Template vs. Custom Design

By: Spencer Thornock at ReallyFastWebsites

Submitted on Tue, Mar 15th, 2011 2:35 am

Some website design firms offers two options for website design. Either choose a template and customize it to suit your needs, or utilize Graphic Design Team to create a completely custom design from start to finish. Once a design is created, it is converted to HTML for publishing online as a website.

Website Templates

Starting with a website template allows you to save time and money. Templates usually include about 5 pages for content, colors and fonts that match the template’s overall theme, and a dummy logo (which we’ll replace with yours). The template acts as a foundation, which our Design Team builds upon to create a hand tailored site suited to your specific needs. There are a wide variety of templates in many categories, including industry specific designs.

Template Customization

Please keep in mind that templates are fully customizable. Fonts, colors, images, and layouts can all be changed at your request. It’s not uncommon for a client to fall in love with the look of a certain template, even if it isn’t themed for their specific industry. A Design Team can assist you in customizing any template to create a website that reflects your company’s image and style at its best.

Custom Design

If you’re looking for a completely unique design, the a Graphic Design Team can work with you from start to finish, building a custom website from scratch. Usually, a designer requests that you provide a few existing websites or templates you like the overall design and color palette you’re looking for. Then, you specify the colors, and provide images and logos to the Design Team. A custom design adds an additional 2-3 weeks to the overall project turn around time, and may take longer depending on how many revisions are necessary.

After the design is complete and you’ve approved it, the next step is convert it from Photoshop .psd to xHTML/CSS. This involves creating several images and formatting them to work with standards-compliant web browsers, like Microsoft Internet Explorer and Firefox.

Cost Comparison

There is a significant cost difference between a website designed with the use of a template and having MPS create a custom design. Templates begin at $65 ($150 for E-commerce). Custom designs start at $500 and can be as much as $1000, depending on the number of revisions required and the time spent on the project. For most clients, starting with a template can save them time and money. Many of our clients start with a template and use the savings to purchase other services such as Search Engine Optimization and Submission, Google Analytics Setup, and Google Apps Integration.

It's important that your website is built with Search Engine Optimization in mind. It's important to develop the “header” information with the Title, Description, and Keywords you provide. Also, be sure to setup the appropriate Meta tags which enable search engines to properly “spider” your site and allow it to be indexed within search engines. Be sure to find a website design firm that is committed to providing you with a website that will help you reach your goals and achieve the internet presence that consumers desire.

About the Author

Spencer Thornock
ReallyFastWebsites

Spencer Thornock has been working in Internet and Technology related industries for over 10 years specializing in helping businesses and organizations establish a presence online. Contact Info: Phone: 480-559-9164 Email: help@reallyfastwebsites.comThis e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it Web: ReallyFastWebsites.com

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