Need a website for your company or business? It’s likely you’ll consider the pros and cons of custom web design – especially compared to templates.
What is a Custom Website?
A custom website design is a website created without the aid of a template. Here’s a quick summary:
- Completely unique
- Lots of options
- Software integration
Custom Isn’t Based on a Template
“Unfortunately, what many people do not realize is that some companies who advertise custom web design are actually purchasing a series of pre-design[ed] templates from a repository and only customizing a bare minimum, such as inserting your logo, changing a background color, and moving a few links around. In reality, this is not truly “custom”. It is just slightly personalized – similar to having the same keychain everyone else has engraved with your initials.” – Jacqueline Sinex, Managing Director, WEBii
That’s right! Your website may not be truly custom. Instead, your website may have been created with a template. All your web design agency had to do was add your logo and change template colors.
Pros of a Custom Web Design
- Build it exactly how you want to
- One-of-a-kind design
- Create a unique brand experience
- Hands-on design and development
You Dream It, We Build It
When you choose a custom website design, the options are limitless. We can build almost any feature or tool you want. We’ll build your website to your specifications.
For example, for DIY Pole Barns we created a custom quote estimate tool.
The Only One
Your custom website is the only website like it. With custom web design, you have a one-of-a-kind creation.
Iott Insurance Agency wanted a website tailored around their unique brand and business offerings, all powered by WordPress.
Exclusive Experience
Creating a unique design and experience is especially important if you want to build your brand equity. With a custom website design, you can develop a completely unique, branded experience.
Habitec’s website is very well branded – even the buttons support the brand identity.
Relax & Enjoy
With many custom web design agencies, like Artonic, the planning, design, and development are taken care of by experts. You don’t have to worry about writing a lot of content, taking photos, choosing colors, or learning code. Instead, leave the hard work to us! That leaves your time free to focus on other things.
Cons of a Custom Web Design
- Higher up-front cost
- Finding the right design and development team
- Maintenance and updates
Pay Up-Front
The up-front cost for a custom design is higher than the cost of a template. You can even purchase a no cost website and set it up yourself – for free (if you don’t count your time).
However, a template website is a template; it isn’t custom, and it isn’t unique. A template is created to be sold and re-sold as many times as possible.
Custom website design cost is more expensive to purchase up front than a template is. A custom website design can cost $8,000 and up. (See our website pricing page for more details.) You’ll usually pay from 25% to 50% down, with the rest paid at determined milestones or once the project is complete.
You Need a Team
Finding the right website design and development team is trickier than most think.
You’ll need to consider many factors:
- Capabilities – are they full-service (Artonic is) or do they specialize?
- Chemistry – do they work well together? do they work well with me?
- Process – does their process make sense? can you work within their process?
- Like-mindedness – do they have the same values as you do?
Websites Need Fuel
Think of maintenance as the fuel your website needs to keep performing its best. A website support team keeps your website up to date and make sure it works the way it should.
If you do not have the time or capabilities to maintain your website, you’ll need a support team to maintain, update, and take care of your website.
The Alternatives to a Custom Website
- Use a template
- Use a free website builder
All the alternatives to a custom website design are templates, built on a platform or a free website builder.
If you do not want a custom web design for your company or business, your alternatives are to use a template or a free website builder.
For instructions, costs, and best practices, check out No Cost Websites Anyone Can Set Up.
Your Custom Website Design
If you’re creating a website, it’s important to get all the details right. Need help? That’s why Artonic is here – to support your goals and make your website a success.
Each website we build is completely custom. We do not use templates. (Find out why a custom website design matters). Every piece of your website is created specifically for YOU – your goals, your audience, your strategy, and your brand.
Find out what it’s like to work with an agency to create the website of your dreams: View videos and read case studies about stories from our clients.
Say Hello!
Give Artonic a call or email us if you’re interested in website design, development, or marketing.
Michigan, USA