With new websites being launched every day, the whole process can seem pretty overwhelming if you’re just starting out in your career or running your own business.
But have no fear! This guide will walk you through the pros and cons of custom website design vs. using a WordPress theme to build your site, so you can make an informed decision about which option is right for you and your business.
How much does it cost to design your own custom website?
The costs of design services can vary depending on what you need, but it’s worth noting that simply having a lot of space or requiring tons of customization might cost more than going with something simple.
That being said, building your own site from scratch might actually be more expensive if you don’t know what you’re doing. The last thing you want to do is pay someone to build your site and have it look awful, which makes WordPress one of the better options for many people (as long as it’s used correctly). In fact, custom sites can sometimes cost thousands or even tens of thousands! So just how much does it cost to hire someone who specializes in designing websites?
A simple WordPress theme from an external provider can cost less than $50, but you’ll have to pay more if you want your site to be really customized or have certain things included that aren’t part of basic WordPress functionality (such as multi-lingual sites).
If you’d rather hire someone else to design and build your site, expect prices ranging anywhere from $500 all the way up to $100,000+! Of course, it’s possible to pay significantly less by hiring local designers through freelancing websites such as Upwork and Freelancer.
How much does it cost to buy a WordPress theme?
If you don’t want to design your own website, then buying a theme from a WordPress theme shop is an excellent idea and can save you both time and money. Typically, you’ll find themes below $50, though more advanced ones will cost between $100-$300 (and beyond).
If you have no coding experience at all, it might be best to start with a basic theme before upgrading later down the road. Remember that just because something costs more doesn’t mean it’s better, so be sure to read online reviews of whatever theme you buy before actually purchasing it!
Is it worth designing your own website if you are starting out small business on a budget?
When building a small business, it can be hard to know whether you should design your own website or use a pre-made template. So we asked an expert what you should do!
Here’s his answer: If you are just starting out, my advice would be to first use a template – it’s cheaper and quicker than creating your own design from scratch! Once you have gained experience with marketing on your website, then go back and build something from scratch.
What are the benefits of having a custom website over a WordPress theme?
A custom website offers your own unique brand identity and experience to your customers and clients, adding an element of personality that makes you memorable, both as a company and to specific clients.
In comparison, there’s not much personality or branding with a wordpress theme (and most look too similar anyways), so having your own custom site will help you stand out in an increasingly crowded space. It’s easier to be found in Google results when people are searching for things related to your business; especially when they know exactly what they’re looking for based on your site’s name and landing page that stands out from others like it.
The takeaway
Making the choice between a WordPress theme or a custom website really depends on your needs and goals, but there’s something to be said for each option. I recommend choosing whatever works best with your budget, time frame, and skill set.
If you have an existing website and are in need of a redesign that won’t break your bank, start with a custom theme; it’s always easier to go from one of these than it is to build up from scratch (and getting to use pre-built features like SEO-friendly code makes things even simpler). Remember that themes aren’t just designs—they also typically include tons of backend customizations that help boost page speed as well as SEO-friendliness.
How can we help?
Contact our SC web development company to discuss your business goals, and we can help you determine which option will work best for you.
