Template Web Services vs.
Custom Website Design Services

For small business owners and firms just starting out, it is important to find ways to save money and be profitable. Having a presence on the World Wide Web gives your business credibility in the minds of your potential clients. Having your own website may not be as challenging (or as expensive) as you might think. But, just as your marketing materials and office appearance need to project a professional appearance, so too does your website. The more professional looking your website, the more credible your business looks to the online visitor.

Many business owners do not understand the difference between having a company that provides a selection of pre-determined web templates at a low cost or having a professional website development company design a custom website. Each has its unique pros and cons, and the business owner should consider what makes the most sense for his/her own enterprise. Below we compare what to expect with each.

Custom Website Development:

• Unique custom design created just for your firm or business
• Custom logo / branding if needed that will be unique to your business or firm
• Explanations about all aspects of your website
• Personal consultant and partner for business growth
• Personal attention
• Support & help when you need it
• The entire website is your property, you own everything
• All graphics used on the site are yours to use for other marketing purposes
• Marketing assistance from direct mail, social outlets such as Twitter and Facebook, to search engine optimization including natural and organic to pay per click advertising
• Your website is adaptable to your business growth
• No technical knowledge necessary
• No learning of online template systems to build your own site
• Potential for higher upfront cost, but lower future cost that is constant

Template Websites:

• The design of a template site may have a generic appearance and can often be used by an unlimited number of other businesses
• A template website limits how much a site can be customized or expanded in the future
• If you decide not to continue with the template hosting service in the future, you may lose both the design and ownership of the template website
• A template site typically requires the learning of an online services system to build and put together the site
• Some template sites are not built to be search engine friendly
• Some template sites may not be built to display properly in all internet browsers
• Customer service support on template sites typically occurs through emails and forms, online articles, FAQs, and limited, if any, personal attention
• Template sites also frequently use outsourced overseas help desks, reducing response and correction time
• Template sites offer limited consulting advice on marketing
• Lower upfront cost, but monthly and annual ongoing cost is higher; over a period of time, a template site costs more than a custom website