Which web design service is right for my business: Template, Semi-custom, or Custom?
I think we can all agree that the internet is chock-full of opinions about what you should do and how you should do it. And, it can get pretty overwhelming real quick if you’re constantly hearing things like —
“If you want to have a successful business thing year, you MUST invest in a custom brand and professional copywriting and professional photography and a custom website…”
That can add up pretty quick. As small business owners and entrepreneurs, sometimes we just don’t have the funds to invest in all the stuff we “should” or want to at any given time in our business.
And that’s okay. We all start somewhere. Our business growth is our own. Our timeline is our own.
When it comes to choosing the right web design service for your business, I hope this article helps you make a decision that’s right for where you are and one you can feel confident about.
Let’s get to it—
DIY Website Templates
Website templates abound on the internet today. You can find pretty much any style, platform, and templates built for your specific business—no matter how niche.
A template is a great place to start if you’re a new or young business. But, on the other end of the spectrum, there are some very high-end templates that even the most seasoned businesses can see success from.
Website Template Pros
Low investment
Depending on platform and the designer or shop, templates range from free to $1K+. The average template cost hovers around $300-$500.
Saving on your website might free up some cash to invest in other services that will make a bigger impact. For example, if you have $5K to spend on “getting a website up”—investing the bulk of that on brand photography and copywriting will make for a
Acts as a guide
If you’re smart about what template you purchase, it can act as a content guide. If you’re a therapist and purchase a template built specifically for therapists, chances are your template will have all the pages and sections you need to build an effective website.
Website Template Cons
It’s a template
I mean, we’ve got to call a spade a spade. Purchasing a template means countless other folks might have the exact same website as you. Especially if you (and others) opted to use a template as is, right out of the box and didn’t update any fonts or colors.
Might lack the functionality you need
Many templates are designed with the pages and content containers you need but lack the integrations and functionality that can help you run your business like integrating a scheduler, setting up an email funnel, or the BTS workings of an online shop.
Website templates are best suited for…
New or newish businesses
Folks who don’t need a lot of bells and whistles (aka integrations)
Folks who need a website fast and cheap
If you’re in the market for a Squarespace website template—I can help with that.
Shop Squarespace 7.1 fluid engine templates for artists, creatives, podcasters, service providers, and more!
Semi-Custom Template Restyle
This is a glorious hybrid option that allows you to cut costs by using a template as your base but roping in a designer to hep you customize and fit the website to support YOUR business.
Pros of a semi-custom website restyle
Best of both worlds
You get to have the custom experience without the custom price tag. Having the support of a designer to help you effectively place content and make informed design decisions can make all the difference. Web designers are inside websites all day long—as they should be!—so, we have the data of what works best in addition to making it look the best.
Cons of a semi-custom website restyle
You’re still locked into a template framework
To save on costs, you’re starting with a template as a base and still have to build your site inside the confines of the template structure.
I like to think of this as interior design in a house—you can spruce up your space with paint, new flooring, and fixtures. Maybe even remove a non-load bearing wall, but you’re still stuck with the floor plan.
Semi-custom website restyles are best suited for…
Businesses in the growing phases—still testing your offers and sorting out how you do business
Young businesses in need of help in the design department—if creative direction and design is NOT in your wheelhouse, enlisting the help of a professional can save you a lot of time and stress!
Folks with a smaller budget but still want to outsource web design work
If this sounds like you, check out my 3-Day $3K Website Restyle service here.
Custom Website Design
Let’s circle back to the bit about what you “should” be doing to run a successful business. Custom web design and development is one of those things you might think you need. And, that’s not always the case.
Do I love working with folks to build a totally custom website that looks and functions EXACTLY how they need it to for their specific business? Heck yes. But is it always the right fit? No way.
Pros of a custom website
Built specifically for your business
Going the fully custom route can be the right choice for your business when your current website isn’t cutting it in the design or functionality department. This can be a good thing. If you’ve outgrown your site, it means your business has grown (yay you!).
Investing in a custom website might be the right next step to ensure your site is supporting your brand (the experience it creates for your visitors) and how you do business (the functionality and systems it’s running BTS).
Gives you a longer runway for creating a unique experience
When you work with a web designer on a custom site, you can literally create ANYTHING to go on it. The sky’s the limit (as long as the budget allows 🤣). When you’re working from a template or a semi-custom design—bespoke elements like custom patterns, illustrations, animations, and cool effects don’t make the cut because the budget doesn’t usually allow for them. But on a custom site—you and your designer can co-create the precise online experience you want to give your customers when they interact with your brand and website.
Cons of a custom website
Costs the most
But is it worth it? Absolutely—if you’re at the right stage of business. ROI on a custom website really depends on the data you and your web designer are working with. When you are an established business, you have established offers, established SOPS, an established audience, and an established market. Knowing and understanding these things guide design and functionality decisions in a smart way.
It could flop (I can’t believe I’m saying this)
Piggybacking off the previous con—if you’re not ready for a custom site, you could not be getting the ROI you thought you would. If your business is not stable and steadily growing, investing in a custom website might mean you’re building something that won’t support your business. Can businesses change and pivot? Absolutely. Are all websites meant to last forever? Heck no. But, you should NOT be paying a designer thousands of dollars every year to build an entirely new custom website.
Remember folks, investing in a custom website is NOT the magic bullet to skyrocket your business. No matter what the gurus tell you online.
Custom website design is best suited for…
Established businesses
Folks who have sorted out their services and offers
Businesses that have specific needs for how their website functions
When it comes to choosing the right web service, it really boils down to a few questions…
What can the budget afford and is this going to make the most impact or ROI?
Will this service result in a website that supports how I do business?
Will this service result in the functionality I need in a website to help run my business and grow my business?
Will this service give me the design flexibility I need to provide and online experience my audience has come to know and love when engaging with my brand or business?
If you’re curious about chatting with yours truly about which service is right for you, book a 20-minute chit chat and let’s find out!
As always, it’s totally free because a) I love talking to strangers on the internet and meeting new people and b) I want your businesses to be as successful as possible. If 20 minutes of my time can save you thousands of dollars, then sign me up!
