in custom Atlanta web design.

It’s important to quickly note that we are referring to pre-built templates here, and not custom templates used by content management system’s such as WordPress, Joomla, or Drupal.  These two items are very different things.

Custom Web Design

A custom web design has many advantages over a pre-built template. Some of which are obvious, but some don’t arise until later. The biggest advantage of having something built around your specific needs is comfort. Your website will do what you need it to do, in the way you need it to and you will never be faced with this answer from your web design company, “Sorry we can’t do that because of the limitations of the template that you chose”.

The advantages of a custom web design include:

  • It’s unique
  • Custom Fitted to your business and industry
  • It can be tailored to your exact needs
  • It can adapt to change
  • Will generally be better quality
  • Fully scalable

The disadvantage of a custom web design are twofold, cost and time. A great custom web design will take time to research, build, test and release. Sometimes a number of weeks. That time costs money, and custom designs do cost more, but so does anything of value.

Pre-made Templates

Buying a web template is easy. It’s generally just a matter of finding one you like, buying it, adapting it to your needs and uploading it to your web host. They are cheaper than a custom website design and quicker to realize.

However, they are also not as unique, not as flexible, or as scalable.

The advantages of a pre-made template include:

  • Cheaper
  • Faster
  • Less input required

Templates are much cheaper than a custom website design, but in return they won’t reflect your needs as exactly as a custom build. You will have to mold your needs around the functions of the template rather than the other way round. Many templates will be scalable, of a high quality and be adaptable, but the majority will not.

The main downside of using a pre-made template is the fact that you have to do the work yourself. If you don’t know HTML, CSS or PHP, your options to tailor a template to your needs are going to be limited unless you hire someone to do it for you.

If budget allows, originality is always the right way to go. Any business who wants to succeed will need to stand out. That means bespoke web designs, original logo, distinctive branding and a service offering that also gets you noticed. Using a template that is also potentially in use by hundreds of other websites will not achieve any of that.

A custom website design should be regarded as an investment, not just a cost. Done well, an original site will earn you far more than it costs.  If you are looking for a one-of-a-kind, professional website in Atlanta, GA, then look no further.  TM is the leading provider of custom web design in Atlanta.  Our team of US-based professionals is ready to help you with all aspects of your project.

 

Custom Web Design by TM Atlanta Web