5 Important Benefits of Custom Web Development vs. Templates

Last updated: Feb 27, 2024

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An infographic that compares the benefits of custom web development and template-based websites in terms of cost, functionality, security, scalability and uniqueness

When it comes to creating a website for your business, you have two main options: custom web development or template-based websites. Both options have their pros and cons, but which one is better for your needs and goals?

In this blog post, we will compare custom web development and template-based websites and highlight the benefits of choosing custom web development for your website project.

What is Custom Web Development?

Custom web development project on laptop with code and smartphone

Custom web development is the process of creating a website from scratch, tailored to your specific requirements and preferences. Custom web development involves hiring a professional web development agency or a freelance web developer who can design and code your website according to your vision and specifications.

Custom web development allows you to have full control over the look, feel, and functionality of your website. You can choose the layout, colors, fonts, images, animations, features, and integrations that suit your brand identity and business goals. You can also ensure that your website is optimized for SEO, user experience, performance, and security.

Custom web development is ideal for businesses that want to create a unique and original website that stands out from the competition and attracts their target audience. Custom web development is also suitable for businesses that need complex or advanced functionality or features on their website that are not available or supported by template-based websites.

What is Template-Based Website?

Person with computer and WordPress logo for template-based website

Template-based website is the process of creating a website using a pre-designed template or theme that you can purchase or download from various platforms such as WordPress, Shopify, Wix, Squarespace, etc. Template-based website involves choosing a template that matches your industry or niche and customizing it with your own content and images.

Template-based website allows you to create a website quickly and easily without much technical knowledge or skills. You can choose from thousands of templates that are available online and modify them with drag-and-drop tools and plugins. You can also save money and time by using a ready-made template instead of hiring a web developer.

Template-based website is ideal for businesses that want to create a simple and basic website that does not require much customization or functionality. Template-based website is also suitable for businesses that have a limited budget or time frame for their website project.

The Benefits of Custom Web Development vs. Template-Based Websites

While template-based websites may seem convenient and affordable, they have many limitations and drawbacks that can affect your website quality and performance. Here are some of the benefits of choosing custom web development over template-based websites:

  1. Unique and original design: Custom web development gives you the opportunity to create a unique and original design that reflects your brand personality and stands out from the competition. Template-based websites often look generic and similar to other websites that use the same template. This can make your website less memorable and appealing to your target audience. With custom web development, you can create a design that matches your vision and style and showcases your products or services in the best possible way.
  2. Customized functionality: Custom web development allows you to add any functionality or feature that you need or want on your website. You can integrate various tools and systems such as CRM, ERP, payment gateways, social media platforms, etc. You can also create custom forms, calculators, quizzes, surveys, etc. that enhance your website interactivity and engagement. Template-based websites limit your functionality options to what the template offers or supports. You may not be able to add or modify certain features or integrations that are essential for your website. For example, if you want to add an online booking system or a live chat feature on your website, you may not find a suitable template that supports these features or you may have to pay extra fees to use them.
  3. SEO optimization: Custom web development enables you to optimize your website for SEO (search engine optimization) and rank higher on search engines such as Google. You can use SEO best practices such as keyword research, meta tags, headings, URL structure, image optimization, etc. You can also ensure that your website is fast-loading, mobile-friendly, secure, and user-friendly. Template-based websites may not be SEO-friendly or follow the latest SEO standards. They may have issues such as slow speed, poor responsiveness, duplicate content, broken links, etc. that can hurt your SEO ranking and traffic. With custom web development, you can avoid these issues and improve your website visibility and reach.
  4. Scalability and flexibility: Custom web development allows you to scale and grow your website as your business evolves and expands. You can add new pages, sections, features, or integrations as needed without compromising your website quality or performance. You can also make changes or updates to your website easily and quickly without depending on the template provider or developer. Template-based websites may not be scalable or flexible enough to accommodate your changing needs or goals. They may have limitations on the number of pages, products, categories, etc. that you can create or manage on your website. They may also require frequent updates or maintenance from the template provider or developer that can affect your website availability or functionality.

Conclusion

As you can see, custom web development offers many benefits over template-based websites that can make a difference in your website success and growth. Custom web development allows you to create a unique, functional, SEO-friendly, scalable, and flexible website that meets your needs and goals.

If you are looking for a reliable and experienced web development agency that can help you with custom web development services for your website project contact us today! We have the skills and expertise to create a stunning and powerful website for your business.