Templates VS. Custom Design
So you’ve started your business or you’ve rebranded and now you are looking at website options - there’s tons out there and multiple ways to get your business online! It can be kind of overwhelming trying DIY a custom site from scratch (especially if the design isn’t your favorite thing to do & you actually want your website to help you connect with my clients!)
Don’t worry - I’ve got you covered!
Let’s talk about purchasing Templates vs. Hiring a web designer for a custom site.
Website Templates
Does this sound like you?
You have time to dedicate to putting your site together
You are just getting started with a smaller budget
You don’t mind doing a little research or doing some of the heavy liftings
You’re pretty tech-savvy
You need your website up & running ASAP or within the next week
Building your site from scratch is waaaay too overwhelming
If you answered yes to one or more then Website Templates are the route to go!
Depending on the platform you choose (of course, if you ask me, I’m team SquareSpace), there are tons of designers that offer templates that are cost-effective & are great options to start up with!
When shopping for website templates here are a few things you want to look for:
Make sure the template is compatible with the platform you choose
Ease of editing the template, make sure that you feel comfortable in editing the template
Detailed instructions/tutorials, lots of designers include detailed tutorials on how to edit & use your site template but make sure that is included with your purchase
Mobile responsive, most templates are mobile responsive (especially if you go with Squarespace) but be sure to double-check because the majority of traffic comes from mobile devices :)
Check on the integrations that your template will allow to add automation into your business (hello efficiency & professionalism)
Custom Web Design
Now let’s talk about Custom Web Design!
It’s no secret that custom web design is where it’s at. You have professionals diving deep into your business to build out your virtual storefront - completely unique and custom to you & your brand! YASSS
Does this sound like you?
You’re ready to scale your business for amazing things & need your website to catch up!
You do not have the time to redo your website or build a new one yourself
You’re ready for a strategic website design to lead your dream clients
You have tons of tiny tasks that you know SHOULD be automated but you aren’t even sure where to start (let your website do this for you!)
You’re killing it with your marketing but when people land on your site they ghost you, don’t take it personally - it’s not you, it’s the website.
You aren’t super tech-savvy & don’t enjoy trying to figure out all of the techie pieces
You want to start off right with a custom site optimized for your business
If any of these sound like you - you’re ready for a custom website!
Again, depending on your preferred platform & functionality you should find a website designer that specializes in your platform (& niche too!)
If you’re starting out on your web designer search, grab a copy of my Website Project Planner. This planner includes everything you need to start your website project & every question I ask before working with my web design clients!
