Template vs Custom Design on WordPress Themes

Category: Design | Posted date: 2020-02-12 01:09:26 | Updated date: 2020-02-12 01:14:16 | Posted by: Jesza

As a company that has WordPress developers, we build websites using both premium themes and custom themes for our clients. We often ask clients which option they prefer of course. Most often it depends on budget and time. But typically we start a conversation about the pros and cons of each WordPress option; Custom designed or Predesigned themes. What are the differences and what are the advantage and disadvantage of each. It really comes right down to cost and features, really. But below we've listed each so you'll make a choice on which option you would like to start .

The difference between templates (free and paid) and custom themes are discussed.

TEMPLATE THEMES

Many people and businesses are completely satisfied with purchasing a $30-$100 premium WordPress theme from one among several very reputable and wonderful resources. Templates have their uses especially when you are just starting out. So what are the good and bad of template themes?

Template Themes – The Good.

Quick and Easy. Your site will be installed and configured within a week if the content is ready.
Code. Some templates have clean code, meaning the HTML and CSS are compliant and up-to-date. It depends on the theme you select though. stay away from free themes.
Budget-friendly. Oftentimes, you'll have a theme installed for free of charge if you know what you're doing and are confident enough to understand some of the fundamental requirements. Or, for a couple of hundred dollars, you'll have a professional install and configure the web site (add your logo, change out colors, setup the widgets).
Clean, Modern Designs. There are some very nice themes out there now. it's not like it used to be. I remember the old HTML themes with bloated code and heavy graphics. you'll find some really great themes out there.

For themes that are designed well, have great support, and some nice options, we recommend StudioPress, Elegant Themes, and Woothemes.

Template Themes – The Bad.

Locked. With a template, you're typically locked into a design and configuration. If you select a theme, make sure it has page options like sidebars, full-page width, and header configurations for your logo and/or slogan.
Code. A template is often bloated with code and heavy plugins to make it work as you see the demo work. it's important that your website be lean and load fast.
Support. Support for the themes is often limited. If a theme conflicts with a plugin, your theme developer might not be responsive. Choose premium themes with good support to prevent issues afterward down the road. Send and ask a question to observe their response time then check their support forums for activity.
Security risks. Some themes, especially free themes, have ‘dirty’ code meaning the template contains harmful or malicious coding (security holes) placed there by the author or a hacker. Hidden or missing code can wreak havoc on your WordPress site, and when a hacker gets in… you’re in big trouble. make certain to buy a premium theme from a reputable company.

CUSTOM WORDPRESS THEMES

So say that your company has specific requirements for features and branding. That your brand is too important to leave to a predesigned theme that you've got features that can't be found without performing some custom work. Don’t be confused by a design that's simply a modification of an existing premium WordPress theme. Truly custom WordPress themes are coded specifically for the company and its complexity. But, like templates, custom designs have their positives and their drawbacks.

Custom Themes – The Good:

Versatility. Starting from scratch and getting all the features you would like and desire allows for greater flexibility. We start with wire framing then we pull out Photoshop and send you designs that we collaborate on. Designs are only limited by your imagination.
Branding. A custom design is specifically branded to your company along with your colors, target market, and goals.
Specific Needs. Arrange widgets and functionality within the theme while still using a unique layout and format.
Uniqueness. As with any company, a custom design will set you aside from the rest and stand out from the competitors. With a predesigned theme, you run the risk of looking just like the rest.

Custom – The Bad:

Investment. A custom WordPress theme can be cost-prohibitive if you're just starting out. We sometimes recommend to our clients that they understand their budget as they'll got to do more marketing after the site is live. Can they afford the time and money? A custom web design is an investment we remind them.
Time. It can take some time to build a custom theme; from 4 – 10 weeks counting on how complicated the site is.
Bugs and Maintenance. The final downside of a custom theme is to keep up with the new features that WordPress comes out with. Templates, premium templates, tend to have developers that routinely begin with bug or security fixes. You’ll got to continue a relationship together with your developer or find another to fix any bugs.

So there you've got it. in a nutshell, your choice of a WordPress theme depends on many things like budget, time, brand, and support. there's no right answer but you need to think about how important your website is to your marketing efforts and strategy. Either way, WordPress has a solid framework from a reputable WordPress development core with great support, updatability, community, etc. and you’ll also get the custom elements you’re after too.