Good question, actually there are good reasons for each of the above options. I encourage people to use low cost template solutions all the time even though I am an “expensive designer”.
It really all comes down to business priorities related to the following two items
Business Image
A well designed, custom website really goes a long way towards establishing you as a successful, professional business, while a template website always looks like a template website.
Budget
Sometimes the custom designed website is out of your budget, and in that case a template based website is better than no website at all.
We can approach this question from the other side as well and ask “when would a template based website be the best solution for me and my business?”
Top 5 Indicators That a Template Based Website Is For Me.
- I print my business cards on my desktop printer using perforated sheets.
- I have been known to show up to business meetings in flip-flops.
- My business is just starting out and we barely have enough money to turn on the lights.
- Our competitors strive to be the best, our goal is to be the cheapest.
- My 12 year old designed our logo in MS Paint.
Okay, that was a bit tongue-in-cheek, but the point I am making is that sometimes business image takes a backseat to other, more important priorities like budget. Many very successful businesses never think twice about business image and who am I to argue with their success? But if you are interested in standing out from your competition and making the best impression possible, then a custom designed website is the way to go.
Real Cost
When you put it in perspective the price of a custom designed website is not so much for an item that you buy once and own forever. The cost of the average custom designed website amortized over 5 years comes out to around $60 a month, many businesses spend much more than that every month for print advertising.
Feel free to use our “Get a quote” tab above to see how our prices compare to a template based website. There is no obligation or high pressure sales tactics involved.