Whether you are redesigning your current website or creating a new one, the dilemma to do custom web design versus just to customize a pre-made template is a important decision that you will encounter. When I am referring to pre-made website templates, it is important to note that I am referring to premium themes and templates that can be purchased for a nominal subscription fee rather than the free ones that are out there. Free themes are usually created by companies who just want you to purchase their premium themes so that they can make revenues from support, added features and updates. Most free themes are garbage so I never bother with them.

Custom Web Design Considerations

• Ensures your website is not simply a replica of another website already out there and that it has a distinct identity
• Coded with SEO in mind
• Gives your company more credibility because you are willing to invest in custom web development
• Custom-made to meet your company’s needs and branding
• Sometimes customizing a pre-made theme or template too much can cost just as much as custom web design!
• Get the choice of various design mockups custom made for your target market

Customizing Pre-made Themes and Templates Considerations

• Cheap if you do not want to customize very much
• Considerably shorter web development time
• There could have been people who downloaded it before you even if you buyout the theme or template
• Likely has a lot more features and javascript that you do not need causing less optimized coding
• Most do not have matching mobile / iPad versions

Whatever you decide, both choices have their own advantages and disadvantages.

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