Template VS Bespoke Website Design
Published: 24/08/2016Last Updated: 24/08/2016
Many people who are looking for a new Website may be tempted to use a ‘free’ template Website builder or a WYSIWYG (what you see is what you get) Website design platform. Whilst these may seem like a smart move offering you a full Website for a cheap cost, Website templates provide little benefits to the owner and are often more of a hassle than a simple solution. If you are looking to really make an impact with your Website, a bespoke design is the way to go.
The difference
Template Websites
A 'template' Website is a generic, pre-built design that is available for anyone to purchase. The owner can choose from a set of pre-built templates, tweak the colours and add logos and images. These pre-built Websites are generally not very flexible and the owner is limited to the parameters of the template.
Template Websites are often cheap to purchase because they have already been built and they are quick to set up. However, there are many drawbacks to using a template Website. Customisation is often very limited which will make applying the consistency of your brand and identity difficult. The functionality of the layout and navigation may not be suited to the purpose of the site and can have a negative effect on the overall user experience.
A common problem found with template Websites is that they are built using outdated code. This has a negative effect on Search Engine Optimisation (SEO). It also affects the compatibility with browsers and increases the time it takes for the page to load which can be very frustrating for the end-user.
Bespoke Websites
A 'bespoke' Website is tailor-made to the specific demands of your business and are designed and built by experienced professionals. Designers and developers will spend time analysing your requirements, interpreting your brief and will work with you at every stage to create a design that is unique to you.
Bespoke Websites are built using the latest W3C HTML and CSS coding standards. The developer will ensure the Website works with different types of browsers and that the design looks good across many formats, including mobile and tablet devices. A bespoke Website also gives you the ability to grow and develop your business, so that future expansion and changes to the site can be implemented seamlessly and with as little hassle as possible.
A bespoke Website can be more costly and can take longer to implement than a template Website. However, with a bespoke web design company such as ourselves, you have access to a wealth of experience, advice and information to help you ensure that your online presence does the things you need it to. This is partly what you are investing in when you pay a bit more for a bespoke site.
Verdict
Whilst template websites may be cheap and useful for creating a quick online presence for your business, in the long term it is worth making an investment in a bespoke Website so that you do not compromise on quality, usability and a professional image. In the end you really do get what you pay for.
The difference
Template Websites
A 'template' Website is a generic, pre-built design that is available for anyone to purchase. The owner can choose from a set of pre-built templates, tweak the colours and add logos and images. These pre-built Websites are generally not very flexible and the owner is limited to the parameters of the template.
Template Websites are often cheap to purchase because they have already been built and they are quick to set up. However, there are many drawbacks to using a template Website. Customisation is often very limited which will make applying the consistency of your brand and identity difficult. The functionality of the layout and navigation may not be suited to the purpose of the site and can have a negative effect on the overall user experience.
A common problem found with template Websites is that they are built using outdated code. This has a negative effect on Search Engine Optimisation (SEO). It also affects the compatibility with browsers and increases the time it takes for the page to load which can be very frustrating for the end-user.
Bespoke Websites
A 'bespoke' Website is tailor-made to the specific demands of your business and are designed and built by experienced professionals. Designers and developers will spend time analysing your requirements, interpreting your brief and will work with you at every stage to create a design that is unique to you.
Bespoke Websites are built using the latest W3C HTML and CSS coding standards. The developer will ensure the Website works with different types of browsers and that the design looks good across many formats, including mobile and tablet devices. A bespoke Website also gives you the ability to grow and develop your business, so that future expansion and changes to the site can be implemented seamlessly and with as little hassle as possible.
A bespoke Website can be more costly and can take longer to implement than a template Website. However, with a bespoke web design company such as ourselves, you have access to a wealth of experience, advice and information to help you ensure that your online presence does the things you need it to. This is partly what you are investing in when you pay a bit more for a bespoke site.
Verdict
Whilst template websites may be cheap and useful for creating a quick online presence for your business, in the long term it is worth making an investment in a bespoke Website so that you do not compromise on quality, usability and a professional image. In the end you really do get what you pay for.
