Learn About Websites
Understanding Templates

When people come to Beyond Indigo to discuss websites the topic of template versus custom design always arises. Although custom and template design websites have been in existence for years, there is still some confusion in the marketplace regarding the difference between the two types of website construction. To muddy the waters even further, a few companies have been using the buzz word — semi-customizable. What is each approach and which one is appropriate for your company?

The template approach gives a business a place on the Internet versus no presence. It is more focused on the business rather than the client being served. It has less customization or choices. Customization means, in this case, there are many choices concerning how the website will look with graphics, number of pages, where features are located on the website, etc. Templates are websites that have already been created. The design is set, the color options are limited and there are few choices on where items are placed on the page. Because the template is already created the computer code is already complete and ready to go on the web. This allows a business to quickly put a presence on the Internet. It also keeps the cost down because the design is used multiple times. Here are some benefits and limitations of template websites.

Benefits

  • Low cost way to get on the Internet
  • Provides a presence on the Internet
  • Quick easy way to get started
  • Limited knowledge of computers or internet required

Limitations

  • Nothing to differentiate yourself from your competitors because templates tend to look the same. You will have very little ability to customize your website and likely will look like your competitor next door or down the street. If you do use semi-customization (where some plug-in options on the website are available such as an events calendar) the costs are generally more. Often customization costs escalate and a business owner possibly could have had his/her own website from scratch.
  • Limited customization: Cannot add anything to the website the template does not provide.
  • Limited interactivity with your families (end-users): People like to do things on the Internet. They will pass on interesting or exciting sites to friends and family. If the website does not grab their attention, they will click to something else.
  • Limited information and activities for your families/customers.
  • 1-hit use — no reason to return to your site.

Templates are perfect for some companies. If a business owner has budget considerations but needs to be on the web quickly or does not want to build a relationship with their clients (think selling golf bags) then a template website is perfect. If a company needs a relationship with the user in any form then a custom website should be considered. Custom websites will be explored more fully in my next article.