Custom Web Design vs Using a Template: Which is Right for Your Business?

Posted by ImageWorks Creative Team March 10, 2023
An image of a laptop from the top down. One hand is on the keyboard, and the other is holding a cup of coffee next to the laptop. Plans are written on the desk, and the laptop screen shows a custom web design in progress.

 

With custom web designs, teams of experts help create bespoke websites. They collaborate with the client to deliver an end result that represents the brand and best serves their customers. Additionally, developers add functionalities that help improve time efficiency and boost customer interaction. There are many possibilities that can be explored when working with a professional custom web design team.

Custom Web Design’s Differences From Template Design

Template web design uses pre-set formats for text and layouts. These generally do a good job for a basic website. For example, WordPress has uploaded templates that easily generate a functional page. However, they are lower performing or technical than custom websites. Also, custom websites allow for site specific designs that are flexible.

Benefits of Custom Web Design

As you can see from our Web Design Cost Guide, there are many advantages to custom web design. Ultimately, they can put forth a great impression and improve your brand’s reputation. Also, it improves the customer experience with any number of factors that can be built into the website. Below is a list of key benefits:

  • Tailor Made Websites Built To Customer Expectation

Hiring a team of experts to create a custom website design offers numerous benefits for businesses looking to establish their online presence. For one, it saves time by leveraging the latest automated features and built-in functionalities that can be programmed into the website. This ensures that the website is optimized for performance and functionality, making it easier to manage and navigate for both the business and its customers.

A custom website also provides a unique opportunity for businesses to showcase their brand's identity and values. With a tailored design and layout, businesses can create an online presence that reflects their values and connects with their audience on a deeper level.

Moreover, a state-of-the-art website can improve a business's overall online visibility and credibility. A well-designed and optimized website can increase traffic, drive conversions, and help businesses reach a broader audience. By delegating the task to a team of experts, businesses can focus on what they do best, while leaving the technical details to the professionals.

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Top down view of a portfolio on the desk of a designer. The portfolio is closed with the word "portfolio" on the cover. There are paperclips and pens arranged in a neat, design like fashion around the custom web design portfolio.

Imageworks Creative specializes in custom web design services that are tailored to the specific needs of each business. Visit our web design portfolio to see examples of our previous work!

  • Improved SEO Compliance

Custom-built websites can be fine-tuned to help improve search engine rankings. This helps improve the search results. It also pulls more web traffic so you can attract the right clientele or build your brand’s reputation.

  • Reflect The Brand’s Personality

Custom websites more accurately share the brand’s mission and values. Design elements and content can all teach people more about your company. It helps to create a digital presence that solidifies your company’s vision.

  • Better Customer Experience

When a website is custom-made, it can fit the specific needs of your client base. You can hear any feedback from them and adjust the site accordingly. This improves user engagement and can lengthen the time spent on your website. As a result, web traffic increases.

  • Higher Page Speeds

Web teams can optimize custom websites for speed. The websites perform better on both mobile and desktop. This means the website looks more professional and gives users results that impress them. For certain sites, like e-commerce, this helps to increase revenue. Page load speed also helps with rendering graphics and presenting media on pages.

 

Process of Custom Web Design

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An image of a laptop seen from a top-down angle. A hand is resting on the custom drawing of a web design sitemap in planning and pointing to part of a step in the process on the paper.
  • Goal and scope identification

The web design team collaborates with the client to get a detailed overview of the project. They will focus on the goals of the website, and provide examples to help narrow down the elements that the client wants. Also, the objectives of the site are determined, including determining the target audience. During this phase, information on how a website should look is highlighted. The team also helps to emphasize the features that it uses.

  • Sitemap and wireframe creation

Creating a sitemap and wireframe is a crucial step in the web design process. It provides a clear and organized structure for the website, allowing the web development team to ensure that all necessary pages are included and that they are arranged logically.

The sitemap outlines the hierarchy of the website, including the main pages and any sub-pages or categories. This provides a visual representation of the website's organization and helps to ensure that users can find the information they need easily. It also helps to optimize the website for search engines by ensuring that all pages are accessible and can be indexed properly.

Wireframes are used to define the layout of each page on the website. They act as a blueprint for the design, outlining where the various elements of the page will be located. This includes the header, footer, navigation menu, and content areas. Wireframes also help to ensure that the website is optimized for user experience, making it easy to navigate and use.

The design team uses the wireframes as a framework to fill in the right elements and bring the website to life. This includes adding graphics, images, and other visual elements that will enhance the website's overall aesthetic. The design team also incorporates branding elements to ensure consistency with the brand's identity.

So, overall, the creation of a sitemap and wireframe is an essential step in the web design process. It helps to ensure that the website is structured logically, optimized for search engines, and easy to use for visitors. By creating a clear blueprint for the website's layout, the design team can bring the website to life and create an engaging and visually appealing online presence for the business or organization.

  • Content creation

The next phase of the website is content creation. Teams of UI/UX designers and copywriters work with content strategists to provide valuable information. Every element of the website is brought together to work with the features and design of the website. Programmers and writers at this stage work to provide the right content for the site.

  • Visual elements

Visual elements are then added. Everything from images to graphics and logos will be incorporated into the site. Color choices, font size, spacing, and other parts all interact to give the website a distinct personality and perform the way that the client would like.

  • Testing and launch

Once the website's design is completed, it's ready to launch! Experts and testers work together to see how the website performs. User experiences are noted, and necessary changes or developments are made in order to help it exceed customers' expectations. Testers check aspects like functionality, tech aspects, and SEO compliance. After rigorous testing, it goes live. Not sure what SEO entails? Check out our SEO blog on how to create an effective strategy.

  • Maintenance

Web design and development are critical components of establishing a strong online presence. The process, however, does not end with the launch of the website. Regular maintenance is an essential part of the web development team's responsibilities. As technology advances, so do security threats, and websites must be maintained to remain secure.

The web development team should update the website regularly to keep it up to date with the latest technologies and security measures. These updates will enhance the website's performance, improve its functionality, and keep it running smoothly. Regular maintenance also includes fixing bugs, optimizing site speed, and ensuring that the website remains accessible to users with disabilities.

Cybersecurity is one of the significant concerns that website owners face. Regular maintenance can prevent malicious attacks by ensuring that the website's software and plugins are up to date. Cybercriminals are continually developing new tactics to exploit vulnerabilities in websites, so it's crucial to keep the site secure.

Another essential aspect of web maintenance is keeping the site looking its best. Regular updates can improve the website's aesthetics and user experience, making it more appealing to visitors. The web development team can enhance the website's design, update images, and add new content to keep it fresh and engaging.

In conclusion, regular web maintenance is critical to ensure that the website remains functional, secure, and attractive to users. Custom web design and development services follow a methodical process to ensure that the website is optimized for speed, functionality, and security. The client can choose to follow the progress of the updates or leave it to the custom web design service to provide a turn-key solution. By investing in regular maintenance, businesses can ensure that their website remains relevant, secure, and effective in achieving their online goals.

Get Your Web Report and Track Your Progress on the Custom Website Journey!

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Top down view of two savvy business man's hands resting on the keyboard of a laptop viewing data and reporting from our web design and SEO audit. There are images of graphs, charts, and ranking bar graphs on the table to show what the man is viewing.

Overall, working with a custom web design company, such as Imageworks Creative, produces outstanding websites that perform well. It helps many businesses achieve their goals, and provides the top quality professional experience that many wish to give their customers. 

For many companies, a custom built website is a must-have for their success. If you’re ready to improve your website’s design, or start with a custom design, don’t hesitate to contact us today and set up a call to discuss your project!

Not sure what step you’re at in your current journey? Take advantage of our website and visibility report here!

By Joseph Anthony

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