Custom Websites vs. Website Templates: Which one is right for your wedding or creative business?

One question I get asked all the time from wedding and creative business owners is whether they should invest in a custom website or a template for their business

My answer is always the same: it truly depends on what stage you’re at in your business and what you’re hoping to accomplish with your website.

What’s a custom website anyway?

First, let’s talk about what a custom website actually is. A custom website is fully designed from scratch for a specific business. It’s a much higher investment for businesses because it’s built with a tailored strategy and design specific to that business. For example, if a goal is to get found online with SEO then we plan a roadmap to help a client accomplish that goal (you can check out a case study about that here).

When you’re paying for a custom website, you’re not just paying for the website itself.

You’re paying for someone to help you:

• Create a custom website with your branding
• Design a user experience tailored to your visitors
• Research and incorporate SEO and SEO best practices
• Integrate other tools like email marketing, CRM systems, and social media

Usually, if a client is looking to invest in a custom website, they’re past the DIY phase of their business and are ready to level up.

What’s a website template?

Now let’s talk about what a website template is. A template is a website that’s pre-designed. It allows a business owner to customize their website by changing out brand colours, photos, copy and links and logos. In some cases, a website designer can make these customizations during what’s called a VIP Day ( a day dedicated to your business).

The biggest benefit of choosing a website template over a customized website is the cost. The investment is significantly lower, but it ensures you still get a quality site to get results with. It also allows you to launch your business online much faster. Instead of taking a month to launch, you can launch in hours.

Our templates are created using the same design process that we use for custom websites to help you get results like converting visitors into paying clients. You can take a look at our templates here.

What are the benefits of custom websites vs. website templates?

Benefits Of A Custom Website

• Unique experience
• Strategic user journey
• Tailored SEO
• Scalability
• Done for you

Benefits Of A Website Template

• Faster turnaround time
• Budget-friendly
• Professionally designed
• Beginner-friendly
• Perfect for newer businesses

So, I bet you’re wondering which option is right for you. Well, that truly depends on where you’re at in your business journey.

If you’re just starting out and don’t have a lot of money or time to invest in a website, then a template is ideal because you can hit the ground running quickly on a tight budget.

If you’ve been in business for a while, have a full client list, a large budget, want to accomplish very specific goals, and want help with things like SEO, then a custom website is the best fit for you.

Final thoughts:

The most important factor in your decision should be where you’re at right now and where you want to go with your business in the future. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with a website template because one that’s well-designed can still create a polished, strategic, high-converting online presence.

Learn more about our services here.