The short answer
Use a template when you need something online fast, on a small budget, and your business looks like the template's example. Choose a custom website when the site is how customers judge you, your content does not fit a stock layout, or you need speed and features a template cannot give. Templates cost less on day one; custom sites usually cost less to change later.
What is the difference?
A template is a ready made design you fill with your own words and images. A custom website is designed from a blank page around your content, your buyers and the one action you want them to take.
How do they compare?
- Cost on day one: a template is cheaper, often free to about $100 plus set up time
- Fit: a template is made for a generic business. A custom site fits your content and your goal
- Looks: a template is shared with thousands of other sites. A custom site looks like your business only
- Speed: templates carry features you do not use. A custom site loads only what it needs
- Changes: reshaping a template often takes longer than designing the right layout from the start
When is a template enough?
- You need a site this week while the business takes shape
- The budget is very small and the site is not your main source of customers
- A template already matches your content almost exactly
When is custom worth it?
- Customers judge you on how the site looks and feels
- You compete with businesses that use the same templates
- You need a feature, a layout or speed that a template cannot give
What does a custom website cost at Enthros?
A custom designed website starts at $350 on Framer and $650 as a custom coded build, live in 2 to 5 weeks. Every one is designed from a blank page, never from a template.
Planning one?
Custom websites at Enthros start from $650 and take 3 to 5 weeks.
