Web Design & Web Development Blog

And why it may or may not be for you

When all is said and done, a custom web site design definitely costs more than a template website design. But, does your site really need a custom website design? Maybe not. For example, if you scan the 100 top converting retail websites, you will see that most of them are virtually identical in many regards. Some are literally mirror images of other web sites. You would think they were all using templates. And trust me, those companies spend a lot more on brand recognition than smaller companies can afford to.

Perhaps this standardized look and feel is slightly less common once you venture out of ecommerce, but even then, in all the years I have been involved in custom website design, I have yet to find a real study that shows template sites are less effective than complete original custom web site designs.

A custom website design can add originality and enhance a site that depends more heavily on its brand image.  Does it equate to more dollars? I have not seen many cases yet. More important factors are questions like does the site drive the visitor to action, and can they accomplish the goal with the greatest ease possible?  Resturcturing of websites, or their layout has been shown to be very important in driving sales.

I am not trying to steer you away from a custom web site design, but I know that is is not always a necessity for every company that is in its infant stages.  I can count numerous, insanely great looking sites (that you probably know) that simply do not make money.  They have much bigger things to worry about.  Of course, for most well-established businesses, spending $1,500 - $7,000 on a decent custom website design is very good option for them.

I am actually aware of numerous cases people I know are buying “custom web site designs” built, only to have a slightly modified template delivered to them (unbeknownst to them).  I’ll cover that another day though…