Creating a website has become easier than ever before. With countless off-the-shelf website templates readily available, it might seem tempting to choose one for your business or personal project. However, while these templates offer convenience and a quick solution, there are significant drawbacks that could hinder your online success. In this blog, we will explore why using an off-the-shelf website template is a bad idea and why investing in a custom-designed website is a better choice.
1. Lack of Uniqueness:
One of the most significant disadvantages of using a pre-made template is the lack of uniqueness it brings to your website. Since these templates are available to everyone, there is a high chance that other websites, maybe even your competitors, are using the same design. A generic appearance can make it difficult for your brand to stand out, leaving visitors with an unremarkable impression.
2. Off-the-Shelf Website Templates Have Limited Customisation:
Off-the-shelf templates are designed to cater to a broad audience, resulting in limited customisation options. While some templates may offer basic colour changes and content modifications, they rarely allow you to alter the layout or structure of the site. Consequently, you might end up compromising on important aspects of your website’s functionality or user experience.
3. Bloated Code and Performance Issues:
Many off-the-shelf templates come with excess code and features that you may not need. These templates are designed to serve a wide range of purposes, which often leads to bloated code and slower loading times. In the world of online browsing, speed matters, and a slow website can drive away potential visitors and negatively impact your search engine rankings.
4. Responsiveness and Mobile Compatibility:
With the increasing use of mobile devices, having a responsive website is essential. Off-the-shelf templates may claim to be responsive, but they may not fully adapt to different screen sizes and resolutions. This could lead to a frustrating user experience for mobile users and affect your site’s credibility.
5. Security Concerns:
Security is a paramount concern for any website owner. Using a template from an unreliable or poorly maintained source may expose your site to potential vulnerabilities. These templates might not receive regular updates and patches, leaving your website susceptible to cyber-attacks and other security breaches.
6. Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) Challenges:
SEO plays a crucial role in driving organic traffic to your website. However, off-the-shelf templates often come with messy code, poor URL structures, and inadequate metadata organisation. These factors can hinder your SEO efforts, making it harder for your site to rank well on search engine results pages.
7. Lack of Support and Updates:
When you choose a custom-designed website, you usually receive ongoing support from the developer or agency. However, with off-the-shelf templates, you may not have access to reliable support or updates when issues arise, or new features are needed. This lack of support could leave your website vulnerable or prevent it from evolving to meet changing business needs.
A Quick And Cost-effective Solution?
While using an off-the-shelf website template may seem like a quick and cost-effective solution, the drawbacks outweigh the benefits in the long run. A custom-designed website allows you to create a unique online presence, optimise performance, ensure security, and offer a seamless user experience. Investing in a tailored solution will not only set your website apart from the competition but also contribute to the growth and success of your online venture. Remember, your website is often the first point of contact with potential customers, and making a memorable impression is key to achieving your goals.
I never use prebuilt templates, all the websites I create a designed from the ground up. A long discussion about your business and it’s customers take place before any ideas are created. Creating a bespoke website that is aimed at your customers and is unique to your business.
